Natural Menopause

Why Menopause Affects the Skin and Mucous Membranes: Hormonal Causes

It all starts with a drop—in estrogen levels. These sex hormones, produced by the ovaries, do more than just regulate the menstrual cycle; they play a major role in the beauty and health of the skin. Estrogen-specific receptors are present in the epidermis and dermis. When production plummets, the entire skin’s balance is disrupted.

Specifically, estrogen deficiency leads to:

• A loss of collagen of about 2% per year, or up to 30% in the first 5 years after menopause
• A decrease in sebum production, which deprives the skin of its protective hydrolipidic film
• A slowdown in the cell turnover of keratinocytes
• A decline in natural hyaluronic acid, which is essential for skin hydration

Progesterone, which also declines, regulated sebum production and promoted cell renewal. Its decline exacerbates dryness. As a result, the skin barrier is compromised, the skin becomes thinner, wrinkles deepen, and the mucous membranes lose their comfort. According to the Peau’M study for Vichy Laboratories, the top three changes observed during menopause are loss of elasticity (50.7%), dryness (44.9%), and deepening wrinkles (44.7%).

Dry skin and dry mucous membranes: two problems, two mechanisms

We tend to lump everything together. However, dry skin and dry mucous membranes aren’t caused by exactly the same mechanism, even though they share a common cause: estrogen deficiency.

Dry skin results from a decrease in sebum and hyaluronic acid. The skin becomes rough, a tight feeling sets in, and fine lines caused by dehydration appear alongside deeper wrinkles. The skin barrier, now weakened, can no longer retain moisture properly. Clinically, this dryness is observed in 36% of postmenopausal women.

Mucosal dryness, particularly vaginal dryness, is associated with tissue atrophy. The mucous membranes, which are naturally thin and moist, become even thinner. Intimate comfort decreases, and the vaginal flora may become unbalanced. Although often considered a taboo subject, vaginal dryness affects a large number of women and requires specific care.

For the skin on the face and body, rich, moisturizing creams are recommended. For the mucous membranes, the approach also involves an internal component: dietary supplements that nourish the tissues from within.

Omega-7 fatty acids from sea buckthorn: a natural ally for mucous membranes and mature skin

If you’re looking for a natural ingredient that can address both dry skin and dry mucous membranes, sea buckthorn is definitely worth considering. This berry contains 20 times more omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) than any other fruit in the world. Palmitoleic acid is the natural substance most similar to human sebum. It is easily absorbed by the skin and helps restore the hydrolipidic film.

Omega-7 fatty acids help keep mucous membranes hydrated, support tissue regeneration, and have anti-inflammatory properties. They also contribute to the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin firmness and elasticity.

A randomized, double-blind study published by Larmo et al. in Maturitas (2014) followed 116 postmenopausal women for 3 months, comparing supplementation with 3 g/day of sea buckthorn oil versus a placebo. Result: women taking sea buckthorn were 3.1 times more likely to improve the integrity of their vaginal mucosa than the placebo group (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.11–8.95). These results speak for themselves.

But sea buckthorn is more than just omega-7. The berry also contains 9 times more vitamin C than an orange, 10 times more beta-carotene than a carrot, and 4 times more vitamin E than sunflower oil. It’s a true antioxidant powerhouse that supports cell renewal and protects the skin from aging.

Skincare for Menopause: Which Natural Ingredients Should You Choose to Fight Wrinkles?

Skin going through menopause needs nourishment, hydration, and protection. Here are the natural active ingredients proven to be effective for mature skin:

• Hyaluronic acid: plumps the skin and locks in moisture. Low-molecular-weight forms penetrate deep into the epidermis.
• Vitamin C: an antioxidant, it supports collagen synthesis and helps reduce dark spots.
• Vitamin E: protects cell membranes from oxidative stress.
• Ceramides and emollients —such as plant oils, squalane, and nourishing butters—strengthen the skin barrier and help compensate for the loss of sebum.
• Bakuchiol: a plant-based alternative to retinol that is better tolerated by skin sensitized by menopause.

Phytoestrogens (soy, red clover, flax) are sometimes mentioned. They may be beneficial, but the evidence is still limited, and their use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

What really makes a difference is the combination of active ingredients and the quality of the formulation. At Maison de l’Argousier, our creams combine native sea buckthorn berry water (rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, and malic acid) with sea buckthorn berry oil (omega-7, vitamin E, and beta-carotene). This whole extract, obtained through enzymatic extraction without solvents or heat, preserves the integrity of each active ingredient.

A tailored beauty routine: from face to body, morning to night

The key is to tailor your routine. There’s no need to use a bunch of different products. It’s better to choose targeted skincare products and use them regularly.

In the morning:

1. Gentle cleansing (milk or oil, never harsh soap)
2. Secret d’Éclat, a sea buckthorn-based facial mist: rich in vitamin C and malic acid, it soothes, restores radiance, and prepares the skin for the next step in your skincare routine
3. Nutri-Active for normal to dry skin, a nourishing and firming cream. Or Lissant Actif if you have combination skin and are concerned about a greasy film
4. Sun protection (the most underrated anti-wrinkle measure)

In the evening:

1. Gentle double cleansing
2. Secret Sublimant, a dry sea buckthorn oil, for daily skincare or as a mask. With its sebum-regulating properties, it deeply nourishes without leaving a greasy residue, thanks to omega-7. A valuable asset when your skin craves nourishment but doesn’t want to look shiny
3. Apply your usual moisturizer on top if needed

For the body, applying a rich moisturizer after showering, while the skin is still slightly damp, helps the active ingredients penetrate more effectively. Secret Sublimant can also be used as a body treatment for the driest areas.

Clinical trials: results measured on mature skin

Promises are good. Proof is better. Maison de l’Argousier’s Nutri-Actif cream was the subject of a clinical trial conducted by Eurofins on a panel of 22 women aged 50 to 70, over 22 consecutive days of use. The results, evaluated using a clinical scoring system, are statistically significant:

100% of testers noticed softer, more supple, better-hydrated, and more nourished skin. 100% reported no discomfort. These are facts you can verify—not just marketing claims.

Dietary supplements: tackling dryness and aging from the inside out

Naturopath Myriam Lepetit-Brière points out that about 75% of skin health depends on internal factors, such as cell membranes, inflammatory balance, and oxidative stress. That is why even the best external skincare regimen benefits from being supplemented with targeted internal support.

La Rayonnante combines organic sea buckthorn berry oil with coenzyme Q10, lutein, and vitamin E. Four ingredients—not a single one more. This blend nourishes the mucous membranes, protects membrane lipids, and supports skin regeneration. Many women report improved intimate comfort within 3 to 4 weeks and softer skin in about a month.

Other dietary supplements, such as evening primrose oil or marine collagen, can complement this approach. The key is to choose simple, 100% natural formulations without unnecessary additives.

What to Avoid in Your Menopause Care Routine

Skin during menopause is more sensitive. Certain ingredients or skincare routines can make the situation worse:

• Harsh soaps and cleansers that strip away what little sebum is left
• Coarse-grained scrubs on already thinning skin
• High-concentration retinol from the start (start low, at 0.1–0.3%)
• Endocrine disruptors (parabens, phthalates) in intimate care products
• Essential oils on mucous membranes: potentially irritating
• Keep using your pre-menopausal moisturizer: if your skin has changed, your skincare routine should change too

Choose products that contain at least 96% natural ingredients, are clinically tested, and are free of endocrine disruptors. Checking the YUKA app can help you decide which products to choose.

Rediscovering comfort and beauty: a holistic approach

Menopause is not a disease. It is a stage of life that affects all women. And according to a field survey cited in a French pharmacy thesis, 47.4% of women refuse hormone replacement therapy, mainly out of fear of side effects or a desire for natural remedies. The demand for alternative solutions is very real.

The most effective approach combines:

• Appropriate skincare products (rich moisturizing cream, sebum-regulating dry oil, antioxidant mineral water)
• Targeted dietary supplements to nourish the skin and mucous membranes from the inside
• Tips for a healthy lifestyle: staying properly hydrated, eating a diet rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, getting regular exercise, and using sunscreen every day

As women, we support one another. And taking care of your skin during menopause isn’t a luxury or a matter of vanity. It’s simply about respecting your body as it goes through a challenging phase.

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources and references

• Larmo PS et al., “Effect of a low dose of sea buckthorn berries on circulating concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and flavonols in healthy adults,” Maturitas, 2014. Read on PubMed
• Eurofins EVIC France clinical trial, study STUVY23AA0274-1, 2023. Panel of 22 women aged 50 to 70, 22 days of use (internal data from Maison de l’Argousier).
• 2022 Kantar quantitative study conducted in France, Germany, the United States, and Brazil (cited by Vichy Laboratoires).
• Peau’M Study for Vichy Laboratories (data on perceived skin changes during menopause).

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