Perimenopause Symptom: Itchy Skin and How To Make It Better
Are you suffering from itchy skin? If yes, gard, sooo uncomfortable and annoying! Yes, itchy skin is yet another symptom of perimenopause.
You might find you're more itchy anywhere on your body including your face and genitals.
As we enter into perimenopause our estrogen levels start to decline and estrogen plays a role in skin health.
Read on to find out why we can experience itchy skin and what we can do to make it better (or certainly drastically reduce it).
What role does estrogen play in skin health?
Estrogen is an essential constituent of skin function, health and wellness. It improves skin elasticity, hydration and thickness. Lower estrogen levels will affect the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid which helps to keep the moisture retention and elasticity in our skin.
Collagen’s role in skin health
Collagen is a protein that maintains the strength and elasticity of the skin. It’s not clear when we start losing collagen. Some studies suggest that we start losing 1% of collagen a year from the age of 20. This increases in perimenopause and menopause with the falling of oestrogen levels and as part of the natural ageing process.
The great thing is collagen supplements are widely available and easy to take daily. The recommended amount to take daily to improve hair, skin and nails is 3g daily which you will find in 1 serve of our Peri Chai Latte. Learn more about why we love collagen here.
Why does your skin feel itchy?
A decrease in natural oils and collagen can cause the skin to become drier and thinner than it was before perimenopause and menopause, which can make it feel itchy.
What can you do to relieve your itchy skin?
Natural home remedies that you can try:
Cool compresses - There are two types of compresses: ice packs, and cold pads, which can be made from dampening a cloth with cold water. Applying a cool, wet compress to itchy areas can help to soothe your irritations. If the itching disrupts your sleep try covering the area with a damp towel overnight it might help you get a better night's sleep.
Soaking in an oatmeal bath - A bath is a great way to unwind and relieve itchy skin. Soaking for 10-15 minutes is recommended in a bath with colloidal oatmeal in warm water, not too hot as that can make it worse. You can find colloidal oatmeal at most chemists. Colloidal oatmeal helps hold moisture in the skin and ease inflammation. After your bath gently pat yourself dry, so your skin feels damp and straight away apply gentle fragrance-free moisturizer.
Moisturise regularly - dry skin will start to feel itchy if you leave it. Making time daily to moisturise your skin after a bath or shower can help to lock moisture into the outermost layer of the skin. This helps to alleviate dryness and associated itching. As mentioned above, try a fragrant-free moisturiser.
Top tips to avoid itchy skin in perimenopause and menopause:
- Avoid hot baths or showers, use lukewarm water instead. As hot water can strip the skin of essential oils and cause irritable skin.
- Pat yourself dry after bathing, it will help keep your skin calm.
- Try not to scratch. Easier said than done, we know! Maybe try wearing gloves to bed so you’re not tempted.
- Use skin care products that are free from scents, soaps and any harsh chemicals.
- Reduce alcohol and nicotine as they can dry out your skin.
- Wear soft, natural fibre, loose clothes so that your clothes don’t cling to your skin. Cotton clothes are best and try to avoid synthetic fibres as they tend to irritate skin.
- Avoid harsh sunlight. When wearing sunscreen use a SPF for sensitive skin. Harmful UV rays from the sun can irritate dry, itchy, or sensitive skin.
- Stay hydrated. As we are made up of 70% water it is no surprise water is essential for keeping the skin healthy and preventing dull, itchy skin.
So, Itchy Skin: In A Nut Shell
Peri is a time to look after your skin.
Things to try and do daily
- Wear a SPF cream
- Moisturise and
- drink plenty of water.
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