A: One of the main causes of ageing is the gradual loss of water in the skin.

The body uses the water in the skin to move nutrients to the skin's connective tissues and flush out waste products.

Connective tissues starved of nutrients and surrounded by waste products gradually lose their strength, which results in less elastic skin and premature wrinkles.

During normal ageing this process is relatively gradual, but the abrupt hormonal changes that occur during the menopause causes skin to thin and dry more quickly.

Unfortunately, it is quite common for women going through the menopause to notice a marked difference in the way their skin looks and feels - and yes, this on top of the night sweats and hot flushes!

While wrinkles are of course inevitable, there is a natural element that can keep your skin looking younger and healthier for longer.

It is called silicon and it is the second most abundant element on earth, which is rather handy because it is also incredibly important.

Silica, from which the body produces silicon, works to support connective tissues, strengthening hair, skin and nails by encouraging the body to hold on to water and other vital nutrients.

It does occur naturally within our bodies but tends to decline with age.

A silicon supplement can help to restore this loss. Silicea from Hübner is a pure mineral combination of silicon and water, which allows the body to absorb silicon.

It restores the water content in the connective tissue, allowing essential nutrients to be absorbed more easily and helping to improve skin elasticity.

One hundred per cent natural, it is available in colloidal form, in capsules suitable for vegans and vegetarians and as a topical gel. As your skin is very dry, you may find the Silicea Gel more soothing.

For further advice, ask at your local health shop.