LOOK WELL • SKIN

Why does my skin suddenly
feel so dry?

LAST REVIEWED: 2026-10-25 • By the LatelyWell editorial team • How we write & review

Tight, flaky, itchy skin that never used to bother you is a common change around perimenopause and menopause. Here is what may be happening, the simple habits dermatologists recommend, and the signs that dryness or itching needs a doctor rather than a new cream.

A common, often unexpected change

The NHS lists dry and itchy skin among the symptoms that can happen during perimenopause and menopause, alongside better-known symptoms such as hot flushes and sleep problems. The NHS page on itchy skin also notes that itchy skin is common after the menopause and usually gets better over time.

You might notice:

• Skin on your legs, arms or back that feels tight or looks flaky.
• Itching, sometimes worse at night or after a shower.
• Hands that crack more easily, especially in winter.
• Facial skin that suddenly reacts to products you have used for years.
• Makeup that looks patchy or settles into dry areas.

None of this means something is wrong with you. But dryness is also a symptom of many other conditions, so it is worth knowing what is typical and what is not.

Why skin can get drier around menopause

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains that in menopause, skin loses some of its ability to hold water, which can make it quite dry, especially when the air is dry. As oestrogen levels fall, the AAD notes that skin also becomes thinner, and thinner skin bruises more easily.

Other things can add to dryness in midlife:

• Long, hot showers or baths, which strip natural oils.
• Harsh soaps and fragranced products.
• Cold weather, central heating and air conditioning, which lower humidity.
• Some medicines and medical conditions.
• Sun damage built up over many years.

What dermatologists recommend for dry skin

These habits come from the AAD's dermatologist tips for relieving dry skin. They are simple, inexpensive, and work whether or not your dryness is related to menopause.

Change how you wash

• Keep showers and baths short, around five to ten minutes, using warm rather than hot water.
• Use a gentle cleanser instead of soap, and only as much as you need. The AAD notes that soap can be too drying for mature skin.
• Pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.

Moisturise at the right moments

• Apply moisturiser straight after bathing, while skin is still slightly damp, and again whenever skin feels dry, including after washing your hands.
• Choose creams or ointments rather than lotions for very dry skin. The AAD says they add more moisture.
• Look for helpful ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, shea butter, lanolin, petrolatum or mineral oil.
• Pick fragrance-free products. The AAD points out that "unscented" is not the same as fragrance-free, as unscented products can contain chemicals that mask smells.

In the UK, moisturisers used to treat dry skin are often called emollients. The NHS explains that emollients come as lotions, creams, ointments, gels and sprays, and that your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose one, and you may need to try a few to find the best fit. The NHS also gives an important safety warning: keep away from fire, flames and cigarettes when using any emollient, paraffin-based or paraffin-free, because clothing, bedding and dressings that have been in contact with emollients can easily catch fire.

Protect your skin day to day

• Use a humidifier in the bedroom if your home is very dry, and clean it regularly.
• Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning and gardening.
• Choose loose, soft clothing, such as cotton, next to the skin. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate dry skin.
• Wear sunscreen on exposed skin every day. The AAD recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Easing itchy skin

The NHS suggests these self-care steps for itching caused by dry or irritated skin:

• Pat or tap the skin instead of scratching.
• Hold something cool, like a damp towel, on the itchy area.
• Have cool or lukewarm baths or showers, and do not stay in for a long time.
• Use an unperfumed moisturiser or emollient regularly.
• Keep nails clean, short and smooth.
• Wear loose cotton or silk clothing, and use a laundry product for sensitive skin.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, deodorants and moisturisers.

A pharmacist can recommend products and tell you whether you should see a GP.

Your face is part of the picture too

If facial skin has become drier or more reactive, a gentler routine usually works better than adding more active products. Our simple menopause skincare routine walks through cleansing, moisturising and sun protection step by step, and explains how to introduce new products one at a time.

Dryness elsewhere in the body

Falling oestrogen can also cause dryness in the vagina and vulva, which is a different issue from dry skin elsewhere and has its own treatments. If you have itching, soreness or discomfort in that area, see our guide to vaginal dryness around menopause, and do not use ordinary body moisturisers or fragranced products there.

Other causes of dry or itchy skin

Not all dry or itchy skin is down to menopause. The NHS lists many possible causes of itching, including:

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which causes dry, itchy, cracked skin.
• Psoriasis, which causes patches of flaky skin.
• Allergies and skin reactions, for example to a new detergent, soap or skincare product.
• Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot or thrush.
• Scabies and other parasites.

Less commonly, itchy skin can be a sign of thyroid, liver or kidney problems. An underactive thyroid can cause both dry skin and tiredness, and its symptoms can overlap with menopause.

On the face, persistent redness, flushing and spots may be rosacea, a long-term skin condition that is common in women. Flushing with rosacea can be confused with hot flushes.

When to see a doctor

The NHS advises seeing a GP if itchy skin:

• Is affecting your daily life.
• Does not get better with self-care, or keeps coming back.
• Is caused by a new rash, lump or swelling that you are worried about.
• Is all over your body.
• Is severe.

Also see a doctor or pharmacist if skin is cracked, bleeding or showing signs of infection, such as heat, swelling or oozing, or if you have a new or changing mole or spot. The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist for a skin check before treating dark spots yourself, because skin cancer can sometimes look like an age spot.

If dry skin is part of a wider group of menopause symptoms that are affecting you, it is reasonable to mention it when you talk to a clinician about treatment options. Our guide to preparing for a menopause appointment can help you list everything in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Can menopause cause itchy skin?

Yes. The NHS lists dry and itchy skin among the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and notes that itchy skin is common after the menopause and usually improves over time. Itching that is severe, widespread or comes with a rash should be checked.

What is the best moisturiser for menopausal dry skin?

There is no single best product. Dermatologists recommend fragrance-free creams or ointments, applied after bathing and whenever skin feels dry. Ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum and shea butter can help.

Does HRT help dry skin?

Some women notice changes in their skin when taking hormone replacement therapy, but HRT is not prescribed for dry skin alone. If you are considering HRT for other symptoms, you can ask your clinician about any effects on your skin.

Why is my skin itchier at night?

Many people notice itching more at night, when there are fewer distractions and when they are warm in bed. Keeping the bedroom cool, wearing soft cotton and moisturising before bed may help. Persistent night-time itching is worth discussing with a doctor.

Where to find reliable information

If you want to read further, these organisations publish free, evidence-based information for the public:

• UK: the NHS menopause pages, the NICE menopause guideline and the Women's Health Concern factsheets from the British Menopause Society.
• US: The Menopause Society, ACOG and the National Institute on Aging.
• Australia: Jean Hailes for Women's Health and the Australasian Menopause Society.

Guidance differs a little between countries, and treatment names and availability vary, so check what applies where you live and talk to a clinician about your own situation.

The bottom line

Drier, itchier skin is a common and usually harmless change around menopause. Short, warm showers, a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free cream applied while skin is still damp, and daily sun protection are the foundations. Pay attention to itching that is severe, widespread or comes with a rash, and to any new or changing spots, because those need a professional look.

Educational information only; not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek professional care for symptoms that are severe, persistent, worsening or concerning.