Navigating menopause and itchy skin

Published: August 2023

Last Reviewed: January 2025

Menopause is a natural part of life’s journey which can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes.

Navigating menopause can be complex as our bodies undergo hormonal shifts and physical changes including skin itching. Find out how you can soothe itchy and prickly skin during the menopause and read our guide to menopausal skincare for a more comfortable transition.

Menopausal itching (clinically known as pruritus) is caused by fluctuating hormone levels that can dry out the skin and cause it to become thinner. As women or those assigned female at birth age, their bodies produce less oestrogen. Apart from playing a part in the menstrual cycle, oestrogen supports the skin barrier, regulates oil production and helps with collagen production. This, in turn, maintains the skin's thickness, elasticity and moisture.

When the levels of oestrogen in a person’s body declines, there is less oestrogen available to support the skin's functions, causing the following reaction.

1. Due to its functions being impaired, the skin can be more susceptible to irritation.
2. When the skin is irritated, the skin’s barrier is disturbed.
3. Our bodies recognise this disturbance and our cells release histamine.
4. Receptors in the skin send this information to our brain.
5. Finally, our brains prompt us to scratch the itch.

Skin issues such as itching and pain are relatively common during the menopause, with 64% or more of women in this period express varied degrees of skin pain¹.

People going through menopause may also feel paraesthesia (a tingly sensation, similar to pins and needles) and formication (the sensation of insects crawling on the skin). These prickly sensations on the skin are most commonly felt on the chest, back, limbs, face and neck.

People may experience different types and areas of itching during menopause, which can require different care products:

As the skin becomes drier and loses elasticity, it can become more sensitive to products like soaps and detergents which can irritate the skin and cause inflammation, as well as itchiness.

In addition to itchiness, people going through menopause may also feel paresthesia (a tingly sensation, similar to pins and needles) and formication (the sensation of insects crawling on the skin). These sensations are most commonly felt on the chest, back, limbs, face and neck.

The Eucerin AtoControl range can help treat itching by effectively restoring a damaged skin barrier and protecting it from dehydration. It contains nourishing and anti-oxidant active ingredients such as Licochalcone A to support healing and alleviate inflammation.

Due to the role oestrogen plays in supporting and regulating oil production in the skin, the reduced levels of oestrogen during menopause can have an effect on the scalp.

As it becomes less-moisturised, the scalp can become more prone to dryness and itching. Furthermore, a lot of shampoos are formulated with oil-stripping ingredients which can dry out the scalp even more and worsen the itchiness. 

To prevent this, it is recommended to use a targeted treatment on the scalp that can help soothe and calm the irritation caused by dryness as well as a shampoo that will not inflame the skin. Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment contains urea, a natural moisturising factor that binds in water to relieve dryness and provides intensive moisture, while Eucerin Calming Urea Shampoo nourishes the scalp and gives the hair a healthy shine.

As the skin on a person's body can dry out, so can the skin on their genitals. This results in pain, itching and discomfort both in the vagina and on the vulva. While over-the-counter treatments are available to help with genital itching and dryness, it is recommended to see a doctor for intimate health concerns.

Menopause itching has been found to get more severe at night, although the reason for this is unclear. It could potentially be because we are more aware of skin sensations at night or because of exposure to allergens and irritants before going to bed. Learn more here.

As the skin changes over time, so does its needs. Menopausal skin requires a skincare routine that looks after drier, older skin. 

The Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity range has been specially formulated to look after mature skin by plumping up deep wrinkles, improving elasticity and accelerating collagen renewal in skin cells. 

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum specifically addresses several skin concerns that become more pronounced during menopause. This serum contains a combination of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate and plump the skin, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Additionally, an uneven skin tone and age spots can appear with age, which is why our formula includes Thiamidol, an ingredient clinically proven to reduce dark spots and prevent their reappearance. By addressing both wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, this serum helps to counteract the visible signs of ageing brought on by hormonal changes, promoting a smoother, more even, and youthful complexion. 

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day Care SPF 30 is a great choice for menopausal skin too. It plumps up wrinkles with Hyaluronic Acid and also reduces age spots with Thiamidol. Plus, with SPF 30 and UVA protection, it helps prevent further sun damage. This nourishing day cream can help support younger-looking skin during menopause.

For your night routine, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Night Cream. It works overnight to deeply hydrate and plump up the look of wrinkles and helps your skin recover and regenerate while you sleep, so you can wake up to a more youthful, radiant complexion

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Eye Care is specially formulated to address the visible signs of ageing around the delicate eye area, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menopause such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dark circles.

Some moisturisers and eye creams contain SPF, but if extra protection is needed we recommend Eucerin Photoageing Control Fluid SPF 50 to protect the skin from HEVIS light, as well as UVA and UVB rays

While we recommend using targeting skincare product for the specific symptoms of menopausal skin, trying some home remedies may also help soothe dry, itchy skin:

• Using a cold compress, for example, a wet towel.
• Bathing in colloidal oats. Colloidal oats are oats in powder form which, when incorporated in a bath, can soften and soothe the skin.
• Using warm water to bathe instead of hot water, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and dry it out even further.
• Use scent-free skincare as soaps and perfumes can contain irritants.
• Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and loose-fitting styles to minimise irritation.
• Protect your skin from the sun as harmful UV rays can worsen dryness and itching. 
• Resist the urge to scratch, as it can further damage your skin and consider wearing gloves at night to prevent unconscious scratching. 
• Consider cutting back on alcohol and nicotine, as they can dehydrate and prematurely age your skin. 
• Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It's essential for preventing dryness, dullness, and itchiness. 

In some cases, menopausal itching may be more severe and medical treatments may be required:

• Steroid creams: They can provide relief from itching, however prolonged use can be harmful to the skin.
• Hormone replacement therapy: While not a solution specific to itching, this is a treatment for general menopause symptoms, as it helps replenish the declining oestrogen levels. Anyone interested in HRT should speak to their doctor.

Learn more about itchy skin and how to treat it here.

¹Online Menopause Centre