How Menopause Changes Your Skin (And What Actually Helps)

Menopause is a significant hormonal transition, and while we often talk about hot flushes, sleep changes and mood fluctuations, our skin is also deeply affected by changing hormones. 

As oestrogen levels decline, the skin can become drier, thinner and less resilient. Changes that may have developed gradually over years can sometimes seem to appear almost overnight. 

Understanding why these changes happen is the first step towards adjusting your skincare and treatment approach. 

What happens to the skin during menopause? 

Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the skin. It supports collagen production, hydration, elasticity, wound healing and the skin's natural barrier. 

As oestrogen declines, several noticeable changes can occur. 

1. Collagen production decreases 

One of the most significant changes is a reduction in collagen. 

Collagen provides much of the skin's structure and firmness. With declining oestrogen, collagen production decreases, contributing to: 

• Loss of firmness 
• Fine lines and wrinkles 
• Increased skin laxity 
• Changes in facial contours 
• More noticeable creasing around the mouth and eyes 

This is one reason the skin may begin to look thinner or less "supported" during and after menopause. 

 

 

2. Skin becomes drier 

Many women notice that their skin feels considerably drier during menopause, even if they previously had normal or oily skin. 

Lower oestrogen can affect the skin's ability to retain moisture and support its natural barrier. This can lead to: 

• Tightness 
• Flakiness 
• Rough texture 
• Increased sensitivity 
• A dull or dehydrated appearance 

Your skincare routine may therefore need to change from focusing primarily on oil control or exfoliation to barrier support and hydration. 

3. Skin becomes thinner and more fragile 

The dermis becomes thinner as collagen and other structural components decline. 

This can make the skin appear more delicate and can mean that treatments, products and environmental factors that were previously tolerated easily may suddenly cause irritation. 

Gentler does not mean ineffective. During menopause, protecting the skin barrier becomes increasingly important. 

5. Pigmentation can become more noticeable 

Hormonal changes can influence pigmentation, while cumulative sun exposure becomes increasingly visible as we age. 

Dark spots, uneven skin tone and areas of pigmentation may therefore become more apparent around menopause. 

Daily broad-spectrum SPF remains one of the most important steps in preventing further photo ageing and pigmentation. 

 

 

6. The skin may become more sensitive 

A compromised skin barrier can make the skin more reactive. 

Products containing strong acids, retinoids or fragrances that were previously tolerated may suddenly cause dryness, redness or stinging. 

This doesn't necessarily mean you need to stop active skincare altogether. Instead, it may be beneficial to introduce active ingredients more gradually and prioritise hydration and barrier repair. 

How should your skincare change? 

The goal during menopause should be to hydrate, protect, stimulate and strengthen. 

Prioritise hydration 

Look for ingredients such as: 

• Hyaluronic acid 
• Glycerin 
• Ceramides 
• Squalane 
• Panthenol 

A richer moisturiser may also become more comfortable than the lightweight formulas you previously used. 

Continue using antioxidants 

Antioxidants such as vitamin C can help support the skin against environmental oxidative stress and can be useful for maintaining a brighter, more even complexion. 

  

Consider a gentle retinoid 

Retinoids can support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines and texture. 

However, menopausal skin may be more sensitive, so start slowly and build tolerance rather than assuming that stronger is better. 

Don't underestimate SPF  

Sun exposure remains one of the biggest contributors to visible skin ageing. 

A broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 used consistently can help protect against further collagen breakdown, pigmentation and photo ageing. 

Don't over-exfoliate 

When skin becomes drier and more sensitive, excessive exfoliation can damage the barrier and make the skin feel worse. 

If your skin is becoming reactive, consider reducing the frequency of acids and physical exfoliation. 

What about professional treatments? 

This is where a personalised approach can be particularly valuable. 

Rather than focusing solely on treating individual wrinkles, menopausal skin often benefits from treatments designed to improve skin quality, collagen stimulation, hydration, pigmentation and overall resilience. 

Depending on your individual skin, suitable options may include LED therapy, peels, microneedling, IPL, Skin boosters, dermal filler/neuromodulators or other evidence-based treatments. 

The most appropriate treatment will depend on your skin condition, sensitivity, medical history, medications and the results you are hoping to achieve. 

 

 

Menopause doesn't mean your skin has to "give up" 

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the changes it brings to the skin are very real. 

The key is recognising that your skin's needs have changed. 

Instead of trying to recreate the skin you had in your 20s or 30s, the goal should be to maintain strong, healthy, hydrated and resilient skin as you move through this new stage. 

With the right combination of skincare, sun protection, lifestyle and appropriately selected professional treatments, there is a great deal we can do to support the skin through menopause and beyond.