If you’re in the thick of perimenopause or menopause, you’ll know that it brings many changes and annoyingly frustrating unwanted symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings, to name just two, but one of the most unexpected (and frustrating) shifts is what happens to your skin. Suddenly, the skincare products that we once relied on stop delivering results, and
our complexions begin to feel drier, perhaps more sensitive, or even unrecognisable with prominent wrinkles or sagging jowls. If you’ve noticed these changes, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface and why menopause skincare needs a whole new approach.
Oestrogen Decline: The Root of Skin Ageing
Oestrogen (estrogen) is a powerhouse hormone that keeps our skin plump, hydrated, and resilient but when levels start to drop during perimenopause, so does your skin’s ability to maintain its youthful glow, leading to:
✔ Collagen Loss – During the first five years of menopause, up to 30% of collagen can be lost, leading to skin becoming thinner, less firm, and more prone to wrinkles. This is in addition to the 1-2% yearly decrease we've lost since our mid-20s.
✔ Increased Dryness – The drop in oestrogen levels can decrease the skin's oil production, resulting in less moisture and causing the skin to become dry, rough, and flaky.
✔ Weakened Skin Barrier – These combined decreases in collagen and moisture make the skin more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and environmental damage, including increased sensitivity to UV damage.
Collagen & Elastin Breakdown: The Cause of Wrinkles & Sagging
Collagen and elastin are the structural proteins that give our skin firmness and elasticity, playing key roles, so their breakdown during perimenopause and menopause can accelerate visible ageing. As their production slows down, you may notice:
✔ More wrinkles and fine lines – Skin loses its plumpness and smooth texture.
✔ Sagging around the jawline and cheeks – A common frustration due to collagen depletion.
✔ Slower wound healing – Cuts and blemishes take longer to fade.
Skin Lipids & Sebum Production Decline: The Reason for Dryness & Sensitivity
Our skin naturally produces oils that keep it supple and protected, but menopause causes a decline in sebum production, leading to:
✔ Drier, rougher skin – Less oil means less moisture retention.
✔ Increased sensitivity – Skin may react more to products or environmental factors.
✔ More noticeable texture and dullness – Lack of natural oils makes skin appear rough or flaky.
Slower Cell Turnover: The Cause of Dullness & Uneven Skin Tone
Healthy skin relies on a constant skin cell renewal process, but menopause slows this renewal down. As a result:
✔ Skin looks dull and tired – Reduced oestrogen slows blood flow to the skin, decreasing oxygen and nutrient delivery, which results in our complexions looking lacklustre (or, in my case, decidedly grey looking!).
✔ Hyperpigmentation lingers longer – Dark spots and uneven skin tone become more stubborn.
✔ Dead skin cells build up – Slower cell turnover causes dead skin cells to accumulate, making skin appear rough and lifeless while also increasing the risk of clogged pores and menopausal acne (yes… acne during menopause isn’t because of excess oil).
Weakened Skin Barrier & Increased UV Sensitivity: The Need for Extra Protection
As collagen, elastin, and moisture decrease, our skin barrier becomes weaker, leading to our menopausal skin becoming more vulnerable to environmental damage. This makes sun protection a top priority:
✔ More sun damage & age spots – UV exposure affects skin more severely.
✔ Higher risk of irritation & inflammation – Skin may feel more reactive than before, making it essential to test patch new skincare ingredients first.
✔ Conditions like rosacea or eczema may worsen – If your skin becomes more fragile and sensitive, flare-ups of eczema and rosacea may become more frequent and intense.
How to Support Your Skin Through Menopause
The good news? You don’t have to let these changes take control. Adjusting your menopause skincare routine can make all the difference. Focus on:
💛 Hydrating, Barrier-Supporting Ingredients – Key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw moisture in, while ceramides, squalane, and shea butter lock in hydration and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier—helping to prevent flare-ups, irritation, and environmental damage.
💛 Collagen-Boosting Actives – Peptides, retinol, and vitamin C stimulate collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
💛 Daily Sun Protection – Consistent daily sunscreen use prevents accelerated ageing and pigmentation caused by UV exposure.
💛 Exfoliation – Gentle AHAs like mandelic acid or lactic acid (or glycolic acid if your skin isn’t too sensitive) help remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion and prevent pores from being clogged. Always patch-test first to check for sensitivity.
Your skin may be changing, but with the right approach, effective ingredients and consistent skincare routines you can keep it glowing, healthy, and strong.
✨ Have you noticed changes in your skin due to menopause? What’s been your biggest struggle? Think about leaving a comment and let's get the conversation started.😊💖
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