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Body moisturiser for perimenopausal dry skin

56 replies

PuppiesProzacProsecco · 22/10/2025 13:43

Has anyone got any recommendations for a body moisturiser for very dry perimenopausal skin? I'm really struggling with excessively dry and itchy skin, especially on my boobs and tummy. There's no rash or redness, just really dry and itchy.

I've always had super thirsty, greedy dry skin and I'm also a big fan of self tan, which I know dries it out more. I've tried laying off the tan, changed my deodorant to one of the (frankly crap) natural ones and switched out all my detergents/shower gels etc one at a time to see if it was a reaction to something but nothing's helped.

This current problem definitely seems to be hormone related as I get insanely itchy in the run up to my period, when it peaks and then dies down again. Seriously considering HRT to see if it helps as the itching is dreadful.

I'd prefer not to spend a fortune as my skin will need loads of it - when people say "it's expensive but it goes a long way as you only need a tiny bit", I'm always hopeful but it never seems to be the case with my greedy skin!

OP posts:
Zanzara · 24/10/2025 05:28

I have suffered a lot with this problem in recent years, and a couple of weeks ago it got to the point where it was dreadful, and was stopping me sleeping every night.

Then I remembered my mother had had problems with sugar in later life, and just to try it, (I was desperate), I cut it down to virtually zero.

The difference has been staggering!!!

Within 48 hours, I'd stopped itching completely. More than that, my skin was far less dry and rough and hot to the touch, and it continues to improve daily. My husband has also noticed a huge change, I used to get him to apply cream to my back where I couldn't reach, and he says it is so much softer to the touch and far less angry.

All I can say is it worked for me after years of blaming the problem in my age, or my medications. I've got my old skin back, and I'm sleeping better. Worth a try, OP?

Daffydoll · 24/10/2025 07:53

There’s a great one in Savers which is Evening Primrose oil based and costs £1. It’s lovely. Think they also do a cocoa butter one.

zaxxon · 24/10/2025 08:18

If you've already tried all the usual UK ones, maybe pick up a US one which I've found to be better than La Roche, Cerave, Nivea etc. It's called Gold Bond ultimate healing moisturising lotion and you can get it on Amazon. Quite expensive unfortunately, it's a lot cheaper over there.

IdyllicLandscape · 24/10/2025 22:12

Epimax cream is good straight after a bath/shower to lock the moisture in. You can also use it as a soap substitute.

Edited to add that it's very cheap as it goes a long way, but it is fragrance free (although it has a slight smell which is pleasant). I like that it doesn't clash with my perfume.

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