My skin is so dry

[ReginaPhalangee]

Since hitting my mid-late 40s I've found that my skin is suddenly so dry, particularly my face but also my scalp and even inside my ears. My arms and legs look dry and scaly too.

I can't even seem to be able to hold any foundation/powder any more without it cracking, especially on my nose. I've been trying various CC creams and BB creams instead of foundation but to no avail. I've been trying different moisturisers too, such as the Tropic ones, taken advice from consultants in Boots etc but just can't seem to find anything that will retain moisture.

I itch all over and am trying so hard not to scratch as it ultimately makes it worse.

Could anyone recommend something they've tried which will help my parched skin or scalp? I can't use HRT currently due to recent surgery and medication.

Yep menopause made me as dry as a crisp! I use Aveeno body wash in the shower. The Aldi caviar moisturiser in my face, followed by Rosehip oil. On my body I use palmer’s cocoa butter with drops of Rosehip in.

Down below I use oestrogen pessaries and Yes VM.

Has your GP checked your thyroid and Ferritin levels? I understand these can both contribute to dry skin. I am low in both the above and have dry skin and scalp.

For my dry itchy scalp, i find the Body shops ginger shampoo is the best... And i have tried many different shampoos!

Thanks again and I'm taking on board all suggestions. Thyroid is fine thankfully so I think it's purely age and stress! My Moo Goo shampoo arrived and I used it this morning - already my scalp feels calmer. Been using the Aveeno but think it'll take a bit longer for my face dryness to settle.

Candacej thank you - I've always loved The Body Shop products so I'll look into that too

MissyB1 I have ordered some rosehip oil, thank you

Fififizz thank you... yes you're right, we all differ so much. I take Omega 3 in food but will look into fish oil.

Stressybetty when I next get the chance I'll have a go at this! Thank you

Aquamarine1029 no I'm rubbish at drinking water, I've been trying harder this week! Thank you

So glad it is working. Bloody miracle stuff.

Are you on some kind of estrogen-blocking meds @ReginaPhalangee ?
Has your skin changed as a result of your health and medication, or is this 'just' peri?

If your surgery is recent, it's worth talking to your consultants/ nurses as they often know of treatments for dry skin if they are the result of surgery and current meds.

I'd also run by them the suggestions to use Omega 3 supplements. Some are contraindicated as they can thin the blood (too much) and I think people using blood thinners are not supposed to use them (or turmeric and other herbal stuff.)