Thu, Aug 27, 26
Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormonal Skin: A Pharmacist's Guide to What Changes and How to Care for Your Skin
By Lauren O'Reilly, Pharmacist
If your skin has suddenly become drier, more sensitive or more prone to breakouts in your 40s, you're not imagining it. Perimenopause and menopause can cause noticeable changes to the skin as hormone levels fluctuate and, eventually, oestrogen levels fall.
Oestrogen plays an important role in the skin, supporting processes involved in hydration, collagen, elasticity and the skin barrier. During perimenopause, hormone levels can fluctuate considerably, which is one reason your skin may suddenly seem unpredictable.
You might find that skin which was previously balanced now feels dry and tight, while at the same time you're getting spots around your chin or jawline. Products you've used for years may also suddenly feel irritating.
The good news is that you don't necessarily need to completely overhaul your skincare routine. The foundations I recommend are simple: support your skin barrier, keep your skin hydrated, protect it from UV exposure and choose targeted ingredients according to your concerns.
Perimenopause and menopause skin changes at a glance
Skin concern |
Why it may happen |
What can help |
Accessible Skincare from Millies* |
Premium Skincare from Millies* |
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Dry or dehydrated skin |
Hormonal changes can affect hydration and the skin barrier |
Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and support the barrier |
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Sensitive or itchy skin |
Changes to the skin barrier can make skin more reactive |
Gentle, fragrance-free skincare with ceramides, glycerin and niacinamide; reduce potentially irritating actives |
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Breakouts around the chin |
Hormonal fluctuations can influence oil production and blocked pores |
Salicylic acid can help keep pores clear; avoid over-exfoliating and continue moisturising |
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Dull-looking skin |
Changes in hydration and skin structure can affect radiance |
Hyaluronic acid or glycerin for hydration, daily SPF and potentially vitamin C for antioxidant support |
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Thinner or less firm-looking skin |
Changes in collagen and skin structure |
Daily broad-spectrum SPF, consistent moisturising and, where appropriate, a retinoid |
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Dry, flaky skin |
Reduced hydration can leave skin feeling tight and uncomfortable |
A richer moisturiser containing ceramides, glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid; avoid harsh scrubs and over-cleansing, Omega 3 |
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Dry or uncomfortable scalp |
Hormonal and age-related changes may affect scalp comfort |
Gentle scalp care, avoid very hot water and review shampoos or hair products if they cause irritation |
*Examples only: skincare and haircare should be tailored to your specific skin / hair type and concerns. Make an appointment with our Skincare Experts in Millie’s Naas, today.
I am often asked: “What is the best skincare for perimenopausal and menopausal skin?”
While I wish I had the one magic potion for everyone, there isn't one “best” menopause skincare product. The best routine is one that supports your skin barrier while addressing your particular concerns.
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Start with a gentle cleanser
If your skin has become dry or sensitive, avoid cleansing products that leave it feeling tight or uncomfortable. I recommend looking for a gentle, creamy cleanser with hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients such as glycerin and emollients, rather than a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling stripped.
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Prioritise moisturisation
Look for ingredients that help hydrate and support the skin barrier.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are humectants, meaning they draw and hold water in the skin, helping to increase hydration and leave it feeling plumper and more supple.
Ceramides help support the skin barrier, while niacinamide can also help support the barrier and may be useful for uneven tone and oiliness.
If your skin is particularly dry, you may prefer a richer cream. I love Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream because it is gentle, soothing and helps support the skin barrier, making it particularly suitable for dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin. If you're prone to breakouts, a lighter lotion may feel more comfortable, such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide, which is one that I love using whenever my skin is feeling more sensitive or breakout-prone. This is one I often recommend for women with perioral dermatitis.
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Don't skip SPF
Changes in collagen and other structural components of the skin can contribute to skin becoming thinner, less firm and more delicate-looking around menopause. Daily SPF is particularly important, as UV exposure contributes to collagen breakdown and visible signs of skin ageing. I love the Image Daily Prevention SPF range. The SPF 50 is great for higher protection, and is the one I use, while the SPF 30 range also gives sun protection, with a slightly thinner consistency, which I find some clients prefer.
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Add targeted ingredients carefully
You don't need to use every active ingredient available. Some examples of targeted ingredients include:
For breakouts, salicylic acid can help with blocked pores and blemishes, where appropriate.
For dullness and uneven tone, vitamin C can be a useful and well-tolerated antioxidant to help brighten the complexion. If you're new to it, I recommend starting with a few applications a week and gradually increase how often you use it, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
For many people, retinoids or retinal may also be appropriate to support skin renewal and address visible signs of photoageing. However, these ingredients can be irritating, particularly if your skin has become more sensitive, so they should be introduced gradually, in terms of both frequency of application, and strength of product used.
However, perimenopausal skin can also be more sensitive, so introduce active ingredients gradually rather than adding several at once.
The goal isn't to use more skincare. It's to use the right skincare consistently.
If you're pregnant, trying to conceive or there is a possibility you could be pregnant, speak to your pharmacist or GP before using retinoids as they are not recommended during pregnancy.
If your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, you’re having a breakout or perioral dermatitis for example, simplify your routine even further.
Lifestyle matters too. Staying active, eating a varied diet, drinking enough water, not smoking, protecting your skin from the sun, moderating or limiting alcohol consumption and looking after your sleep all support your general health and wellbeing during midlife, and in turn, your skin health.
Dry Scalp in Perimenopause and Menopause
Your scalp can change too. A dry or uncomfortable scalp may be influenced by hormonal and age-related changes, but hair products, frequent washing, hot water and environmental factors can also contribute.
Try keeping your scalp routine gentle and avoid very hot water.
If you're experiencing persistent flaking, redness or significant itching, it may be more than simple dryness and is worth getting checked.
When To Speak To a Healthcare Professional
Not every change in your skin during your 40s or 50s is necessarily related to perimenopause or menopause.
Speak to your pharmacist or GP if you have persistent or severe acne, significant itching, a new or persistent rash, painful or rapidly changing skin, or symptoms that aren't improving despite appropriate skincare, or indeed any other symptom that is causing you concern.
And don't forget your moles: speak to your GP if you notice a new mole or any changes to an existing mole, including changes in size, shape or colour, or if it starts bleeding or itching.
Your pharmacist can also help you work out whether a new skincare product, medicine or another factor could be contributing to a change in your skin.
Lauren's Pharmacist's bottom line
Perimenopause and menopause can change the way your skin behaves. Fluctuating hormones can contribute to dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, dullness and changes in firmness, so it's completely reasonable if the routine that worked for you five years ago no longer feels right.
But you don't need to start again from scratch.
I always say to keep your routine gentle, moisturise consistently, wear an SPF your skin loves, introduce active ingredients slowly and choose products based on what your skin actually needs.
Your skin is changing because your body is changing, and your skincare can change with it.
