As women, we're often prepared for hot flushes, sleep disturbances and changing periods during perimenopause and menopause. What many of us aren't prepared for is the impact these hormonal changes can have on our skin.
In a recent podcast discussion, menopause expert Dr Louise Newson spoke with consultant dermatologist Dr Sajjad Rajpar about the relationship between hormones and skin health. Their conversation highlighted something many women experience but rarely connect to menopause: sudden changes in skin quality, hydration, elasticity and appearance.
Why Does Skin Change During Menopause?
Oestrogen plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps support:
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Collagen production
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Skin thickness
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Hydration
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Elasticity
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Wound healing
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Skin barrier function
As oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, these protective effects diminish.
The result can be skin that feels noticeably different almost overnight.
Women commonly report:
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Increased dryness
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Thinning skin
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Fine lines becoming more noticeable
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Loss of firmness
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Increased sensitivity
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Slower healing
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Acne breakouts despite never having had acne before
Many women assume these changes are simply ageing. While ageing certainly plays a role, hormonal changes are often a significant contributor.
The Hidden Impact of Collagen Loss
One of the most important points discussed was the effect menopause has on collagen.
Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its strength and resilience. Research has shown that women can lose a significant amount of collagen in the first few years after menopause.
This loss contributes to:
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Sagging skin
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Reduced skin density
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Fine lines and wrinkles
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Crepey texture
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Slower recovery from environmental damage
This is often why women notice rapid changes in their appearance during their 40s and 50s, even when their skincare routine has remained unchanged.
Why Is My Skin So Dry?
Dry skin is one of the most common complaints during perimenopause.
Lower oestrogen levels can reduce the skin's natural production of oils and moisture-retaining substances. The skin barrier becomes less effective, allowing water to escape more easily.
Women may notice:
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Tightness after washing
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Flaking
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Itching
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Increased sensitivity
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Difficulty tolerating products they previously used without issue
For some women, dryness extends beyond the face and affects the entire body.
Menopause and Acne: Yes, It's a Thing
Many women are surprised when acne appears in their 40s or 50s.
Hormonal fluctuations can create an imbalance between oestrogen and androgens, leading to:
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Oily skin
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Congestion
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Breakouts around the jawline and chin
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Persistent adult acne
This can be particularly frustrating when it occurs alongside dryness and sensitivity.
Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help?
A key discussion point in the podcast was the potential benefit of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for skin health.
By replacing declining oestrogen levels, HRT may help support:
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Skin hydration
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Collagen production
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Elasticity
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Overall skin quality
Dr Newson and Dr Rajpar discussed the effectiveness of body-identical oestrogen delivered through gels and patches, which are absorbed through the skin.
While HRT is not prescribed solely for cosmetic reasons, many women notice improvements in their skin after commencing treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Every woman is different, and decisions about HRT should be made in consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Looking After Menopausal Skin
Dr Rajpar shared three simple but powerful recommendations:
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Avoid harsh soaps that strip the skin barrier.
Choose a gentle cleanser and moisturise twice daily to support hydration and barrier function.
2. Be Serious About Sun Protection
Sun exposure remains one of the biggest drivers of skin ageing.
Daily SPF 50+ use helps protect collagen and prevent pigmentation and premature ageing.
3. Stop Smoking
Smoking significantly accelerates skin ageing.
Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and contributes to collagen breakdown, making wrinkles and skin damage more pronounced.
A Holistic Approach to Skin Health
At Beauty Reclaimed, we often see women seeking treatment for pigmentation, dryness, loss of firmness, sensitivity and changes in skin texture.
While treatments such as IPL, skin needling, radiofrequency and professional skincare can play an important role, it's equally important to consider what may be happening internally.
Sometimes the most effective approach combines:
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Medical assessment
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Hormonal evaluation
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Evidence-based skincare
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Sun protection
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Professional skin treatments
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Healthy lifestyle habits
Your skin is often reflecting changes occurring throughout the body.
The Take-Home Message
If you've noticed your skin becoming drier, thinner, more sensitive or less resilient in your 40s or 50s, you're not imagining it.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can have a profound effect on skin health. Understanding the connection is the first step toward finding solutions that address the cause rather than simply treating the symptoms.
The good news is that there are more options available than ever before—both medically and cosmetically—to help women maintain healthy, resilient skin through this stage of life.
Interested in learning more about menopause, skin health or women's wellness? Book a consultation with our team to discuss a personalised plan tailored to your symptoms, skin concerns and goals.