Free click and collect from the Hazel Grove clinic on all skincare purchases.
Free click and collect from the Hazel Grove clinic on all skincare purchases.
Menopause is a significant stage in every woman’s life, bringing a variety of physical and emotional changes, including menopausal skin changes.
For some, menopausal skin changes are subtle; for others, skin can suddenly feel drier, thinner, more sensitive, or less radiant seemingly overnight. These changes are completely normal and are largely linked to fluctuating and declining hormone levels, particularly oestrogen.
Understanding what happens to the skin during menopause can help you make informed choices about the best way to care for menopausal skin, including lifestyle and professional treatments that support healthy, glowing skin. Our clinicians, with over 15 years of experience, are here to help.
Research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that oestrogen is one of the key hormones responsible for maintaining healthy skin. It plays a crucial role in:
As women approach perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels begin to decline, directly impacting the skin’s structure and function, leading to menopausal skin changes.
In fact, research from the National Library of Medicine suggests women may lose around 30% of their collagen during the first five years after menopause. Since collagen is responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and smooth, this reduction can accelerate visible signs of ageing. Due to menopause skin changes, the skin barrier also becomes weaker, meaning the skin is less able to retain moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.
Every woman has a different experience when it comes to menopausal skin changes, but there are several common skin concerns that many women notice during this time.
One of the most common complaints during menopause is dry skin. Reduced oil production means the skin struggles to hold onto moisture, often leaving it feeling tight, flaky, itchy, or uncomfortable and losing its natural glow. This dryness can affect the face, neck, chest, hands, and body, and can sometimes make fine lines appear more noticeable
As collagen and elastin production slows, the skin naturally becomes thinner and less resilient. Fine lines and wrinkles may become more prominent, especially around the eyes, mouth, forehead, and neck, which makes skin appear less “bouncy” than before.
The reduction in collagen, elastin, and fat beneath the skin can contribute to loss of definition around the jawline and cheeks.Many women notice:
Skin can become more reactive during menopause; products that were once tolerated well may suddenly cause redness, irritation, or discomfort because of the skin barrier. Menopause skin changes may exacerbate conditions such as rosacea or eczema during this time.
Fluctuating hormone levels caused by menopausal skin changes can increase androgen activity, which can lead to excess oil production and congestion, particularly around the chin and jawline. These breakouts can feel frustrating, especially when combined with dryness and sensitivity.
Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to increased facial hair growth in some women, commonly around the chin, upper lip, and jawline. This happens because declining oestrogen levels can make androgen hormones more noticeable.
Lifestyle factors can have a major impact on skin health during menopausal skin changes.
Poor sleep is extremely common during menopause, but lack of quality sleep can worsen dullness, dehydration, and signs of ageing, making rest essential for healthy skin function.
Increased stress levels can elevate cortisol, which may contribute to inflammation, breakouts, sensitivity, and collagen breakdown. Managing stress through exercise, mindfulness, relaxation, or self-care can positively impact both overall wellbeing and skin health.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and protein can support collagen production and skin repair. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, berries, and hydration-supporting nutrients can help nourish the skin from within.
Menopausal skin is more vulnerable to sun damage due to thinning and reduced natural protection. Daily SPF is one of the most important steps for maintaining skin health and preventing premature ageing.
While menopausal skin changes are natural, there are many ways to support and improve skin health during menopause.
Hydration becomes increasingly important during menopause. Using skincare products containing the ingredients below can help strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture levels.
Hyaluronic acid
Ceramides
Peptides
Professional treatments, such as those we offer at The Clinic, can help encourage skin renewal and collagen production, improving skin texture, firmness, and radiance, overall benefiting menopausal skin changes.
Microneedling: Microneedling works by creating micro-injuries, which stimulate collagen production as your skin heals itself, benefiting menopausal skin.
Laser Genesis: Laser Genesis stimulates collagen and is fantastic for softening fine lines and wrinkles, which are common menopausal skin changes.
Zaffiro skin tightening: This non-invasive treatment uses thermolifting technology and water peeling to deeply hydrate and firm menopausal skin.
Medical-grade skincare products often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients designed to target signs of ageing, improving menopause skin changes. Ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, growth factors, and peptides can help support collagen production and skin regeneration.
At The Clinic Cheshire, we understand that with the right combination of skincare, treatments, and lifestyle support, it is possible to maintain healthy skin throughout menopause and beyond. Our experienced team can help create personalised treatment plans tailored to menopausal skin concerns, helping you feel confident and supported at every stage of life. Contact us for a consultation or book in a treatment.
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