As you enter perimenopause and reach menopause, you may notice that your skin is drier and itchy, starting to sag, or breaking out. These changes are related to fluctuating hormone levels. But at-home treatments may help.

If you’ve shopped for skin care products recently, you know tons of “anti-aging” products are available. While a serum or cream can only do so much, there’s no denying that skin changes with age.

Skin ages for several reasons. Ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure over time breaks down elastin, which can cause skin to lose elasticity. Fat under the skin can shrink, too, leading to a loss of plumpness or sagging.

But another factor in skin changes as you get older is menopause.

Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. It’s officially defined as going 1 year without a period.

When the production of certain hormones fluctuates with menopause, you may see the effects on your skin.

You may notice that your skin is drier and itchy before (perimenopause) and after you’ve reached menopause. You may also begin to see more wrinkles and sagging skin.

Hot flashes may cause redness and other discoloration upon their onset, and changing hormone levels may cause hormonal acne.

Estrogen helps skin produce oil and hold onto water, so extremely dry skin during menopause is common, as this is one of the hormones that your body slows its production of.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, collagen production drops 30% in the first 5 years of menopause and approximately 2% each year for about the next 20 years.

Collagen gives skin plumpness and structure. A slowed production of collagen may lead to fine lines and wrinkles or cause sagging skin on your face and body.

Some people may also notice hormonal acne as estrogen levels fall and androgen levels remain stable (androgens are male sex hormones, like testosterone).

This may increase sebum production and lead to clogged pores, causing adult acne.

You may not be able to prevent menopause from changing your skin, but you can take steps at home to help restore it:

  • Don’t skip SPF: Because sun exposure is one of the main factors in skin aging, it’s essential to wear SPF daily — even when it’s cloudy.
  • Treat acne: To help keep hormonal acne at bay, treat it with a cleanser or topical product containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid can penetrate pores and help dissolve oil, and benzoyl peroxide can help kill acne-causing bacteria.
  • Hydrate your skin: Hydration is important for dry skin that’s drier than usual. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, which may help draw moisture into the skin. Try to use moisturizers with hyaluronic acid on damp skin so it can bond with water. Topping a moisturizer with a facial oil adds even more hydration.
  • Moisturize your skin: A moisturizer with ceramides can help retain moisture in your skin.

Other moisturizing, hydrating, and aging supportive skin care ingredients to look for are:

In addition to skin care products, it’s always helpful to:

If the skin changes from menopause are paired with other bothersome symptoms, like vaginal dryness or hot flashes, speak with your doctor or a Menopause Society Certified Practioner about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

While MHT is a successful treatment option for symptoms of menopause, most existing research supports its use for hot flashes or vaginal dryness, so much less can be said about its effects on skin.

Because MHT isn’t suitable for everyone, an expert may recommend an herbal or natural alternative or lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise or eating certain foods, to help manage symptoms.

Botox treatments may also help minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but this treatment requires in-office visits and maintenance.

If you’re noticing an increase in facial hair due to menopause, laser hair removal may help.

Many people may experience symptoms of menopause, including skin changes like dryness.

Because of the drop in estrogen, changes may be most noticeable during the onset of menopause when collagen slows drastically.

After a few years, skin changes as a result of menopause will feel more gradual.

How do you calm menopausal skin?

Look for products with gentle, soothing ingredients that can help calm skin that feels itchy or inflamed as a result of hormonal changes.

These ingredients include niacinamide (which helps reduce irritation from other ingredients), hyaluronic acid, and naturally derived ingredients, like green tea, chamomile, or rosehip.

Try to avoid products with fragrance, dyes, and alcohol, as these can aggravate sensitive or dry skin.

What is perimenopausal skin?

The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause (you’ll still get a period, but it may be irregular). Some people may notice skin changes begin during this time.

Signs of perimenopause skin changes include:

  • red or discolored skin as a result of hot flashes
  • acne from hormonal changes
  • slight sagging of skin in some areas from less collagen
  • overall dry skin

Does menopausal acne go away?

Menopause-related hormonal acne breakouts, in most cases, go away once your hormone levels even out.

In the meantime, try using products with acne-fighting ingredients, like retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

Menopause is a typical part of life for all people who menstruate.

In addition to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other common symptoms, skin changes may occur. You may see hormonal acne, dryness, and thinning or sagging skin.

You can treat dry skin, wrinkles, and sagging skin with at-home or in-office treatments, but nothing can completely reverse them.

Speak with a menopause specialist or dermatologist for more guidance as you learn to manage skin changes.

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