DIY Skincare Treatments During Menopause

The popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) skincare has surged in recent years. This approach allows individuals to tailor skincare products to their unique needs, particularly during menopause, when the skin undergoes significant changes.

Economic benefits are often the initial draw, as creating personal care items can substantially reduce costs. Crafting these products can also provide a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. 

This article outlines some ingredients that can be used in DIY skincare for menopause, featuring natural, hydrating substances to alleviate dryness and sensitivity. It also warns against ingredients that could worsen skin issues during this delicate time. 

Safe and Effective DIY Skincare for Menopausal Women

The following DIY skincare ingredients are particularly effective in addressing skin issues during menopause:

Oils

Oils are versatile and can be used topically as makeup removers, moisturizers, and bases for face scrubs. It’s best to select single-ingredient, organic, and fresh options. 

While the topical application of oils helps seal in moisture and prevent dryness, they can be somewhat comedogenic and may clog pores. This is particularly significant for individuals prone to acne. According to studies, these oils are effective in supporting skin health:⁽¹⁾

• Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, olive oil aids in cell turnover and promotes a brighter, smoother complexion. 

• Coconut Oil: Heavier than olive oil, coconut oil has a higher comedogenic rating and is best used on the body to avoid facial breakouts. Its soothing properties help reduce redness and calm the skin.

For lighter alternatives, oils like sunflower, grapeseed, or safflower can be used. They protect against free radicals, shield the skin from sun damage, and provide vitamin E, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Fruits and Vegetables

Clinical studies have identified the dermatological benefits of topical application of the following fruits and vegetables.

• Avocados: Packed with healthy fats and vitamins A and E, avocados also contain antioxidants that help reduce redness and soothe inflammation, making them ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Their natural oils deeply hydrate and nourish the skin upon application.

• Cucumber: Cucumber can hydrate the skin and soothe inflammation. It’s also rich in antioxidants and vital nutrients such as vitamin C and folic acid.⁽²⁾

• Papaya: It contains an enzyme that helps smooth rough skin textures and unclog pores. While it can be effective, it should be used sparingly on sensitive skin to avoid irritation.⁽³⁾

• Bananas: Applying bananas to the skin can help combat free radicals that damage cells, potentially enhancing skin radiance.⁽³⁾

• Strawberries: Rich in antioxidants, strawberries help shield the skin from UV damage and slow the aging process. They’re also rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps remove dead skin cells and manage acne and dry, flaky skin.⁽³⁾

Dairy

Yogurt can help eliminate dead skin cells. A yogurt face mask can moisturize and exfoliate the skin while helping combat acne, prevent premature aging, soothe sunburn, and reduce discoloration. However, individuals with a milk allergy should avoid using yogurt topically.⁽⁴⁾

Other Ingredients

• Oatmeal: This can be used as a gentle face cleanser and is suitable for eczema, acne, and allergy-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. An oatmeal bath can soothe itchy, dry, and irritated skin.⁽⁵⁾

• Sugar: Used in body scrubs but not recommended for facial use, sugar helps prevent ingrown hairs, removes dry skin cells and oily buildup, and keeps pores clean.⁽⁶⁾

• Green Tea Rose Water or Mist: Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help manage eczema and psoriasis-related skin issues.⁽⁷⁾

• Ground Coffee Beans: Coffee beans contain caffeine, which may help reduce inflammation, redness, and puffiness. While they are safe for use as body scrubs, they may not be suitable for the more delicate skin on the face.

• Matcha: This finely ground green tea powder has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for reducing acne, rosacea, and redness.

• Turmeric: High in antioxidants, turmeric helps slow cell damage, reduces inflammation, evens skin tone, and is beneficial for acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

DIY Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Menopause

• Citrus Products: These can cause irritation and phytophotodermatitis (a blistering rash from sun exposure). For example, lemon included in skin-brightening recipes can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to blisters or a rash.⁽⁸⁾

• Tea Tree Oil: While it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can also cause irritation and allergic eczema (contact dermatitis) in some individuals.⁽⁹⁾ 

• Ground Sunflower Seeds: These seeds can trigger dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin.⁽¹⁰⁾

While the ingredients mentioned in this article offer various skin benefits, it’s advisable for individuals to conduct a patch test before incorporating them into their regular skincare routine. This precaution helps identify any potential reactions. Consulting a dermatologist is also recommended to ensure the treatments are safe and appropriate for individual skin types.