While you’ve heard of hot sweats and weight gain during menopause, you might not know that itchy skin is REALLY common too.

Menopause itching

Doctors call itchy skin pruritus. It’s caused by the dropping levels of our womanly hormone estrogen. Because estrogen is involved in healthy collagen, wound healing, skin thickness, skin hydration, and improved barrier function. It’s no wonder our skin gets dry and itchy.

I’m often asked: “Wendy what should I do when my skin shifts into the ‘mature skin’ category? And it’s dry and itchy?”

After many years of personal experience and research into ingredients, methods and techniques here is my advice for mature skin, that will reduce that annoying and embarrassing itching.

Cleansing cream

You may have been using a foaming cleanser or facial soap before, but now with itchy or dry skin you need to switch to a cream-based cleanser  to cleanse skin and remove make-up. Foam and soap are way too drying and alkaline in their pH.  I use Jardin de Fleurs that is formulated with naturally active ingredients including creamy shea butter and soothing jojoba to offer concentrated yet gentle cleansing without drying the skin out. Hormone balancing rose geranium lifts the spirits, dispels anger and frustration, while castor bean polishes away dead skin cells and help reveal soft, radiant skin.

Facial toner

This step returns your skin’s pH to where it’s happiest, slightly acidic.   Even dry skin can benefit from using a hydrosol-based toner such as  Drench. Check the label to avoid any drying alcohol. This si why i recommend flower hydrosols – they contain potent nutrients for your skin, and are the perfect Ph as well as smelling fantastic.  Vitamin B3 Niacinamide is also an excellent ingredient for mature skin.

Great tips on Itchy Skin and Menopause

Exfoliating scrub

Why?  To remove dead skin cells, leaving skin visibly brighter and smoother. Dead skin cells make your skin look lifeless, drab and lacklustre.  But when choosing an exfoliator for the face, I recommend looking for one with tiny biodegradable beads that gently buff the skin, such as jojoba or bamboo spheres. Our Harmony facial polish is perfect to gently buff away dead skin cells and reveal smoother, clearer skin. The delightful lavender distillate adds an extra layer of healing power to the scrub.

Brightening Serum

As we get older our skin doesn’t have the same brightness and radiance it once did, so try a serum that’s formulated to leave your skin looking more luminous. Our fast-acting Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains powerful SAP form of Vitamin C to leave skin with instant radiance.  Try mixing this with Proposal in Paris night cream for a gentle overnight at-home spa treatment.

Moisturise

Now that estrogen levels are low, moisturise your body from scalp right down to toes!  Pay special attention to your face, neck and hands as these are the first areas to reveal tiredness and age. Look for a menopause face cream or moisturiser with plant oils such as argan, marula, or jojoba. Make sure your  routine includes antioxidants, vitamins and skin-friendly botanical retinol extracts such as rosehip seed, cacay, avocado as well as nature’s wrinkle plumper, hyaluronic acid.  (See notes below about what else hyaluronic acid does for your body!)

Night cream

Use natural retinol alternatives at night such as Babchi, Cacay, Hibiscus or rosehip in either a cream or serum format. Massage a few drops of facial oil or serum onto skin on your face and neck as an indulgent overnight treat. I love Empress Elixir.

And in the evening, remember to moisturise your décolletage, where the skin is naturally thinner and often exposed to the elements. Our night creams are ideal for this, as they’re packed with potent natural ingredients to visibly plump and smooth skin on the bust, neck and décolletage. Some women prefer a separate ‘Neck & Décolletage Cream’ as a reminder to do that area too!

Tip: Look for paraben free skincare with clinically proven ingredients

Night eye cream

If you’re not already using an eye cream then add one to your skincare regime. Opt for a formula with high levels of essential fatty acids and Hyaluronic Acid as well as snow mushroom or sea fennel to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I make a bespoke eye cream for my exisiting clients with helichrysum hydrolat distilled by me in a  copper still. Copper is excellent for healthy collagen support. You can apply this at night before bed, or twice a day.

Face massage

You can do a simple facial massage after applying your night cream. The benefits to your face will be improved blood circulation, and tighter tone of the muscles. Think of it like face yoga! Use a facial massage balm such as Samba to prevent tugging or abrasion.  Gently massage Samba into your face after cleansing and toning. Use upward and outward movements on your face, downward, sweeping strokes on your neck and décolletage. And raindropm tapping to increase the Chi/Qi or Life Force energies. Face massage can help reduce puffy eyes, clear toxins that cause breakouts and encourage cell renewal to leave skin looking more radiant. Blue Tansy is excellent at reducing redness, itching and inflammation.  You can also use your face balm to protect your lips and cuticles. To keep lips soft and comfortable choose a lip balm made with pure plant oils and lashings of shea butter.

Facial treatment

Did you know there are 43 muscles in your face? My non invasive beauty treatment is rooted in several Eastern healing systems and uses a combination of hands, gua sha, cupping and jade to increase oxygen levels and circulation. This stimulates lymphatic flow, collagen and fibroblast production as well as relaxing and toning your facial muscles.  The reduction in cortisol leads to improved cellular regeneration, brighter skin and a sense of wellbeing and youthful glow. Your face will after a series of treatments feel plumped, sculpted with less visible lines and reduced puffiness.

Continuity is the key, frequent treatments (ideally at least once a week for the first 6 weeks) are recommended to start with and then monthly maintenance treatments. Doing facial cupping at home in between professional sessions will assist in maximising results. I can supply you with your own kit and show you how to perform this if you’d like.

A 60 minute treatment includes:

– Cleanse

– Application of rejuvenating organic oils including Moroccan Argan and Amazonia Cacay

– Massage of the neck, shoulders & face, including acupressure points that focus on cosmetic benefits

– Cupping of the décolleté, neck & face areas

– Cooling facial stones

– Scalp massage

Menopause supplements and vitamins

Add these to your diet to offer mature skin an extra boost…

• A supplement with GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 essential fatty acids can encourage smoother skin.
• Antioxidants including vitamins E and C can help protect the skin against free radical damage.
• Calcium and magnesium supplements can be taken to help prevent bone degeneration. Dark chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium and antioxidants. Look for cocoa content over 70%
• Taking hyaluronic acid can help lubricate skin and joints. This is already natural to the body and carries out many crucial roles, including lubricating joints and, together with collagen and elastin, gives skin its springiness.

For crystal-infused skincare see my new serums!