Why does skin become drier during menopause?

At menopause, the skin often becomes drier, thinner, and less supple. Sensations of tightness or discomfort may appear, sometimes even when the skin had never shown signs of dryness before.

This evolution is directly linked to global hormonal changes, and particularly to the drop in estrogen. These hormones play a major role in maintaining hydration, barrier function, collagen, and skin elasticity.

Why does the drop in estrogen dry out the skin?

Estrogen does not only regulate the female cycle. The skin also possesses estrogen receptors, which are particularly numerous in the face. At menopause, their decrease therefore directly alters skin physiology. Barrier function gradually deteriorates, sebum decreases, and transepidermal water loss increases. In other words, the skin allows more water to evaporate and is less effective at maintaining its hydration level. It then becomes drier, less supple, and potentially more sensitive. The antioxidant deficit slows down healing.

"The drop in estrogen levels has a major impact on the skin. Estrogen receptors are found all over the skin, with maximum density on the face."
These changes can begin even before the final cessation of periods. To understand the wider effects of this hormonal transition, discover our article "Perimenopause: what effects on the skin?".

Skin that is drier, but also thinner

Dryness is not an isolated phenomenon. The decrease in estrogen also affects the fibrillar matrix of the dermis, particularly collagen and elastin. After menopause, collagen loss accelerates, particularly during the first few years. The skin can then combine several manifestations: dryness, loss of suppleness, decreased firmness, and more visible wrinkles.

This is why managing dry skin during menopause does not consist solely of providing it with more lipids. It is also necessary to preserve its barrier function and support the other physiological changes linked to this period.

What are the signs of dry skin during menopause?

Skin dryness can manifest as sensations of tightness, rougher or less supple skin, more visible dehydration fine lines, and increased sensitivity. A routine that was previously well-tolerated may also become uncomfortable.

This is an important point: the skin is changing, so your routine must evolve with it.

Which Alaena routine should you adopt when skin becomes drier?

At menopause, the goal is to preserve the barrier function, maintain hydration, and provide sufficient lipids to restore skin comfort, without unnecessarily increasing the number of steps.

Step 1: cleanse without stripping

Dry skin should not be over-cleansed. Repeated cleansing, overly detergent formulas, and mechanical exfoliation can accentuate the impairment of the barrier function. In the evening, Dr. Sylvie Peres recommends gentle double cleansing.

The Alaena Cleansing Oil removes makeup, sunscreens, and lipophilic impurities without harshness to the skin.

It can be followed by the Cold-Saponified Dermatological Soap, which contains no essential oils, to finish the cleansing.

Step 2: choose your moisturizer based on the skin's physiological state

When dryness is primarily accompanied by sensitivity and discomfort, the Alaena Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Cream is particularly suitable. Soothing, hydrating, and protective, it meets the needs of skin whose barrier function is weakened.

When dryness is associated with a loss of firmness and more visible wrinkles, the Alaena Anti-Aging Moisturizing Cream combines nutrition, hydration, and action on the signs of skin aging.

The choice between the two therefore does not depend solely on age, but on the actual state of the skin.

Step 3: also act on the skin's structural mechanisms

At menopause, skin dryness is part of a more global transformation of the skin. The decrease in estrogen is also accompanied by a loss of collagen, an alteration of elastin, and a gradual decrease in skin density.

It is with this in mind that Dr. Sylvie Peres developed the Longevity Complex, an approach that complements topical treatments, and is particularly suitable for mature and dried-out skin.

Its formula combines three capsules that act in synergy: Cartidyss® marine collagen, Omega-3 EPA/DHA, Coenzyme Q10, Astaxanthin, and Phycocyanin. The goal is to act at different levels of the skin, from the epidermis to the dermis, up to cellular energy mechanisms.

Cartidyss® marine collagen provides collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans, molecules involved in the structure of the extracellular matrix. Omega-3s contribute to the structure of cell membranes and hydration. Coenzyme Q10, Astaxanthin, and Phycocyanin are powerful antioxidants that stimulate cellular activity, tissue repair, and photoprotection. The goal is to act at different levels of the skin, from the mucous membranes of the epidermis to the hypodermis, up to cellular energy mechanisms.

After 90 days of supplementation, the clinical study conducted on the Longevity Complex shows a 38% increase in skin density, while a mechanistic study shows a 40% increase in elastin synthesis.

At menopause, the approach thus becomes complementary: cosmetic treatments act directly on the surface of the epidermis and its barrier function, while the Longevity Complex supports the skin's biological and structural mechanisms.

Dr. Sylvie Peres recommends a treatment of at least three months to fully observe the effects.

Step 4: strengthen photoprotection

At menopause, the decrease in estrogen weakens the skin and contributes to the loss of collagen. On areas regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, décolleté, and hands, these changes are cumulative with UV-related damage. Dryness, fine lines, and loss of suppleness can then be more pronounced.

Photoprotection is therefore an essential step in the routine, complementing hydration. The Alaena Tinted Mineral SPF50 protects the face from UVA and UVB rays while evening out the complexion. It should be applied as the final skincare step, in sufficient quantity, and reapplied every two hours during exposure.

Does dryness at menopause affect only the face?

No. Hormonal changes affect the entire skin. Dryness can, in particular, become more significant on the legs and arms, with sensations of tightness, a rough texture, or flaking.

The body routine begins in the shower: prefer lukewarm water and the Cold-Saponified Dermatological Soap. Then dry the skin by patting, without rubbing.

To smooth rough areas, the Smoothing AHA Body Scrub combines fine apricot kernel powder with fruit-extracted AHAs. It removes dead cells accumulated on the surface, while apricot kernel oil provides lipids. Start by using it once a week on damp skin, massaging gently, then rinse. Adjust the frequency according to your skin's tolerance and stop exfoliation in case of irritation or cracks.

After showering or scrubbing, apply the Face, Body & Hair Care Oil to nourish the skin and restore its comfort. When dryness is more pronounced, the Summer Garden Radiance Balm, rich in vegetable oils and mimosa wax, helps to limit water loss and regain supple and comfortable skin.

Take advantage of the application to practice a gentle self-massage: make circular movements, then upward strokes from the ankles to the thighs. This massage temporarily promotes local microcirculation and helps distribute the product over all dry areas.

Should you continue to exfoliate skin that has become dry?

Dryness does not necessarily mean a complete stop to exfoliation. With age, keratinocyte renewal also decreases. Controlled chemical exfoliation is therefore beneficial for removing dead cells accumulated on the surface. This promotes hydration and improves skin texture.

In addition, the relative hyper-androgenism following the drop in estrogen causes pore dilation. The Fruit Acid Peeling allows for gentle exfoliation and tightens pores.

Can you prevent skin dryness at menopause?

The hormonal changes of menopause are physiological. However, it is possible to adapt your routine to the new characteristics of the skin. Skin that begins to feel tight, becomes more sensitive, or is less tolerant of certain active ingredients indicates that its functioning is evolving. The challenge is therefore not necessarily to add more products, but to review their relevance: gentler cleansing, hydration adapted to the skin's state, and lipid replenishment when necessary.

Skin dryness at menopause is not simply a "lack of hydration." It reflects a deeper change in skin physiology, linked in particular to the decrease in estrogen and the gradual impairment of the barrier function.