Question 1

How does menopause affect skin?

Accepted Answer

During menopause, declining oestrogen disrupts three key skin systems: the moisture barrier (leading to dryness and fragility), collagen and elastin production (leading to loss of firmness), and immune regulation (leading to increased sensitivity and inflammation). The dominant system affected varies between individuals, which is why symptoms differ so widely.

Question 2

What causes sudden skin changes during perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

The sudden nature of perimenopausal skin changes is driven by fluctuating and declining oestrogen levels. Oestrogen receptors are present throughout the skin — in the epidermis, dermis, and sebaceous glands — so hormonal shifts affect hydration, collagen density, sebum production, and immune responses simultaneously and often rapidly.

Question 3

Why does skin become more sensitive during menopause?

Accepted Answer

Increased skin sensitivity during menopause results from two simultaneous changes: a weakened physical barrier (due to reduced ceramide production) and disrupted immune regulation. When the barrier is compromised, irritants penetrate more easily. When immune regulation is impaired, the skin overreacts to minor triggers it would previously have tolerated.

Question 4

What is the best skincare routine for menopausal skin?

Accepted Answer

There is no single best routine — the optimal approach depends on which skin system is most affected. For barrier-dominant change, priority is ceramide-based moisturisation and gentle cleansing. For collagen-dominant change, retinoids and sun protection form the foundation. For inflammation-dominant change, calming actives and trigger avoidance take priority. Identifying your dominant type is the essential first step.

Which Skin System Is Failing You First?

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Want to understand more about what happens to skin during the menopause transition? Visit the FAQ page.

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