Changes in your skin can start becoming noticeable a few years before menopause, usually around your 40s, but sometimes as early as your 30s. Oestrogen helps your body to produce collagen and the natural oils that keep your skin healthy. As oestrogen levels drop, skin feels drier, and often rougher to the touch. You might notice dry, flaky patches, and your overall complexion may look more dull and lacklustre.
It can be tempting to pile on rich, intensive moisturisers, but some can overload the skin, so you may want to choose ones suitable for sensitive skin. Jason Wild Yam Balancing Moisturising Crème has been specially formulated for menopausal women, and aims to comfort, soothe and cool skin. We also sell a wide range of natural anti-wrinkle creams.
Avalon Organics Intense Defence Renewal Cream is very popular with our customers, with most 
reviewers giving it the full five stars. Rich in antioxidants, it helps to rehydrate and boost collagen production, for a brighter, smoother complexion. It’s fragranced with organic sweet orange essential oil, so smells lovely. One reviewer told us, “The smell is divine, like a subtle Terry's Chocolate Orange! Goes on easily and absorbs quickly, great under make-up, only have to wait 5 mins and it’s absorbed fully. It lasts really well too. Has improved very fine wrinkles after using for 4 weeks, every morning.”
Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Concentrate is a good choice for a daily serum, or you could opt for a facial oil, such as A'kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil.
Of course, it’s not just the skin on your face that might feel drier. You may well benefit from a more intensive body lotion or oil. Lavera Basis Sensitiv Moisturising Body Lotion is rich in jojoba oil, aloe vera and shea butter, to nourish and hydrate without irritating skin.
An intensive balm or cream, such as Egyptian Magic Cream can help to tackle really dry areas, such as elbows and heels. It’s also important to exfoliate your face and body, as this can help with cell renewal. Many high street scrubs are quite harsh, and can make your skin even more sensitive, so do look for gentler alternatives. The Weleda Birch Body Scrub is lovely and gentle.
Menopausal acne is quite common, even if your skin feels quite dry. Again, it’s important to use gentle products, and try to avoid ones that could clog your pores. The Alva Rhassoul Pimple Stick can 
help to treat spots without drying the surrounding skin.
Many menopausal women suffer from itchy skin. Again, it’s down to hormonal changes. Some people find nettle tea can provide relief, either as a drink, or as a tincture. You may also find it helps to choose looser clothes made from cotton or bamboo, rather than those made with synthetic materials or wool. A gentler laundry detergent, such as ECOS Laundry Liquid, or the Eco Egg, may be worth trying. We also recommend using milder soaps and shower gels, that don’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrances or other harsh chemicals. Hope's Relief Goat's Milk Body Wash has been found to help sooth dry itchy and sensitive skin.
Most of us are guilty of skimping on sun cream in our twenties. While the sun’s rays will have already caused damage, it’s never too late to start preventing further harm. Eco Cosmetics Neutral Sun Lotion SPF30 is 100% natural, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
If your hair is starting to thin due to the menopause, you may want to take a look at Dr Hauschka Revitalising Hair & Scalp Tonic, which may help to stimulate new growth and add volume.
What you put into your body is even more important than what you put in it. Aim for a healthy, balanced diet, that’s rich in good fats, such as oily fish, flaxseeds, avocado and nuts. It’s also vital to keep hydrated, ideally by drinking water or herbal teas. Some experts believe that too much sugar or salt can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, such as itchy skin.
You may benefit from a nutritional supplement, such as Vitabiotics Menopace Original. Specially 
formulated for use during and after the menopause, Menopace Original can help to regulate hormones, boost collagen formation, protect your bones and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Many women swear by aromatherapy for helping to alleviate mood swings, hot flushes and other symptoms of hormonal imbalances. We’ve recently started stocking Essential Care Organic Femin Ease, which can be added to a bath, vapouriser, or handkerchief. A blend of essential oils known for their ability to soothe, relax and balance, Femin Ease is 100% natural and smells very comforting.
Probably the best piece of advice we can offer is to just take time for yourself. Whether your symptoms are mild or noticeable enough to affect your day-to-day life, you deserve to take the time to really look after your wellbeing. Stress can make menopausal symptoms worse, so activities to lower stress levels can really help. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a soak in the bath, or just time curled up with a bath, energising your batteries is time well spent.
Do you have any advice for looking after yourself through the menopause? Tweet us @BigGreenSmile and we’ll share your ideas.