Speaking of estrogen: It’s pretty much everything. Not only does the hormone fuel all things, but it also supports healthy skin cell functioning. So when estrogen levels plummet during menopause, “skin can’t protect itself, maintain hydration, or produce strong collagen the way it once could,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure.
That loss of hydration and lack of collagen production can make a noticeable difference in skin’s appearance. Ronald Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California, says the signs of menopause’s effects on skin can be quite distinct. “Once the hormones start to decrease is when the skin becomes thinner, develops more wrinkles, and becomes saggy,” he says, noting that he often sees patients who complain of bags under the eyes and sagging neck skin.
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, concurs, explaining that areas of thinning skin and where there’s more frequent movement tend to see the effects of menopause first and most. “The jawline and lower face tend to show sagging first due to facial fat pad migration and the effects of collagen loss and gravity over time.”
How can I improve my skin during menopause?
The hormonal changes that happen during menopause have a direct impact on your skin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ease their effects. Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, recommends tweaking your current skin-care regimen to include ingredients that’ll address menopause-related skin-care concerns like dryness and lack of elasticity.
One of Dr. Lal’s top ingredient recommendations is hyaluronic acid, a skin-care all-star known for its hydrating effects. “Once can never have enough hyaluronic acid,” he says. “Hyaluronic acid is a potent hydrating ingredient. Its application can soften the appearance of fine lines.” Grapeseed oil is another great ingredient for sealing in moisture while addressing discoloration. “It may also help reduce the appearance of sun damage and pigmentation which is common after menopause,” he says.
Another ingredient Dr. Lal suggests adding to your perimenopausal skin-care regimen is antioxidant vitamin C. “Vitamin C fights oxidative damage that occurs with aging,” he says. “It also fades brown spots that often appear during and after menopause.” In regards to addressing hyperpigmentation, Dr. Lal also suggests incorporating antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide into your routine.
No matter what ingredients you use, one non-negotiable for everyone, perimenopausal or not, is sunscreen. “With menopause comes not only dark spots but also potentially pre and true skin cancers,” he says. “The truth is it’s never too late to start using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which can help reduce the risk of developing pre-cancerous tumors and skin cancers while also preventing skin aging.”
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but skin-care products tailored to perimenopausal skin care are another story. While some picks can be used across different skin types and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing skin care, we also take into account our testers’ experience. For instance, an innovative new retinol serum may be backed by notable dermatologists across the nation, but if our testers find its formula irritates their skin, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.