Dry skin on face

[AnotherSurvivor]

I'm now 51 and have had only one period in the last 3 years. My symptoms are fairly manageable - hot flushes, poor sleep etc, but I have a really dry face. A beautician suggested I don't need a serum, I need estrogen. Taking HRT for dry skin seems excessive. Is there anything else I can do? Would it be worth going on HRT for what is essentially vanity?

I got through without HRT and yep, dry skin

I use a hyaluronic acid serum straight after cleansing and then moisturise on top and my skin no longer tears when in the shower ( it was that dry )

I dont use anything posh, just whats found in the supermarkets

You aren't going to be given HRT because you tell the dr it's for your dry skin.

Don't underestimate the health risks of poor sleep. Long term poor sleep is associated with a lot of chronic health issues like heart disease and diabetes, as well as depression. A lot of specialists would advise that you need to treat poor sleep as a priority.

Sorry both, should've explained better. @suki1964 I've tried everything available, from cheapy HA to £60 serum. Nothing helps.

@JinglingSpringbells I've mostly sorted the poor sleep with magnesium & headspace etc. It's not perfect, but it's not health-impacting.

When you say you’ve tried everything - have you asked over at the style and beauty board? If not I would. Agree if you don’t generally want HRT it seems a bit OTT for dry skin.

Could it be diet related?

Yep, I've been on S&B. Everything suggested dries my skin out more. ☹️
My diet is quite good, no alcohol, not much red meat, everything cooked from scratch. I've recently cut out bread, pasta & sugar, but it's too soon to say if that's making a difference to my face (my energy levels are amazing though).

Apologies if it sounds like I'm not receptive to suggestions. I've been trying to fix this for a few years so I've tried lots of things already.

Sounds like give the diet thing a go for a bit but if not then maybe it is HRT. It might get better if it’s own accord mind you.

I have eczema which needs to be moisturised 2 / 3 times a day, did you try that?

Also I have dry and dehydrated skin (yay for me) so have to use products that attack both.

Also! Have you seen a dermatologist?

Are you getting enough fat in your diet? @AnotherSurvivor

The 'good fats' are essential.

Almonds, walnuts, avocado, oily fish, green veg high in Omega 3, - ideally everyone should eat these things daily.

Skin is supported by diet as much as face cream.

And enough fluid?
And not having dry air at home or work (central heating, closed windows, etc.)

CeraVe smoothing cleanser and moisturiser has helped my awful peri menopausal skin. Everytime I went back to my normal it flared up. It does last though and probably balances out cost wise.

@Groovee this one?
@JinglingSpringbells I think I'm good for all of those.
@theduchessofspork yes I probably do need to see a dermatologist.

If your skin is dry- does that mean flaking, red , itchy or sore?
That could be eczema, or rosacea.

If it's purely just 'tight' and feels dry it's probably going to be helped by diet and creams.

Have you looked at La Roche Posay or Eucerin as brands?
They do many creams etc for problem skin. Eucerin was launched as a brand for eczema but they have branched out into all skincare for dry skin.

La Roche Posay do a lovely Hyalu B5 Rich cream - it's pricey but worked really well on my sensitive skin. (they have 20% off online at the moment.)

Do you know if your thyroid is functioning normally? I had terrible dry, leathery skin with hypothyroidism which improved with medication.

Even on hrt and eating plenty of fat my skin is still dry. I use very emollient moisturiser over damp skin. I like Neal's Yard wild rose balm but coconut oil or Vaseline are also good.

I would suggest you see a dermatologist - sounds like you have some skin problem/disorder.

Palmers cocoa butter, fragrance free, for extra dry skin. Only thing works on sensitive eczema prone very dry skin and cheap!!

Cerave PM and the Aveeno calm and restore range are both excellent.

Have you looked up seborrheic dermatitis? It is basically dandruff but not on your scalp, and is linked to levels of oils, hormones, and yeasts on the skin if I'm remembering right. Moisturiser won't fix it! I was recommended to use dandruff shampoo to wash my face which sounds crazy but is the only thing that has worked.

I had dry skin on face which I never had and had bloods done with antibodies test and have underactive thyroid. Also symptom is dry hair and extreme tiredness. No harm getting antibodies test done.

I read that dry skin could be a sign of pre diabetes because the body is drawing moisture from other parts of the body to dilute the blood. I didn’t bother to get tested, but I did start eating low carb and walking after meals. It seemed to help

I had the same problem and I even developed patches of eczema on my face as a result of early menopause. I went to my GP and I still use the products prescribed (you can buy them over the counter): wash your face twice a day with Dermol and then apply Cetraben cream - I use Cetraben ointment in the winter.
its such a basic routine but has really made a difference to my skin over the past 6 months

Thanks for all the advice. To answer some questions: I have a well-medicated under-active thyroid. I possibly am pre-diabetic (hence the recent diet changes).
I will try some of the products suggested here before I see a dermatologist.

My skin is terribly dry - postmenopause. I use Weleda Skin Food, mixed in with squalene during the day. At night I use tretinoin, abd afterwards I use La Roche Posay Cicaplast with The Ordinary Marula Oil. It's really helped me.

The skin food range is very good and affordable, often on offer in Holland and Barrett and you only need to use a small amount at a time.

www.weleda.co.uk/skin-food-75ml-106057

@greeneggsandhamhocks Do you also use the emollient moisturizers (rose balm, Coconut oil or vaseline) for cleansing your face?

OP@AnotherSurvivor Do you use a moisturising cleanser? apologies if you've already covered this on your S&B thread.