Where did your glow go? If it seems like your skin suddenly lost its healthy shine, you may be able to blame it on hormones if you are in perimenopause or menopause. Of course, pointing fingers provides little satisfaction and no remedies, so let’s discuss how dull skin comes about and what you can do about it.

What is dull skin?

Dull skin is generally used to describe skin that has lost its glow and that may look a little rough and dry. In addition to menopause, various other factors can cause dull skin, including:
Lack of proper hydration, resulting in dry skin that looks lifeless
Weather, such as living in a climate with very low humidity or where the air is dry and cold)
Smoking, which contributes to premature skin aging. Research shows smoking can interfere with collagen production and damage connective tissue, contributing to dull-looking skin
Aging, as skin goes through a natural aging process
Accumulation of dead skin cells, which normally are shed by the body but can build up on the skin surface and result in dully, flakey skin
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Why does dull skin occur during menopause?

When women begin to lose estrogen during perimeopause, skin is affected in many ways. A few of the critical ways estrogen is involved in skin health is by regulating moisture levels in the skin as well as stimulating the production of oils and collagen. These processes are important for keeping skin elastic, smooth, and supple while also protecting against free radical damage.
As estrogen levels drop, the body loses some of its ability to retain moisture in the skin. Production of collagen and natural oils for the skin also declines.

How do you manage dull skin naturally?

To help protect your skin and keep it from getting dull, dry, and lifeless, follow these tips:

• Drink at least eight glasses of pure water daily
• Eat a clean, balanced diet that avoids processed and fast foods.
• Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet through food and supplements, as they can boost the natural oils in your skin. Tuna, salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds are good sources
• Use a gentle, natural cleansers on your face. Never use soap, especially deodorant soap.
• Exfoliate your skin regularly to remove the built up dead skin cells. Gentle, DIY, all-natural scrubs can be quite effective in making dull skin bright again. According to New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD, “Exfoliation helps expose a fresh layer of skin ready to retain hydration when moisturizer is applied.”
• Wear sunscreen year round, including the winter, to protect against damaging ultraviolet rays. A sunscreen with SPF 30 is sufficient and can be found in some natural moisturizers as well.
• Give yourself a facial about every six to ten weeks. Use all-natural products. If possible, splurge on a professional facial with someone who understands menopausal skin
• Use natural moisturizers, such as avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, to your beauty routine. Look for products that also contain vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol, which have antioxidant effects
• Avoid using hot water on your face; it strips away natural oils. Use lukewarm water and gentle cleansers
• Get more niacinamide, either in a supplement or in an all-natural beauty cream. Niacinamide helps the skin develop a lipid barrier that helps retain moisture in your skin.

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when to see your doctor

Dull skin typically doesn’t require any intervention by a physician. However, if you develop any skin irritations, eruptions, or other unexplained skin problems, consult a dermatologist.

bottom line

Dull skin doesn’t have to be part of your menopause experience. Incorporate several of the tips discussed here and your skin should be looking good in no time!