Moisturiser during Menopause: Hype or Holy Grail?

Hello readers!

How do you spend your weekends? Since the weather is not completely settled, I went to a mall to get my grocery this time. I saw so many teens lined up at Sephora, shopping cosmetics like Pro’s.

I was a carefree soul in my Twenties. I would barely use any moisturizer. Sunscreens were given attention only in summers or at times when I went hiking. Gradually, I started a skin care routine on recommendation of my dermatologist friend. I kept it simple- Cleanse, tone, moisturize and sun block. But lately, we come across a new skin care fad, every 6 months. Insta, Snapchat and TikTok’s are filled with videos of cream-slathering, ASMR obsessed - GRWM trends. From “Tan” your skin to “Lighten” your skin back to “Tan” your skin. K-beauty glass skin is a thing and the skincare aisles in supermarkets feel like they’re screaming at you. Serums, oils, miracle creams, hydration cream- hyaluronic acids to Vitamin C to collagen - all promising eternal youth in a jar. And every time I step into the beauty salon for my eyebrows, the lady with her sceptic expression whispers aloud “You really need a moisturizing facial now.”

Seriously? Is this just another marketing ploy to sell me overpriced lotions?

Here’s the surprising part: Science says, you don’t need all that at your youthful age. But if you are nearing menopause, a good moisturizer would no longer be just vanity. It would be essential self-care. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

Why does menopause change your skin ? (spoiler alert: it’s not just aging)

Female hormone Oestrogen plays a huge role in maintaining skin health. It boosts collagen production, keeps skin hydrated, and supports elasticity. During Menopause, oestrogen takes a nosedive causing:

• Collagen drops by up to 30% in the first five years after menopause.

• Skin gets thinner, drier, and more prone to wrinkles.

• The natural barrier that locks in moisture weakens, leaving you with that uncomfortable tightness or flaky patches.

Think of oestrogen as your skin’s in-house spa manager. It makes sure your towels feel fluffy, spa is odour free, and your skin feels feather-light. But when she retires, the spa doesn’t close- and that’s where moisturizer steps in as a new caretaker. Many women shrug and say, “I’ve never been a lotion person.” I agree. But menopause is a whole new chapter. Just like you adapt your diet (welcome calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D) or exercise routine, your skincare deserves an upgrade too.

Skipping moisturizer in menopause is like refusing to wear reading glasses because you never needed them at 25. The game has changed, and your skin is signalling that.

Ever wonder how moisturizer actually helps?

Moisturizers aren’t magic potions. They work in three main ways:

• Humectants (like hyaluronic acid, glycerine): These act like thirsty sponges, pulling water into your skin.

• Emollients (like ceramides, shea butter): These smooth rough patches by filling in the gaps between skin cells.

• Occlusives (like dimethicone, natural oils): These form a light seal to trap hydration in.

During menopause, when your natural oil production dips, this combo is like giving your skin a hydration safety net.

It’s easy to dismiss moisturizer as “cosmetic,” but let’s be real: hydrated skin does more than look dewy soft. It provides:

• Stronger barrier: Well-moisturized skin is less prone to irritation, eczema flare-ups, and infections.

• Comfort: Nobody likes itchy, tight, or flaky skin - it distracts from work, play, and sleep.

• Healing: Healthy skin heals faster, which matters as skin naturally thins with age.

Global solutions for global skin:

The weather and skin type, as we know changes world-over. So we need global solutions for global women. So here’s the beautiful part. Every culture already has skin-loving traditions. Women in India swear by coconut oil, Mediterranean diets bring olive oil into play, Japanese skincare leans on rice water and green tea extracts. Moisturizer doesn’t have to mean a $200 jar. It can be a mix of cultural wisdom and modern science.

Whether your staple is shea butter in West Africa, aloe vera in Latin America, or K-beauty hydrating essences in Korea, the principle is the same: menopause skin needs that extra care, and you can tailor it to what feels natural and appropriate for you.

It’s normal to roll your eyes when every magazine screams “anti-aging cream!” But this isn’t about fighting aging — it’s about supporting your body through a natural transition. Moisturizer in menopause isn’t a gimmick, but maintenance.

Let me share some practical tips for choosing the right moisturizer.

Check the ingredients and look for what your skin needs- hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerine, and peptides.

• Avoid heavy fragrances- Since menopausal skin can be more sensitive, stick to gentle, fragrance-free options.

• Layer smartly- Apply moisturizer after showering, while skin is still damp, to lock in hydration.

• Don’t forget body care: Arms, legs, and even feet benefit from daily moisturizing — dryness doesn’t stop at your face.

• Sunscreen still counts. Pairing SPF with moisturizer is the ultimate duo for skin protection.

Menopause is a rollercoaster, but your skin doesn’t have to scream for help while you’re riding it. Moisturizer won’t iron out your wrinkles or stop the clock, but it will keep your skin comfortable, healthy, and resilient.

Moisturizer in menopause isn’t hype - it’s the hug your skin deserves every single day. So hydrate, be radiant and be unapologetically fabulous. Ciao