Supporting menopausal skin

There’s more to the menopause than those infamous hot flushes (but still, pass the fan). Perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause are natural, healthy stages of life that still aren’t being talked about as much as they should be – we think it’s time that changed. Just like any other time when your hormones fluctuate (remember PMT?), your skin can react and behave differently around the menopause and beyond. Turns out ‘The Change’ brings some skincare changes which are worth getting clued up on, too. Knowledge is power, so let’s dig a little deeper.

How does the menopause affect my skin?

Although the menopause can happen as early as your 20s, most women start experiencing symptoms in their 40s and 50s. Just like the rest of our body, our ovaries also age and release fewer hormones (like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone). It’s this fluctuation in our hormone levels that can have an impact on our skin. A drop in oestrogen reduces the amount of collagen and elastin being produced, which makes your skin thinner.

You may also lose fat from under your skin, so you might see some sagging (especially around the cheekbones and jaw). You could also experience hormonal breakouts too. Post-menopause, you’ll notice these effects will settle down, but your skin may become drier. None of this is to be feared! It’s all completely natural and there’s so much you can do to keep your skin at its healthy, glowing best.

It’s worth noting that different women experience the menopause in different ways. Some see lots of new skin changes while others barely notice a thing. No matter how it impacts you, being kind to yourself should remain your priority. Here are a few of the most common menopausal skin changes (but don’t be surprised if your own skin behaves differently).

How can I keep my skin healthy during the menopause?

The menopause can take its toll on your skin, but you can prepare for fluctuations by understanding how they work and choosing the most effective ingredients to target them. Here’s a routine we put together based on the most common menopausal skin needs.

Cleanse smart

Post-menopause, your skin gets drier because your oil glands aren't as active. Cleansing is an important skincare tip, and the key to success is hydrating right from the start of your routine. Go for a creamy formula like our Kind to Skin Moisturising Face Wash instead of cleansers that contain soap, which tend to strip moisture away.

Hydrate

Give your skin an extra moisture boost by treating it with hydrating masks (like our Water Boost 5-Minute Reset Hydrogel Mask) to replenish lost moisture. You can use them as often as you like – there’s no such thing as ‘too much TLC’ in our book – there’s 40 days of moisture in a five-minute mask! You’ll need a richer moisturiser too.

Treat

If hormonal changes are making you breakout, treat your skin to our Daily Skin Detox SOS Booster. It’s made with a detoxifying blend of concentrated 10% witch hazel, thyme and zinc to mattify oily skin and reduce blemishes while being gentle on your skin.

Brighten & protect

Dull skin can be a result of hormone changes as we age. Inject some brightness and life back in with our Protect ‘N Glow Radiance Booster SPF 30. Our skin produces less melanin when our oestrogen levels during menopause drop, and that means it’s more vulnerable to sun damage. Luckily, our Radiance Booster also has SPF 30 so don’t forget to apply it every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy).

Is there anything else I can do to look after my menopausal skin?

Keep dryness at bay by keeping your skin hydrated and nourished. Simple products are super moisturising and kind to your skin. They’re free from alcohol and over 2000 chemicals – perfect for keeping it soft and healthy throughout the perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Because your skin gets drier easier, it’s also worth switching long, hot showers for shorter, cooler ones and try applying your moisturiser while your skin is still damp (this helps boost hydration). Here are some more tips:

If you’d like more skincare advice, follow our Sensitive Skin Talks series on Instagram and Twitter.