Menopause can bring noticeable changes to your skin. You may find that your complexion suddenly feels drier, more sensitive or less firm, while concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation, redness and breakouts become more prominent.
These changes are not simply a result of getting older. The hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can directly affect the structure, hydration and function of your skin. As oestrogen levels decline, the skin's ability to retain moisture and support collagen production can change, making it important to reassess your skincare routine.
The good news? With the approach from Skin Pharamcy, we can support your skin through this transition and beyond.
Why does menopause affect your skin?
Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. It supports collagen production, hydration, skin thickness, elasticity and the skin barrier. As oestrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, these functions can be affected.
One of the most significant changes is the reduction in collagen. Research highlighted by the British Skin Foundation suggests that around 30% of dermal collagen can be lost during the first five years after menopause. This can contribute to a noticeable change in firmness, elasticity and skin texture.
At the same time, the skin may become less effective at retaining moisture and the protective skin barrier can become more vulnerable. This can result in the familiar combination of dryness, sensitivity and increased reactivity.
Common menopause skin changes
Every woman's experience of menopause is different, but there are several skin concerns that are particularly common during this stage of life.
Dryness and dehydration
One of the most noticeable changes can be a sudden loss of hydration. Skin may feel tight, rough, flaky or uncomfortable and fine lines can appear more pronounced when the skin is dehydrated.
This can affect more than just the face. The neck, chest, hands and body can also become noticeably drier.
Loss of firmness and elasticity
As collagen levels decline, skin can gradually lose some of its structural support. You may notice less firmness around the cheeks and jawline, changes in facial definition or a crepey appearance, particularly around the neck.
This is a natural part of the ageing process, but the hormonal changes associated with menopause can accelerate some of these changes.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced collagen, changes in hydration and declining skin elasticity can make fine lines and wrinkles more visible.
Rather than simply adding more anti-ageing products, menopausal skin often benefits from a balanced approach that combines hydration, barrier support, antioxidant protection and carefully introduced active ingredients.
Increased sensitivity
Products that you've used comfortably for years may suddenly start to sting or cause redness.
This can happen because changes in the skin barrier make menopausal skin more susceptible to irritation. If your skin has become more reactive, it may be time to simplify your routine and reconsider how frequently you use stronger active ingredients.
Redness and rosacea
Hormonal changes can coincide with increased facial flushing and sensitivity. For some women, existing conditions such as rosacea may become more noticeable.
If persistent redness, flushing or irritation is affecting your skin, professional advice can help determine whether you're dealing with a skincare sensitivity or an underlying skin condition.
Breakouts and hormonal acne
Menopause doesn't necessarily mean the end of breakouts.
As oestrogen declines, changes in the balance between oestrogen and androgen hormones can contribute to oil production and congestion. Some women therefore experience spots around the chin, jawline and lower face, even if acne hasn't been an issue since their teenage years.
This can make your current skincare particularly challenging because the skin may be simultaneously dry and breakout-prone.
Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
Hormonal changes can also contribute to pigmentation concerns such as melasma, while years of cumulative sun exposure can become increasingly visible.
Menopausal skin may also be more prone to irritation, and irritation itself can make pigmentation more difficult to manage. A gentle, personalised approach is therefore important.
How should you care for menopausal skin?
The key is not necessarily to use more products. It's about using the right products for what your skin needs.
Your routine should focus on four priorities: hydration, barrier support, targeted actives and daily sun protection. Book a consultation below, for our Skin Concierge personalised routine to menopause skin.
1. Prioritise hydration
When skin becomes drier, hydration should become a central part of your routine.
Look for ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Glycerin
- Squalane
Hyaluronic acid helps attract and retain water, while ceramides support the skin barrier. Richer moisturisers can also help reduce moisture loss and make dry, uncomfortable skin feel more comfortable.
If your skin has become particularly dry or sensitive, consider switching to a gentle cleanser and avoiding unnecessarily harsh cleansing products.
2. Support your skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier helps protect against environmental stressors while keeping moisture within the skin.
During menopause, it's particularly important not to over-exfoliate or introduce multiple powerful actives at once. If your skin feels tight, stings when products are applied or becomes persistently irritated, simplify your routine.
A gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF can provide an excellent foundation before introducing additional treatments.
3. Consider targeted active ingredients
Once your skin barrier is comfortable and supported, targeted actives can be introduced according to your concerns.
Retinoids and retinol can support skin renewal and collagen production, making them useful for concerns such as fine lines, texture and pigmentation. However, they can initially cause dryness or irritation, so menopausal skin may benefit from a much more gradual introduction.
Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and can help brighten uneven skin tone while supporting collagen production.
Peptides can complement an anti-ageing routine by supporting the appearance of firmer, healthier-looking skin.
Azelaic acid can be particularly useful if you're experiencing a combination of redness, pigmentation and breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a versatile option for skin that has become more reactive.
The right combination will depend on your skin and a consultation with the Skin Concierge is highly recommended.
4. Never underestimate SPF
Daily sunscreen remains one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, particularly as you move through menopause.
UV exposure contributes significantly to premature skin ageing and collagen breakdown. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should be applied every morning, even when the weather doesn't feel particularly sunny.
If pigmentation is a concern, consistent sun protection is particularly important because UV exposure can contribute to increased pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Find the right skincare routine for your skin
There is no single "menopause skincare routine" that works for everyone. Your skin type, concerns, sensitivity and existing routine all need to be considered.
At Skin Pharmacy, our curated collection of professional skincare is designed to help you find targeted solutions for your individual skin concerns.
If you're unsure where to start, speak to the Skin Pharmacy Concierge team for personalised skincare advice. Our experts can help you understand what your skin needs and recommend a routine tailored to your goals, whether you're dealing with dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, breakouts, loss of firmness or a combination of concerns.
