Why your skin changes during menopause and what you can do about it!

Karen Black BEd., BHEc., CCPE

My friends and I are in that stage of life, I hear this question all the time:
"Why is my skin changing so much during menopause?"

You’re not imagining it. And no, it’s not just "part of getting older." These shifts in your skin are very real—and they’re directly linked to what’s happening beneath the surface: your hormones.

Let’s break it down and, more importantly, talk about what you can do to support your skin through this chapter (and come out glowing).

How estrogen affects our skin: 

Stimulates Collagen Production
Estrogen boosts collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. Low estrogen levels lead to collagen loss, resulting in thinner skin, sagging, and increased wrinkles.

Supports Skin Hydration
Estrogen helps increase hyaluronic acid and natural oil (sebum) production, which keeps skin hydrated. Its decline leads to dryness and dullness.

Maintains Skin Thickness
Estrogen keeps the epidermis and dermis thick and resilient. With less estrogen, skin becomes thinner and more fragile.

Regulates Skin pH and Barrier Function
It helps maintain the skin’s acid mantle, a protective barrier. A weakened barrier post-menopause can lead to increased sensitivity and irritation.

Improves Wound Healing
Estrogen speeds up skin regeneration and repair. After menopause, the healing process may slow down.

Reduces Inflammation
Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects. Its reduction can lead to more redness, irritation, or conditions like rosacea.

Affects Pigmentation
Hormonal changes influence melanin production, leading to potential hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. Hello brown spots! 

Impacts Hair and Sebum
With lower estrogen and relatively higher androgens, women may experience increased facial hair, scalp hair thinning, and drier skin.

Well that's just great...so what you're saying is my skin is doomed!?

What You Can Do: A Hormone-Informed Skincare Plan

1) Hydrate like it's your job! Put a pinch of Celtic Sea Salt in your water for nature's Gatorade! 

2) Look for products with hyaluronic acid, lactic and light fruit acids, ceramides and growth factors. (Here's a couple of my faves: ZO SkinHealth Growth Factor Serum, SkinMedica HA5)

3) Wear a sunscreen every day! What is a good sunscreen you ask? It's the one you love to wear. Medical grade sunscreens are formulated to be invisible or provide a nice tint. Aim for an SPF of 50! I absolutely LOVE the Colourscience Flex sunscreens! 

4) Introduce a medical grade retinol into your nighttime skincare routine. Start 1-2 nights per week. You may need to up your moisturizer. The goal is to use a retinol every night. SkinMedica Retinol Complex .25 is a great price point! $66. Stay away from prescription retinol products- too harsh!

5) Prioritize collagen and elastin remodeling. Look for peptides, growth factors and exosomes in skincare. 

6) Don't skip your night routine! Use a cream or oil cleanser to remove make up and then a toner or exfoliating cleanser. Apply your "at home treatments" like serums and retinol. 

You Don’t Have to Guess!

At My Skin Coach, we specialize in helping women navigate skincare through hormonal changes. Our virtual consultations give you a personalized, science-backed plan that actually works—because your skin deserves more than one-size-fits-all advice.

If you’re feeling confused by all the product options or noticing that your old routine just isn’t cutting it anymore, we’ve got you.

Let’s work with your hormones, not against them.

Karen 

🌸 Book your virtual skincare consultation today at www.myskincoach.ca

 

References
1. Thornton, M. J. (2013). Estrogens and aging skin. Dermato-Endocrinology, 5(2), 264–270.
2. Brincat, M. (2000). Hormone replacement therapy and the skin. Maturitas, 35(2), 107–117.
3. Stevenson, S., & Thornton, M. J. (2007). Estrogens and skin aging. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(6), 592–597.
4. Hall, G., Phillips, T. J. (2005). Estrogen and skin: The effects of estrogen, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy on the skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 53(4), 555–568.
5. Schmidt, J. B., Binder, M., Macheiner, W., et al. (1994). Treatment of skin aging symptoms in perimenopausal females with estrogen. Dermatology, 188(1), 47–52.