Menopause and Skincare
As hormone levels shift during menopause, many women notice changes in their skin. From dryness and sensitivity to new wrinkles or acne, the skin often reflects what’s happening inside the body. But how exactly does menopause affect your skin - and what can you do about it?
In this guide, we explore how declining oestrogen levels impact the skin during different stages of menopause, what symptoms to look out for and how our Advanced Menopause Profile can help you better understand your hormone health and take control of your skincare routine.
How menopause affects your skin
During menopause, the natural decline in oestrogen leads to noticeable changes in your skin’s structure and function. Oestrogen supports skin hydration, thickness, elasticity and collagen production, so as levels fall, your skin may feel drier, thinner and less resilient.
Common effects include dryness, increased sensitivity, loss of firmness and slower healing. Some women may also notice adult acne or breakouts due to fluctuating hormones.
Understanding these changes can help you adjust your skincare routine and expectations as your skin responds differently during menopause.
Common skin changes during menopause
Menopause often brings specific skin changes linked to hormonal shifts, which can affect appearance and comfort. While everyone’s experience varies, these are some common signs to watch for:
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Dry or flaky skin: Reduced oil production can cause tightness and irritation, especially on the face, hands and lower legs.
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Fine lines and wrinkles: Lower collagen levels lead to more visible lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
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Thinning skin: Skin may become fragile and more prone to bruising or damage.
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Adult acne: Hormonal imbalance can trigger breakouts, especially around the jaw and chin.
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Uneven skin tone: Changes in melanin can cause pigmentation issues like age spots or dullness.
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Slower healing: Cuts and blemishes may take longer to fade due to decreased cell turnover.
These changes are natural but can be unsettling. Recognising them is the first step to managing your skin health effectively during menopause.
The impact of hormonal fluctuations on your skin
Your skin is highly responsive to hormonal changes, which is why many women notice shifts in skin health during different stages of life - including menopause. As oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fall, the skin’s structure and function are directly affected.
Oestrogen helps stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid - three essential components that keep skin plump, smooth and hydrated. When levels decline, skin can become thinner, drier and less elastic. You may also notice an increase in fine lines or a duller complexion.
At the same time, a drop in progesterone can lead to an increase in androgens (male hormones), which may stimulate excess oil production and cause breakouts, even if you’ve never had acne before.
These hormonal changes don’t happen all at once - they fluctuate throughout perimenopause and gradually level out post-menopause. This is why skin changes can appear slowly over time or come and go unpredictably.
Tips for maintaining healthy skin during menopause
As oestrogen declines during menopause, your skin may become drier, thinner or more reactive. But the right skincare approach can help maintain a smoother, healthier complexion. Here are some targeted skincare tips for this stage of life:
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Choose a hydrating cleanser Swap foaming or exfoliating face washes for cream-based or oil-based cleansers to avoid stripping moisture from already delicate skin.
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Use moisturisers with barrier-supporting ingredients Look for ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane - these help trap moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.
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Don’t skip SPF Sun protection becomes even more important post-menopause, as skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, age spots and loss of elasticity.
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Introduce gentle actives Retinoids, vitamin C and peptides can help support collagen production and improve skin tone - but start slowly to avoid irritation.
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Keep skincare simple Avoid layering too many products. Stick to a few high-quality essentials to reduce the risk of sensitivity.
Lifestyle factors that support skin health
Healthy skin during menopause isn’t just about what you put on your face - it’s also influenced by what’s happening inside your body. These lifestyle habits can help support your skin from within and promote overall wellbeing:
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Eat a skin-friendly diet Include foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E. Think oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds and plenty of colourful vegetables.
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Exercise regularly Physical activity supports circulation, which helps nourish your skin cells and remove waste products efficiently.
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Manage stress Long-term stress can worsen skin issues like acne or dryness. Mindfulness, walking in nature or simply setting aside time to relax can all help regulate stress hormones.
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Prioritise quality sleep Skin renewal happens overnight. Aim for consistent sleep and reduce screen time in the evenings to improve rest.
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Stay hydrated Drinking water regularly helps keep skin supple. Herbal teas and water-rich foods also contribute to hydration.
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Avoid smoking and limit alcohol Both can speed up skin aging and reduce the skin’s ability to repair itself. Cutting back can have visible skin benefits.
The role of skincare routines during menopause
During menopause, your skin undergoes gradual but significant changes. Having a consistent skincare routine helps you adapt to these changes and maintain healthier, more resilient skin over time. Rather than chasing quick fixes, it’s about building daily habits that support your skin’s evolving needs.
A regular routine allows you to:
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Strengthen your skin barrier As oestrogen levels drop, skin becomes thinner and drier. A tailored routine focused on hydration and barrier repair can reduce sensitivity and support long-term skin integrity.
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Respond to specific concerns Whether it’s fine lines, increased pigmentation or adult breakouts, a consistent approach makes it easier to track what’s working and what’s not - especially as your skin may react differently than it used to.
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Avoid irritation Using too many products or constantly switching can disrupt your skin’s balance. A routine provides structure and reduces the risk of inflammation from overuse of active ingredients.
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Encourage self-care Taking time each day for your skin can be a positive ritual during a life stage that often brings physical and emotional changes. It’s a way to connect with your body and give it the support it needs.
Ultimately, menopause is a time to reassess - not abandon - your skincare approach. What worked in your 30s may no longer serve your skin now, but with a few mindful changes, your routine can remain both effective and enjoyable.
Track your menopause progress with the Advanced Menopause Profile
Understanding how menopause is affecting your skin starts with understanding what’s happening inside your body. Hormonal changes are at the core of many skin-related symptoms, and tracking those shifts can offer useful insight.
The Advanced Menopause Profile from Bluecrest Wellness is a comprehensive blood test that measures key hormone levels associated with menopause. It includes a private GP consultation to help you understand your results and explore next steps.
Whether you’re unsure if you’ve started perimenopause or want clarity on what’s behind recent skin changes, this test can help you make informed decisions about your health and skincare.
