Please help me soothe my poor menopausal skin

[EdinaMonsoon]

Desiccated is the only word to describe how my skin feels. I’m so irritable & miserable, unable to be comfortable in my own skin. Face is doing ok but everything else from my neck down to my feet is dry, tight & itching. My nails are a mess too.

I’m on HRT & take thyroxine. Levels for both have just been reviewed & all ok. My diet is good: vegetarian with plenty of protein, healthy fats etc. And I drink plenty of water.

So now I need to tackle it from the outside. What are your go-to products (shower gels, oils, lotions, exfoliators?) that will help me feel relaxed in my own skin? I’m desperate & happy to throw money at the problem!

Aveeno body lotion (the oat one) is very soothing

Weleda skin food

Buy a nail strengthener. I hear gel nails help growth but I can't be doing with the faff personally

Tiny bit of almond oil in the bath, maybe mixed with some essential oil

Have you had your iron levels checked? Deficiency can cause itching, and if your periods have been as heavy in the run up to menopause that could be a possibility?

I was also going to suggest Aveeno or E45 lotion (in the pump bottle not the tube).

Have you had a blood test to check the HRT is absorbing properly?

I’m a big fan of PawPaw for dry itchy skin, it’s also good for cracked lips and cuticles. Aldi do a similar one.
Gel nails look good when they are on and they do help with growth but only whilst you keep getting them done. I stopped and my nails are worse than when I started because of the way they file the surface of your nail down.
If you find anything that helps your nails grow without gel please let me know, my thumbnails are atrocious!

I would recommend a face serum. Apply at night.

Ponds cocoa butter for skin (I’m 55 and post menopause) I use this.
Unfortunately haven’t found anything for my nails - they are shocking!

Thick old fashioned Nivea for face, and Imedeen Hair and Nails, though that will take a few months to work.

Thanks everyone. I will investigate gel nails. I thought they weren’t great for the natural nail but maybe I am confused with a different nail technique. Will also get some Aveeno. I used to use Pond’s Cocoa Butter in my early 40’s but I’m not keen on the aroma any more. I have found the hormonal shift in menopause to be similar to pregnancy where cervical smells & tastes are suddenly unpalatable.
Will Imedeen be more effective than a collagen supplement? I have been using Vital Proteins collagen powder for a month & not seeing any immediate results. I guess it takes time but will definitely look into the Imedeen too.
@ImAvingOops Blood results should have been back on Friday afternoon so hopefully hear from my GP this week.

@RockingMyFiftiesNot Awaiting results for iron too. Last time it was checked (a year ago) GP told me that although technically it was within normal range, they now recommend menopausal women should aim a little higher. I have been somewhat sloppy with taking it the last few months so thank you for the reminder & info (had no idea itching was a symptom).

😂😂😂 Obviously that should be “certain smells” not “cervical smells” 😂😂😂

Maybe you need to up the dose of estrogen? Your skin should be glowing on HRT! And your thyroid meds might not be right.

I like Neutrogena body lotion and also Garnier- both cheap.
I don't like Aveeno as it smells like porridge with all those oats.

Will Imedeen be more effective than a collagen supplement? I have been using Vital Proteins collagen powder for a month & not seeing any immediate results. I guess it takes time but will definitely look into the Imedeen too.

Well I've not started taking collagen yet (was definitely planning on it) but the imedeen does take a few months for the full effects to show. My hair is fuller and nails much less brittle than before, so I do recommend it... however it's not a quick fix! Also, the two combined may work well? Imedeen is biotin and zinc.
I suppose the collagen takes a while to be effective too.

I did wonder about your cervical smells!

@EdinaMonsoon Your body can't make collagen by swallowing it. These products are a scam. If you take collagen orally, nothing happens. Read about it online.

Likewise, biotin is not shown to be effective in scientific studies.

Are you eating enough protein? Skin, nails and hair are made up from protein.

You need around 30-40gms a day.

CeraVe moisturiser for body and face and take magnesium supplements because my nails have grown loads and really fast since I started taking it.

Add in some vit D and Omega 3, up your oestrogen if necessary.