Unfortunately, unlike your first period, menopause does not come with a reassuring adult in tow to show you the ropes. Menopause can come with a host of challenges that go far beyond the appearance of your skin, and while different for everyone, will require some lifestyle adjustments to accommodate this transition period.

This being said skin does tend to be one of the things people notice changes significantly when they go through menopause. You may have breezed through your teenage acne or made peace with fine lines and wrinkles, but the skin changes caused by menopause can be a whole new ball game. Well, knowledge is power and with the right knowledge and products, your skin can still feel healthy, vibrant, and glowing during this phase. It’s important to remember that ageing is a blessing, so try to treat yourself and your skin with kindness as it undergoes one of life's most significant transition periods.

So you can be prepared, here’s a break down of what exactly to expect when it comes to skin and menopause.

Why menopause affects our skin

It all comes down to oestrogen, a hormone you’ve probably heard a lot about, but now it’s playing an entirely different role. Oestrogen is responsible for keeping your skin supple, hydrated, and full of collagen. As menopause approaches, your body produces less and less of this wonder hormone, leading to some less-than-pleasant side effects. Think dryness, sagging, and fine lines popping up faster than you'd like.

Collagen, elastin, and moisture retention all take a hit as oestrogen declines, causing the skin to lose that bouncy, plump texture you’ve come to know and love. In fact, research shows that women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen in the first five years after menopause begins. This is a natural part of ageing, but it doesn’t have to be a total game-over for your skin if you’re equipped with the right knowledge and products.

Common skin concerns during menopause

Dryness and dehydration

As oestrogen helps your skin retain moisture, the reduced levels of this hormone during menopause cause your skin to struggle to hold onto hydration. You may notice your once oily or combination skin now feels dehydrated, tight, and flaky. The skin’s natural ability to stay hydrated declines, leading to more frequent dry patches and an overall sense of dryness, and this has the unfortunate byproduct of making your skin more prone to irritation, with a lack of moisture leaving it vulnerable to external aggressors.

Loss of firmness and elasticity

One of the most visible signs of menopausal skin is the loss of firmness. As collagen production slows down, the skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to sagging. While this will happen with ageing anyway, the sharp drop in oestrogen can cause it to be more noticeable for some, especially around areas like the jawline, neck, and cheeks, where gravity starts to take its toll.

Fine lines and wrinkles

Again, not an issue exclusive to menopause, however people do report this being a side effect. And, once again, oestrogen is the cause. With less oestrogen to keep your skin hydrated and plump, wrinkles become more pronounced. Areas around the eyes, mouth, and forehead are often where these lines appear most. As moisture and collagen levels drop, your skin loses its ability to ‘bounce back’ like it may have when you were younger, making those creases more permanent.

Pigmentation can worsen

Changes in hormone levels can also trigger pigmentation problems. Age spots or hyperpigmentation can develop, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun over the years and ESPECIALLY if you haven’t been vigilant with your SPF application. These dark spots can appear on the face, hands, and other exposed areas, often creating an uneven skin tone. Hormonal shifts can exacerbate existing pigmentation issues or create new ones, leaving the skin looking blotchy or discoloured.

Your skin may feel thinner

Here’s a curveball, your skin can actually become thinner during menopause. And yes, it’s oestrogen again we’re afraid, which causes the skin to lose some of its thickness and become more delicate. This can make you more prone to bruising, and your skin may not bounce back as quickly after a minor cut or scratch. It can also make your complexion look a little more translucent, especially in delicate areas like your hands and under the eyes. Which is why having an effective eye cream in your arsenal is crucial.

How your skincare should change with menopause

While understanding the causes is always the best first step, knowing what to do about it is even better. Some smart and effective skincare tweaks will help your skin transition.

Choose a hydrating cleanser

First up, it’s time to switch to a nourishing cleanser. Those days of foaming, oil-busting cleansers are over, your skin needs some extra hydration now, and this starts with choosing the right cleanser. Try reaching for a cream-based cleanser that hydrates while it cleanses. Ingredients like ceramides and glycerin are your new friends, helping to lock in moisture and soothe your skin. Murad’s Renewing Cleansing Cream is fit for the job, and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, not stripped.

Keep up the exfoliation

Menopausal skin can also look dull, so regular gentle exfoliation is key. But no harsh scrubs please. Instead, opt for products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid. This will help buff away dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion underneath. Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a great choice for keeping your skin smooth and glowing without irritation. If you want to take your skin to the next level consider incorporating an at-home peel to help slough away dry skin like the Murad Replensihing Multi-Acid Peel.

Vitamin C is a must

Vitamin C is a staple in any skincare routine worth its weight in gold, and this becomes even more true as we age. Your skin needs all the help it can get fighting off environmental damage and boosting collagen. That’s where vitamin C comes in. Not only do antioxidants such as vitamin c protect your skin from free radicals, but they also help with firmness and reduce fine lines. Murad’s Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum is a fan-favourite, and a perfect option for brightening up dull skin while protecting it from damage. If you suffer from pigmentation or dark spots, then try the Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum, which has vitamin C in it too.

Moisturising has never been more important

Perhaps the most important step in a menopausal skin routine is ensuring you lock all of those ingredients in with an effective and nourishing moisturiser. Think of it as your skin’s hydration rescue plan. A rich moisturiser packed with goodies like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane will keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing all day long. Murad’s Intense Recovery Cream is a powerhouse when it comes to giving menopausal skin the hydration boost it needs and as soon as you put it on you’ll feel it starting to set to work.

Don’t start slacking on sunscreen

You might think you can start to take your foot off the gas when it comes to preventative ageing, well you’re wrong. When your skin has heightened sensitivity, this actually couldn’t be less true. So, yes, even during menopause, sunscreen is non-negotiable. UV rays are a top culprit behind pigmentation and premature ageing, so slathering on an SPF every day is key. Murad’s City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 not only protects against UV rays but also shields you from blue light and pollution. 

Diet and lifestyle changes matter

Taking care of your skin during menopause doesn’t stop at the bathroom cabinet. Your diet and lifestyle play a massive role too. Start by loading up on healthy fats, like avocados and nuts, to keep your skin’s barrier strong. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in water is also a must to stay hydrated from the inside out.

Regular exercise can help keep your hormones balanced and boost circulation, which in turn keeps your skin looking fresh and healthy. And don’t forget about sleep… We know menopause can make catching Zs tricky, but aiming for seven to eight hours of quality sleep will give your skin a chance to repair and regenerate.

Embrace this new chapter of your life and your skin

You may have thought that the woes of skin past were left in your teenage years, and as a result, menopause can take people by surprise. But try to remember, it’s all part of your beautiful journey. With the right skincare routine, healthy habits, and a little patience, your skin can still feel amazing, just different. The key is to nourish it, protect it, and celebrate the changes where you can. Think of yourself as being the comforting reassuring adult for your skin.