Summer Skin During Menopause: Hydration, UV Protection & Dryness Support

Lifestyle |
4 min read

Published

July 08, 2026

Medically reviewed by

Alyssa Dweck MS, MD, FACOG, MSCP, Chief Medical Officer

Many women experience dry, itchy skin during menopause. An increase of these symptoms in the summer, when the UV index is at its highest and outdoor gatherings are more common, isn’t uncommon. But, while dryness and itching may feel inevitable, they could be early signals that your skin— which is the body’s largest organ¹—may need some additional TLC, especially in the summer months when you’re more susceptible to sun damage.

For more on the common skin changes experienced during menopause, check out this short clip from Bonafide Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alyssa Dweck:

The Science Behind Dry Skin During Menopause

When your body is going through menopause, hormonal skin changes—largely due to a lower production of estrogen—may cause dryness and irritation.² This is because lower estrogen levels signal a decreased production of certain molecules in the body, like hyaluronic acid and sebum, as well as cause decreased water retention.³ A decline in estrogen is also linked to reduced elasticity and a loss of moisture, which may increase the occurrence of dry skin; that loss of elasticity may also exacerbate wrinkles.⁴

Estrogen also regulates the production of naturally recurring proteins in the body, such as collagen.⁵ In the first five years of menopause, your skin loses up to 30% of its natural production of proteins, including collagen.⁶ Decreased collagen lowers your skin barrier’s immune function, which can leave you more susceptible to dryness, sun spots and slowing wound (such as sunburn) healing.⁷ This can make increased sun exposure during menopause uncomfortable, and even potentially dangerous. It’s important to note that the skin changes mentioned above aren’t solely due to a decrease in collagen because a decline in estrogen; lower estrogen levels in menopause can also negatively impact the skin’s barrier integrity, reduce elasticity and potentially exacerbate sensitivity.⁸

Tips for Maintaining Healthy, Hydrated Skin During Summer

While dryness and wrinkling of the skin are often an inevitable part of aging, some quick and easy lifestyle adjustments may help you prevent unnecessary damage and discomfort to your skin this summer, during menopause and beyond.

Drink Water

Since hot flashes may increase your production of sweat, it’s important to keep hydrating, particularly when the weather is hot.⁹ Maintaining a healthy level of water intake helps to support keeping your skin fresh and hydrated.

Apply Sunscreen

Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day (this goes for winter months, too!) protects skin against dryness and sun damage.¹⁰ UV protection is particularly important during menopause and afterward, when the skin’s supportive barrier may be weaker.

Choose the Right Moisturizer

Not all moisturizers are created equal. Do your best to avoid overly scented products, which may have more alcohol or fragrance additives, that can contribute to irritation.¹¹ Consider also asking your healthcare provider about using a retinoid, which may help to increase overall cell regeneration.¹²

When searching for the right skincare routine, try to find moisturizers with hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain hydration or well-studied collagen peptide products that work to increase collagen production.

Cover Up

An effective way of preventing damage from UV rays is to physically shield your skin from the sun. Clothing is one of the most effective protective measures against sun damage. The more skin your clothes cover, the better your protection.¹³

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Adopting these lifestyle changes early could help to minimize symptoms and enable you to feel more comfortable in your skin. If you’re experiencing an increase in dryness or irritation of your skin, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider.

Resources