Menopause & Your Skin: Common Questions Answered

Menopause is something that still isn’t talked about enough - yet it’s an experience every woman will go through at some point in their life. At Skin Ritual, we want to open that conversation and shine a light on what really happens to the skin during this transition.

So first - what is menopause?

Menopause usually occurs in our forties or fifties (average age is 51) and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. The hormonal transition often spans 7+ years, during which estrogen and progesterone levels decline. These shifts affect sleep, mood, metabolism, bone density - and, importantly, the skin.

What is the difference between peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause?

The whole process is generally referred to as menopause, but there are three distinct stages:

• Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause. It often begins in a woman’s 40s (sometimes late 30s) and typically lasts around four years - but can be longer, or shorter. Hormone levels fluctuate during this time, which causes irregular periods, hot flushes, and early changes in the skin such as dryness or sensitivity.

• Menopause refers to the point in time where you reach 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.

• Post-menopause is everything that comes after you have had 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone remain low, and this is when accelerated skin ageing often becomes most noticeable - with faster collagen loss, thinner skin, and more visible volume changes.

What happens to the skin during menopause?

During menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone levels cause several key changes in the skin. The skin becomes thinner and less elastic, cell turnover slows down, oil production decreases, and collagen density drops sharply (up to 30% within the first 5 years post-menopause). This can result in dryness, increased sensitivity, dullness, fine lines, sagging, and loss of facial volume.

Why does skin age faster after menopause?

Estrogen is a key hormone that supports collagen production, hydration, and skin barrier function. When estrogen declines, your skin produces less collagen and elastin, oil glands become less active, and the dermo-epidermal junction (where the top and middle layers of skin meet) weakens. Together, these changes accelerate visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging, and skin fragility.

How can I improve menopausal skin naturally?

Lifestyle choices have a huge impact on menopausal skin. The most effective habits include:

• Wearing sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage.

• Staying hydrated and prioritising good sleep.

• Reducing alcohol, sugar, and smoking, all of which accelerate skin ageing.

• Eating a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein and antioxidants to support repair.

• Utilising skin-supportive topicals - like vitamin A (eg. retinol), vitamin B, and vitamin C.

• Facial oils (like rosehip) and topical ceramides, can be incredibly helpful to reduce sensitivity and dryness

What are the best skin treatments for menopause?

Once your home care routine is strong, clinical treatments can help significantly. Options include:

• Microneedling (aka, collagen induction therapy): Stimulates new collagen and elastin, thickens underlying layers of the skin for better structural support, reduces fine lines and laxity

• Chemical peels: Smooth texture, encourage cell turnover, reduce pigmentation. Vitamin A based peels also stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin.

• Aerolase laser: Stimulates collagen and elastin production, treats deep pigmentation, and reduces facial redness/treats visible capillaries - all with zero downtime.

• Cosmetic injectable biostimulators (such as Profhilo and Sunekos): Restore volume and stimulate collagen.

Should I see a professional for menopausal skin changes?

Yes. While skincare and lifestyle are important, expert guidance makes a big difference. A skin therapist can personalise treatments for your skin, and women’s health specialists, naturopaths, or integrative doctors can support your overall wellbeing during menopause.

If you’d like tailored skin advice, you can book a complimentary skin consultation with Skin Ritual here.