04 Aug 2023

Menopause advice: Caring for skin & breast sensitivity

Our bodies are always changing. But sometimes, we face a big or sudden change that may prove challenging to deal with. For many women, menopause is one of those big life changes.

Menopause can cause changes in every aspect of the body, from the skin to the breasts, mood, sex drive, and a host of other areas.

How can you deal with the skin sensitivity that comes with menopause?

What can you do to alleviate menopause-induced breast sensitivity, soreness and tenderness?

How to keep cool during a hot flush?

Why are these changes happening in the first place?

You probably have a lot of questions. We discuss these and more in this brief guide on breast sensitivity: menopause edition.

Why does our body change during menopause?

While we might think that menopause and all its hardships are down to the M word itself, it might interest you to know that many of the changes are actually down to a shift in the hormones we produce during the perimenopause stage.

The perimenopause phase is characterised by sudden fluctuations of the oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels in the body.

These changes have an array of effects, from skin dryness, period flow, and breast bounce along with many others which is why it is so important to care for these tender areas as kindly as possible.

Managing skin sensitivity and changes caused by menopause

One of the most prominent changes that happen to the body in the process leading up to menopause is the significant decrease in the body’s production of the oestrogen hormone.

The oestrogen hormone plays a vital role in the body’s production of collagen and some natural oils that are known to help keep the skin moisturised. During perimenopause, the body’s production of this oestrogen hormone is significantly reduced.

Collagen protein, on its own, is also one of the most important building blocks of the skin.

With the reduced production of oestrogen, both collagen and natural oils are also reduced significantly. This is why women may experience dryer, tighter, and itchy skin during the perimenopause period and shortly after menopause.

Here are some tips to help you manage this condition;

Use high-quality moisturisers like Balmonds or organic aloe vera gel to keep your body well moisturised.
OTC anti-itch creams can also help when you experience itchy or inflamed skin.
You may find that during this time, you develop new allergies or find old comforts irritating, especially clothing. This is another common symptom for many women.
Invest in natural fibre products, clothes, bras, knickers, etc.
Use only allergy-friendly laundry products like Allersearch Allergen, Ecozone, and Ecover, among others.

Moisture-Wicking and Cooling Technologies

Hot flushes can cause sweating, leading to unpleasant odours, not to mention the stress of suddenly feeling like you have flown into the sun.

Choosing underwear made with natural, breathable fibres can help regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling fresh and comfortable.

You may wish to pair this with a natural deodorant; avoid any with aluminium as their active ingredient so as not to block your sweat glands, which can interfere with oestrogen receptors in the breasts and lead to rashes and prickly, itchy skin.

Allergy-free underwear is also highly recommended to avoid heat rashes, hives, and other conditions that could be triggered when someone comes in contact with products containing substances they could be allergic to.

Seriously consider avoiding synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester, as well as underwear with metals like nickel and more if you are allergic to those.

Talking of allergic skin reactions, chemicals such as dyes, phthalates, flame retardants, and others used during the manufacturing process of most underwear products can induce allergic skin reactions in people with sensitive skin during menopause.

Hypoallergenic underwear products like the dye-free organic cotton underwear products will ensure you don’t get to experience any skin reactions and irritations that may worsen hot flushes during menopause.

JulieMay Lingerie is the only brand that has been accredited by AllergyUK to be friendly for people with allergic reactions to synthetic fibres and sensitive skin after breast surgeries. Their collections have been approved by qualified dermatologists to be hypoallergenic.

JulieMay Lingerie uses organic pima cotton lined with pure mulberry peace silk, which offers moisture-wicking and cooling technologies in its designs, making it compatible with women seeking menopause underwear.

The properties of natural fibres allow for the best of both worlds, whether it’s keeping the body cool and dry or wicking moisture away during sweaty moments, especially at night.

Menopause care for breast sensitivity and tenderness

Above, we discussed breast changes during menopause and why organic cotton bras are the best bras for sore breasts during menopause.

Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can cause a buildup of fluid in the breasts. This can make the breast swollen and tender, sore or painful, smaller or bigger, and a lot more sensitive.

Whatever happens, the tips below will help make the experience a lot less painful;

Invest in well-fitting bras - sports bras are the best for giving the ladies all-day support.
Consider wearing natural fabrics where you are most sensitive; this will alleviate some agitation to sensitive breasts and be gentle on any especially dry areas.
Hypoallergenic clothing will reduce the risk of irritation, rubbing, scratching, and sweat build-up, with their natural fibres being soft on the skin. These allergy-friendly organic cotton bras will offer all-day support with none of the digging-in or irritating straps that pull.
Reduce smoking and caffeine intake
Take more hot showers and warm compress.
Reduce fat and sodium intake.
Increase vitamins like B6 and Vitamin E. These have been shown to reduce breast pain, and Vitamin E has been shown to protect breast cells.

breast sensitivity — Valentina - hypoallergenic bra set

You won't be able to change the natural tides of your body, but you can always look to alleviate any stress on it by taking care of yourself and choosing to take positive action.

Julie May offers organic cotton bras that are strategically designed to help mitigate the pain, soreness, sensitivity, tenderness, and overheating that may be caused by menopause.

Sometimes, women also struggle with these challenges even without menopause or any significant reason. Whatever your situation, their allergy-friendly organic cotton bras, briefs, and nightwear will help maintain your skin health and keep you comfortable all day.

Use code NEWS20 to get 20% off and reclaim your breast health with a beautiful new set from JulieMay.