In the United States, approximately 6,000 women enter menopause every day. This new phase of life involves a dramatic dip in estrogen, which, for many women, results in dramatic changes to their skin. Estrogen is the hormone that helps preserve elasticity and moisture in the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, as estrogen levels decrease, fewer of the skin’s natural collagens and oils are stimulated. This often means dry skin, and therefore a good moisturizer is essential. Stripes Dew As I Do Ectoine + Vit C Brightening & Hydrating Cream is up to the challenge, tackling four key concerns of menopausal skin. Here’s what we love about it.

The Benefits

Stripes founder and chief creative officer Naomi Watts says, “Nothing prepared me for early menopause. I’d wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat. My skin was dry and itchy. My hormones were all over the place. I remember feeling so confused and alone, like I didn’t have control over my own body. I created Stripes because we deserve support, solutions and the space to figure it all out. Because while menopause may be part of midlife, midlife is a lot more than just menopause.”

If you can relate and you’re experiencing changes to your maturing skin, this is the moisturizer to try. Packed with antioxidants and the brand’s patent-pending duo of ectoine and sustainably sourced squalane, it effectively quenches dry skin and that uncomfortable tight feeling. Stripes calls ectoine a “genius ingredient that uses smart-targeted hydration to distribute moisture to where the skin needs it most. But that’s not all: It restores life to dull skin, helps balance an uneven skin tone and also improves firmness over time. This increase in firmness and smoothness makes fine lines appear less visible as well.

Though I am not yet experiencing menopause, a few people in my inner circle are. One is in the thick of it right now at age 52 and the other is post-menopausal at age 65. Both gave this moisturizer top marks after using it for a week. They loved the floral scent, the silky, nongreasy texture and the moisturization. One told me, “I felt like my skin stayed hydrated all day, and that’s saying a lot considering how dry my skin is.” Personally, I also appreciate the recyclable pump packaging, which means no risk of dirty fingers in a jar.

Key Ingredients

Vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, ectoin, squalane, and orange stem cells

How to Use It

Apply one to two pumps in the morning after serums. I personally needed two pumps for my face and neck, and so did my other testers. Then follow with sunscreen. I recommend giving it a minute or two to absorb before layering sunscreen on top, as I would suggest with any cream-based moisturizer.