5 Beauty Tips for Dry Skin and Hair During Menopause

If hot flashes weren’t enough, you may be finding that your hair and skin are rebelling about menopause. Despite your usual, tender loving care, both may be dry, dull, and not nearly as healthy as they used to be.

And that may be the problem – thanks to menopause, your usual hair and skin care may no longer be meeting the needs of hair and skin that’s deprived of hormones. Your usual beauty routine may need some updating.

1. Start with the inside.

If you’re not healthy on the inside, it can show on the outside. That means it’s important to manage any chronic health conditions, eat healthy, drink plenty of H2O, and exercise regularly. The healthier you are in general, the more healthy your hair and skin.

2. Quit smoking.

One of the worst things you can do for your skin is smoke. It accelerates the aging of your skin so it’s more prone to various skin conditions, wrinkles, bags under your eyes, and overall damage thanks to depleted nutrients. It also causes your hair to be thinner and grayer, and your hair and skin loses their glow.

3. Practice good hygiene.

Hair and skin that are not cleaned well can become dry and lackluster. That can happen with both under- and over-washing – too much shampoo and soap can strip your skin and scalp of it’s natural oils, while not keeping your head and skin clean can allow bacteria to build up. Choose gentle soaps and shampoos and ask your doctor how often you should be bathing and washing your hair. When you’re done, be gentle when drying, too. Rough towel drying of your hair and skin can be damaging.

4. Cool down.

Cooling down helps not only with hot flashes, but also with your hair and skin. Heat products – blow dryer, curling iron, straightener, etc. – can all damage your hair. Use those products sparingly and only with a heat protection product. Spending too much time in a hot shower, hot tub, sauna, and other hot environments are also be hard on your hair and skin. If you need to be out in the sun, be sure to cover as much skin as possible and apply sunscreen.

5. Relax.

Stress can affect the health of your hair and skin, and it can worsen several menopause symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to learn to mange stress. Take some time each day to relax and be quiet, whether it be going for a walk, reading a book, or listening to some soothing music. Learn some relaxation techniques you can practice throughout the day, such as being able to give yourself a hand massage. Yoga or tai chi can relieve stress and help you be more physically fit, and regular massages can be quite relaxing.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: 5 Beauty Tips for Dry Skin and Hair During Menopause