Perimenopause & Menopause Skin Changes
Perimenopause and Menopause skin changes aren’t just a sign of ageing - there’s a deeper shift happening beneath the surface.
If your skin has started to feel more dry, more reactive or simply different to how it used to be, there’s a reason for it and begins with hormonal change.
What’s really behind these skin changes?
Before we talk about the symptoms, it’s important to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
During both perimenopause and menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone naturally decline. Since estrogen receptors are found throughout the skin, these hormonal changes have a direct impact on skin health.
As estrogen levels decrease, you may notice:
-Collagen production slows
-Skin becomes more drier and less hydrated
-The skin barrier weakens
-Healing takes longer
-Sensitivity and irritation can increase
Your skin is more than just a protective barrier it’s a hormone responsive organ, meaning it directly reflects changes within the body.
Perimenopause:
Timing:
Typically starts in the mid to late 40s, though it can begin earlier for some
Duration:
Can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years
What’s happening in the skin:
-Estrogen levels begin to fluctuate unpredictably
-Skin may shift between oiliness and dryness
-Breakouts can reappear, even in previously clear skin
-Early signs of volume loss and reduced firmness may show
-Collagen production starts to gradually decline
During this phase, the skin is responding to hormonal fluctuation, rather than a consistently low hormone state.
Menopause:
Defined by:
12 consecutive months without a menstrual period
Average age of onset:
Around 51, though this can vary widely
What’s happening in the skin:
-Estrogen and progesterone remain at consistently low levels
-Collagen loss accelerates significantly (up to 30% in the first 5 years)
-Transepidermal water loss increases, leading to greater dryness
-Skin becomes thinner, with reduced firmness and elasticity
-Wound healing slows down noticeably
This stage is often when skin changes become most visible, rapid and persistent.
Postmenopause:
Timing:
Begins approximately one year after the final menstrual period.
Duration:
Continues throughout the remainder of life.
What’s happening in the skin:
-Estrogen remains consistently low
-Collagen loss rate slows and becomes more gradual over time
-Persistent dryness and barrier dysfunction remain common
-Increased vulnerability to UV exposure & environmental stressors
-Ongoing accumulation of structural skin changes
At this stage, the skin has adjusted to a new hormonal baseline, but gradual cumulative changes continue over time.
Treatment for menopausal skin:
The approach should shift from just correction to:
-Preservation skin elasticity and tone
-Supporting collagen production
-Maintaining skin quality
-Optimizing barrier
-Choosing treatments that strengthen the skin over time
-Understanding biology allows for more effective, long lasting and comprehensive treatments
In office treatments:
-Personalized pre, peri and post treatment to ensure you are on the right actives:
good quality retinol or prescription retinoid, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and peptide, growth factor or exosome
-Barrier optimization
-Prescription retinoid 2-3x per week increasing in accordance to tolerance
-Preserve what you have with daily photo protection (non negotiable)
In clinic treatments:
-Muscle relaxation of facial depressor muscles
-Strategic dermal injectables
-Bioremodelling such as Profhilo (Classic and Structura) or Polynucleotide (Rejuran)
-Broadband Light (BBL) to help erase sun spots, excess redness and firm the skin of the face, neck and chest to assist with functional skin aging. 6 monthly maintenance recommended
-Fractionated non ablative lasers including 1927nm MOXI or 1570nm Alma Softlift (lunch time rejuvenation) to stimulate elastin and collagen and remove sun damaged skin
-CO2 resurfacing laser to address fine lines, laxity and greater collagen boost as well as reduction in skin cancer risk
-Vascular lasers for unwanted larger facial veins or smaller matting vessels in rosacea prone skin
-Medical grade in clinic LED light therapy with Lutronic Healite II to stimulate mitochondria (energy cells of our skin)
-Microneedling with exosomes or NCTF (amino acid boost)
Your hormones may be changing.. your confidence doesn’t have to.
Let us help you restore healthy, radiant skin with a personalized treatment plan.
Book your consultation today.
Email: reception@theskincompany.co.nz or call 092004535