Menopause and parched skin–particularly along your back and ankles–go hand-in-hand.As you get older, your skin produces less oil, which brings on the itch fest. The lack of naturally moisturizing oil is also why your hair and scalp may feel as dry as the Sahara.
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Treatment: Take warm (not hot) showers for 10 minutes tops and avoid harsh soaps that strip skin of much-needed moisture. Apply cream while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture, recommends New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D. She likes CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for the face and AmLactin 12% Cream for the body.Exfoliating regularly will remove the layer of dead skin and help your skin absorb more moisturizer. Also, make sure you’re getting enough fat in your diet, especially omega-3 fatty acids. It helps your skin produce essential cholesterol, which restores skin’s moisture. Keep a humidifier in your home, particularly during the winter, drink plenty of water and eat water-packed foods like cucumbers, tomatoes and watermelon.
