How Your Skin Changes During The Three Phases Of Menopause

The experience of menopause will look different for everyone. But there are three phases of this life shift that are pretty much set in stone, and they initiate some considerable change in your skin. 

If you’ve got a uterus I can, unfortunately, guarantee dryness is on the horizon once you hit 50(ish). 

Here’s what to expect pre, during, and post-menopause.  

Perimenopause

This is the first phase, often coming about in your mid-forties, and lasts for anywhere between three and four (long, tiring, confusing) years. Periods become very irregular at this point as your estrogen levels start to plummet. And trigger a full-body response. 

You can expect hot flashes to kick in here - so you might find your skin gets quite red. Sometimes women experience rosacea at this point too. And breakouts aren’t uncommon; skin that was previously, reliably balanced might start to see dry or oily patches. 

Menopause

I’ve lied to you, just a little, with that whole ‘phase’ messaging. Because menopause is technically a single day. The day that marks one whole year since your final menstrual cycle. 

Skin-related shifts are a little less dramatic here. You’ll likely notice your skin (body and face) starts to look thinner, less plump, and this is because there is a very strong relationship between collagen production, skin thickness, and lack of estrogen. Cell turnover slows riiiight down, and a decrease in humectants found naturally in the skin can exacerbate dryness even more. 

Post-Menopause

Once you enter this phase it’s where you’ll stay. By this point estrogen levels will have stablised at a low level. And the menopausal symptoms you’ve so gracefully endured for the good part of a decade should get milder (phew), and eventually go away entirely (‘bout friggen time). 

So! Grab a cuppa and settle in. Your skin type as you knew it has changed, and your face, at this very point, is a very good indicator of what kind of ‘concerns’ are likely to remain. 

What are the best products for menopausal skin?

Retinoids. 

Whichever form of vitamin A works best for you. This active is going to help repair skin, stimulate collagen production, fight fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone. As long as the product/formula you choose doesn’t dry you out or cause any irritation, it’s fine to use for an extended period of time. 

Peptides.

This total skin saviour has some fierce anti-ageing benefits. The building blocks for protein and collagen, peptides promote firmness and elasticity to help restore some of that plump and bounce back into your skin. A routine must-have if you want to slow the signs of ageing.

Glycerin. 

The unsung hero of the skincare world, perhaps? Glycerin is a master at moisturising and it is entirely non-irritating. A replenishing ingredient that is most effective at reducing moisture loss by holding water within the surface of the skin, to prevent further dryness. Nice. 

Hyaluronic Acid.

A hydration must-have for every skin type. This water-nabber, hyaluronic acid, is a molecule that attracts, binds, and holds moisture in the skin. If your face is feeling thirsty, worn-out, generally sad, this ingredient is going to restore some of the dewiness and plumpness you’ve been craving. 

Aside from that, you need to wear sunscreen. Every single day. Even during winter.