Menopause Skin Changes: How They Affect You & How to Improve Them

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Normalising Menopause Skin Changes

Menopause is a natural stage of life, yet many women are surprised by the effect it has on their skin. From dryness and sensitivity to fine lines and sagging, these changes can feel frustrating and sometimes impact self-confidence. The good news is that understanding why these changes occur means you can take proactive steps — through lifestyle, skincare, and professional treatments — to keep your skin healthy and resilient.

Why Skin Changes During Menopause

The key driver behind menopause skin changes is the decline in oestrogen. Oestrogen helps maintain skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration by supporting collagen production and regulating hyaluronic acid — the molecule that holds water in the skin (Callens et al., 2022).

Other hormones also play a role:

  • Progesterone decline can contribute to reduced sebum production, worsening dryness.
  • Androgen imbalance may lead to unwanted facial hair or adult acne.
  • Cortisol (the stress hormone), which often rises during midlife, can accelerate collagen breakdown and delay wound healing (Makrantonaki and Zouboulis, 2007).

The result is thinner, drier, and more fragile skin that shows wrinkles and pigmentation more easily.

Common Skin Symptoms in Menopause

  • Dryness & poor barrier function – reduced glycosaminoglycans mean skin loses water more easily.
  • Thinning & atrophy – collagen and elastin decline causes fragile skin.
  • Fine lines & wrinkles – reduced structural proteins accelerate visible ageing.
  • Pigmentation & uneven tone – hormonal changes can trigger sunspots or melasma.
  • Sensitivity – a weaker barrier makes skin more reactive.
  • Slower healing – wounds may take longer to recover due to reduced vascularity.

Lifestyle Strategies for Healthy Menopausal Skin

While you can’t stop hormonal change, lifestyle choices help protect and repair your skin:

  • Diet: A Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens) and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds) reduces inflammation and supports the skin barrier (Makrantonaki and Zouboulis, 2007).
  • Exercise: Regular movement boosts circulation, improving nutrient delivery to the skin.
  • Sleep: Quality rest allows the skin to repair and helps regulate cortisol.
  • Stress management: Practices like yoga or mindfulness may reduce stress-related skin damage.

👉 For more, see our Gut-Skin Axis blog where we explore how nutrition supports skin health.

Evidence-Based Skincare

The right topical routine can make a noticeable difference:

  • SPF: Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most important anti-ageing step, preventing photoaging and pigmentation (Antoniou et al., 2010).
  • Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and supports collagen.
  • Retinoids: Proven to stimulate collagen and improve fine lines and pigmentation (Polito et al., 2025).
  • Moisturisers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid: Help restore hydration and barrier function.

👉 You can also read our guide on What Your Morning Skincare Routine Should Look Like in Your 30s and 40s for tips that remain relevant in menopause.

In-Clinic Options

For women who want more support, evidence-based in-clinic treatments can complement home care:

  • Skin boosters & bio-remodellers (e.g., Profhilo, polynucleotides) improve hydration and elasticity.
  • Dermal fillers help restore lost volume and definition.
  • Medical-grade skincare offers stronger, scientifically formulated products tailored to your needs.

Treatment choice depends on individual goals, skin health, and medical history — always start with a personalised consultation.

Considering HRT?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can improve skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity by replenishing oestrogen (Callens et al., 2022). However, not everyone is suitable. It’s important to speak with your GP, who will take a full medical history and discuss the risks and benefits in your individual case.

For more information, the NHS offers a clear overview of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Conclusion: Embracing Healthy Ageing

Ageing is universal, but how we experience it is personal. Menopause brings skin changes that can feel challenging, but with the right lifestyle strategies, skincare, and professional support, you can keep your skin strong, radiant, and uniquely yours. Remember — you don’t have to navigate this alone; help is available at every step.

If you’re experiencing skin changes during menopause and would like personalised advice, we’d be happy to help. Book a consultation at Bespoke Medical Aesthetics to explore skincare and treatment options tailored to you.

FAQs About Menopause Skin Changes

Q1: What happens to your skin during menopause?

During menopause, declining oestrogen levels lead to skin thinning, dryness, reduced elasticity, and slower wound healing. Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sensitivity are also common changes.

Q2: Why does menopause cause skin to age faster?

The loss of oestrogen reduces collagen and hyaluronic acid production — two key molecules that keep skin firm, plump, and hydrated. Cortisol and other hormonal shifts can also accelerate collagen breakdown.

Q3: What skincare is best for menopause skin changes?

Daily SPF, Vitamin C serums, retinoids, and moisturisers with ceramides or hyaluronic acid are the most evidence-based options to support ageing skin during menopause.

Q4: Can lifestyle changes improve menopausal skin?

Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management all help support skin health and resilience in menopause.

Q5: Should I consider HRT for skin changes in menopause?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may improve skin hydration, elasticity, and thickness. However, it’s not suitable for everyone — always consult your GP for a full medical assessment before starting HRT.

References

Antoniou, C., Dessinioti, C. and Stratigos, A.J., 2010. Clinical and pathophysiological features of photoaging. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 24(4), pp.373–381. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03445.x.

Callens, S., Depypere, H. and Brincat, M., 2022. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause. Climacteric, 25(5), pp.434-442. doi:10.1080/13697137.2022.2050206.

Makrantonaki, E. and Zouboulis, C.C., 2007. Skin alterations and diseases in advanced age. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms, 4(2), pp.47–57. doi:10.1016/j.ddmec.2007.12.003.

NHS, 2023. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). [online] NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/ [Accessed 28 August 2025].

Polito, F., Rossi, A. and Lotti, T., 2025. Managing Menopausal Skin Changes: A Narrative Review of Skin Quality Changes, Their Aesthetic Impact, and the Actual Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Improvement. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(Suppl 4), e70393. doi:10.1111/jocd.70393.