Eczema and Menopause: Managing Skin Changes Naturally

Menopause marks a major transition in a woman’s life—emotionally, physically, and hormonally. But one often overlooked aspect of this shift is its effect on the skin, particularly for those living with eczema.

Many women notice that their eczema symptoms worsen—or appear for the first time—during perimenopause and menopause. What’s behind this frustrating connection? The answer lies in the complex relationship between estrogen, the skin barrier, and inflammation.

In this guide, we’ll explore how eczema and menopause intersect, the science behind hormone-related skin changes, and how to adapt your skincare routine to stay comfortable and confident through the transition.

The Skin-Hormone Connection

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier integrity. When estrogen levels begin to decline during perimenopause and menopause, skin can become:

• Thinner
• Drier
• Less elastic
• More prone to inflammation and irritation

A 2022 study published in NIH noted that estrogen loss contributes to decreased skin barrier function, which can worsen inflammatory conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) during menopause.

Why Eczema Can Flare During Menopause

For women already living with eczema, the hormonal fluctuations during menopause can exacerbate symptoms. For others, new-onset eczema may emerge as a result of:

Hormonal Shifts

Lower estrogen = weaker skin barrier = increased susceptibility to irritants and allergens.

Increased Inflammation

Fluctuating hormones can increase systemic inflammation, which may aggravate eczema flare-ups or cause itching in previously unaffected areas.

Chronic Dryness

Lower estrogen leads to reduced sebum (natural oil) production, which means more dryness, flakiness, and vulnerability.

Stress and Sleep Disruption

Hot flashes, mood changes, and insomnia add emotional stress, a known trigger for eczema in menopausal women.

Common Eczema Symptoms During Menopause

• Dry, itchy patches (especially on the face, neck, and décolleté)
• Eczema around the eyes or genitals
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Flare-ups resistant to normal treatment routines
• New rashes despite no previous history of eczema

If you’re experiencing these symptoms during menopause, it’s not “just dry skin”—your eczema may be evolving with your hormones.

How to Manage Eczema During Menopause

1. Upgrade to Mature Skin Moisturizers

Your skincare needs change post-45. Use rich, ceramide- and hyaluronic acid-based moisturizers that support barrier repair without added fragrance.

Apply moisturizer twice daily—and always within three minutes after bathing to lock in moisture.

2. Simplify Your Routine

During menopause, less is more. Avoid complex multi-step regimens with harsh actives (like retinol, AHAs, or alcohol-based toners) unless prescribed.

Stick to:

• A gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
• Barrier-repair moisturizer
• Mineral-based sunscreen
• Targeted anti-inflammatory if prescribed

3. Use Hormone-Safe Topicals

For severe flares, dermatologists may recommend low-potency corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or even hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in select cases.

Always consult a physician before starting any new treatment—especially HRT, which comes with its own set of considerations.

4. Stay Cool and Hydrated

Hot flashes and night sweats can worsen skin dehydration. Stay cool with:

• Breathable fabrics (cotton or bamboo)
• Cooling pillowcases and fans
• Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day

5. Manage Stress Mindfully

Menopause often coincides with other life stressors—career shifts, caregiving, health changes. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques like yoga, CBT, journaling, or mindfulness has been shown to lower eczema severity.

6. Mind Your Diet

Inflammatory foods (sugar, alcohol, processed snacks) can exacerbate both eczema and menopausal symptoms. Focus on:

• Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, flaxseeds)
• Probiotics (yogurt, kefir, or supplements)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants
• Limiting spicy and caffeinated items if hot flashes are a concern

7. Track Flare Patterns

Use an eczema journal or app to log flares, triggers, diet, and sleep. You may notice hormonal patterns emerge, helping tailor your skincare and lifestyle to your cycle—even if your periods have stopped.

When to See a Dermatologist

Don’t ignore new or changing symptoms during menopause. Seek medical advice if:

• You develop eczema in a new area (e.g., around eyes, nipples, genitals)
• Your skin becomes suddenly inflamed or resistant to treatment
• OTC products no longer work
• You’re curious about safe use of topical or systemic treatments during menopause

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guides on Where to Find an Eczema Specialist Near You and When to See a Dermatologist.

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help?

Some women experience skin improvement when prescribed HRT to manage menopausal symptoms. By restoring estrogen levels, HRT may reduce dryness, restore barrier function, and lessen inflammation—but it’s not for everyone.

A 2020 review found that topical estrogen and systemic HRT both improved epidermal thickness and hydration, though dermatologic effects vary person to person.

Speak to your doctor about risks and benefits based on your health history.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is a new chapter, not a dead end—and your eczema routine should evolve with it. By understanding how hormonal changes affect your skin, you can adapt your care with moisture-rich products, simplified routines, and professional support.

For dermatologist-developed skincare solutions crafted for sensitive and aging skin, visit NellaDerm.com. Because your skin deserves comfort, confidence, and care—at every age.