Understanding menopause skin itching | how to soothe your allergies with JulieMay Lingerie

As we head into our perimenopause years and subsequently reach menopause, we can often find that allergies increase, our skin becomes sensitive and itchy skin is more of a problem, especially itchy skin at night.  Hormonal changes during menopause can result in a selection of challenging symptoms, some are well known (like hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness) but others are less understood, and we don't always realise these new symptoms are related to our declining hormone levels.  

Oestrogen is essential in the production of both collagen and the natural oils that keep our skin moisturised.  But as our oestrogen decreases so our skin changes and can become thinner, itchier, sensitive and make us prone to developing allergies.  Dry skin in midlife is much more common, although I don't have any specific allergies, I certainly need to moisturise my skin a lot more often.  My favourite body oil is from Desavery!

Choosing and wearing good quality underwear can not only help you feel more confident it can also make a big difference to the fit and look of your outfit as well as being more comfortable to wear and help with skin irritation and chafing.  If you already have dry, sore skin in menopause then don't make it worse by wearing the wrong lingerie!

This is a sponsored blog post.

Lingerie for menopause and skin itching from JulieMay Lingerie

JulieMay Lingerie - allergy-friendly underwear

JulieMay Lingerie is the first brand to specialise in beautiful, allergy-friendly, luxurious silk and pima cotton underwear that is designed to make you feel fabulous, comfortable AND sooth your skin!

JulieMay Lingerie have a superb selection of bras, briefs and nightwear. Their bras come in different styles to suit your preferred comfort preferences, so there are bralettes, post-surgery bras, front-fastening bras, sports bras and non-wired designs - their underwire is even made from bendable wire that moves with your body.

If you have have a skin condition such as an allergy, skin rash, eczema and psoriasis or you have recently had surgery or have dry skin associated with menopause then JulieMay Lingerie can make a big difference.  The fabric in all their styles is breathable and cooling (great for temperature fluctuations and hot flushes).

Both the bra cup and the gusset in their briefs are lined with pure silk.  And to ensure the underwear you choose is breathable, JulieMay only use organic cotton which is tightly woven as opposed to regular cotton with is a loose knit causing a thermal insulation making you hot and sweaty!

And JulieMay Lingerie is committed to sustainability and are proud that all their lingerie is handmade to conform with ethical, faire trade and sustainable standards.  Their deliveries arrive in fully recyclable paper packaging!

JulieMay specialise in silk and pima cotton underwear for sensitive skin

I am wearing the Elysia bra from JulieMay Lingerie, it is front-fastening, navy blue silk and organic cotton, with a full cup and underwiring.  The bra cup is fully lined with 100% silk and covered in soft pima cotton.  The silk lined cups are moisture wicking to ensure all day comfort and there are no unnecessary labels to irritate either.  The lace detailing adds a pretty finish and the bra is very comfortable and soft to wear.

A front-fastening bra means you don't need to reach back to undo your bra (or secure it depending on how you put your bra on - I do mine up at the front then twist it around) but if you have a physical disability or a shoulder problem (frozen shoulder is much more common in menopause, I know because I have suffered twice) or you have joint pain then a front-fastening bra can be a life saver!

Elysia front-fastening bra and Opal full brief from JulieMay Lingerie

I have paired the Elysia bra with the Opal blue high waisted full brief, made from silk and organic cotton and designed for everyday wear, they have  a 100% silk gusset and silk leg cuff so there is no uncomfortable elastic to dig into your skin or to show through your clothes.

I am a UK size 10 but I prefer to wear a Medium in briefs and my advice is to size up with the JulieMay styles, if you need any help with bra sizes then please refer to the JulieMay Lingerie size chart or contact their very helpful customer services team.  JulieMay have an excellent return and exchange policy too so getting the right size is easy.

Skin health in menopause

You may notice your skin health deteriorates in menopause and common symptoms can include:

• Sensitive skin
• Altered skin sensation (including formication)
• Age spots
• Sun damage
• Vaginal itching
• Allergic reactions
• Prickly skin
• Fungal infections

It is possible to make lifestyle changes to help with these menopause symptoms and promote healthy skin, try to:

• Drink plenty of water to aid with overall hydration.
• Have an oatmeal bath, they are a common remedy for treating itchy areas of the skin and rashes, oatmeal can have an anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and antioxidant benefit for the skin.
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet and try to include foods such as salmon, sweet potatoes and spinach, all packed with essential nutrients to help dry skin and give a moisturising benefit.
• Avoid too much exposure to the sun as it can cause your skin to dry out as well as increase damage to the skin.

As you know I am a big fan of hormone replacement therapy, HRT has so many benefits and if you are able to take it, then it is absolutely worth considering to help with dry skin and vaginal itching, please don't put up with these symptoms, speak to your doctor about your oestrogen levels and to get advice on different HRT options (for example, using a topical oestrogen cream can help with GSM / vaginal atrophy).

Why does menopause itchy skin get worse at night?

Women often report that their itchy skin gets a lot worse at night!  I  regularly experience symptoms of itchy skin when I am tired, I find a warm bath is soothing and helps me relax but why is it more obvious at night?  Some hormones like cortisol levels naturally decrease at night, we are tired and as we are less busy, we may find that that there are no distractions to take our mind off the itchy sensations! 

Plus night sweats can exacerbate skin problems and the right bed linen, duvet and  nightwear can make a big difference.  For night sweats I always recommend a wool duvet - wool has the best temperature regulation properties, as opposed to down which is not so effective at moisture-wicking and can cause mildew or dust mites to form.

JulieMay Lingerie have two nightwear designs, both are 100% silk, there is a camisole top and a cotton and silk nightdress which has a built-in bra.

What are the common triggers for skin irritation?

As well as declining hormone levels, external factors such as perfumed soaps, laundry detergent and skincare products might make things worse.  JulieMay only use eco-friendly detergents and softeners during their manufacturing process and do not use any harmful dyes or bleach.

Be comfortable and ease sensitive skin!

If you are experiencing itchy skin during menopause please do speak to your doctor to get medical advice and a full diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

To explore the full range of allergy-friendly lingerie at JulieMay please visit their website and use the code NEWS20 for 20% off everything!  

Love from 
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this blog post is sponsored by JulieMay Lingerie, the lingerie set I am wearing was gifted to me and my links are affiliate links.  All words and opinions are my own.