The general conversation around menopause seems to always end at hot flashes and restless nights. But what about the changes you visibly see each morning? You may have noticed your skin feels drier, looks different, or seems to be aging faster since perimenopause or menopause began.
At our Asheville medical spa, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and feel confident as you age gracefully. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your skin during this important life stage.
How menopause affects your skin
During menopause, declining estrogen levels trigger several changes in your skin that can feel dramatic and frustrating. Understanding what’s happening can help you feel more in control and be more intentional with your skincare.
Decreased collagen production
Estrogen plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, so as hormone levels drop, your skin produces significantly less collagen—the protein responsible for keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful. Research shows that women can lose up to 30% of their collagen in the first five years after menopause, leading to increased fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Reduced skin thickness and elasticity
As estrogen levels decline, your skin literally becomes thinner and loses its ability to bounce back like it used to. You might notice that you bruise more easily, or that the skin on your hands appears more transparent than before. This happens because estrogen helps maintain skin thickness and elasticity. Without adequate levels, your skin becomes more fragile and delicate.
Increased dryness and sensitivity
One of the most noticeable changes is increased skin dryness. As natural oil production slows down significantly, the protective barrier becomes compromised, leading to flakiness and heightened sensitivity to products. Many women find that their longtime skincare favorites suddenly feel too harsh or simply aren’t effective anymore.
Changes in skin texture and tone
The hormonal shifts of menopause often bring noticeable changes to your skin’s surface quality. You might experience increased roughness, more prominent pores, or an overall change in how smooth your skin feels and looks. While menopause itself doesn’t directly cause new age spots, the structural changes in your skin can make existing sun damage more apparent, and your skin may become more reactive to environmental factors over time.
“Dr. Mark and the entire staff are exceptional. If you’re looking for hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause, book an appointment with Dr. Mark. You receive such compassionate care and he’s dedicated to finding solutions tailored to the individual. So grateful to have found this team!!! I agree with a previous review, if I could give 100 stars I would!”
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How to care for your skin during menopause
The key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin during menopause is adapting your routine to support your changing skin needs. Here are our top recommendations:
Prioritize hydration
Switch to richer, more nourishing moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to help restore and maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. Layer a hydrating serum under your moisturizer for extra hydration, and don’t forget a nourishing eye cream to address the extra-delicate under-eye area.
Embrace anti-aging ingredients
Medical-grade skincare products with proven anti-aging ingredients become even more important during menopause. Look for products containing:
- Retinoids to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. We love the SkinMedica Retinol Complex and ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener.
- Vitamin C to protect against free radical damage and brighten skin tone. Our favorites are SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex and Obagi Professional-C Serum.
- Peptides to support collagen synthesis and improve skin firmness, such as the ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair and the SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair.
- Niacinamide to improve skin texture and reduce inflammation. We recommend the EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 and Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel.
- Growth factor serums to help stimulate cellular regeneration and repair. These bioactive proteins can help support your skin’s natural healing processes and collagen production, which become especially important as hormone levels decline. Try the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum or TNS Recovery Complex.
- Topical estrogen cream to help restore skin thickness and improve hydration. Studies show this can be particularly effective for perimenopausal and menopausal women, though it’s important to discuss this option with your provider to determine if it’s appropriate for you.
Never skip sunscreen
Daily sun protection becomes even more important during menopause, as hormonal changes may make your skin more susceptible to environmental damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day to help prevent further collagen breakdown and protect against premature aging. This small, simple step can make a significant difference in maintaining your skin’s health and appearance over time.
Be gentle with your skin
Menopausal skin often becomes more sensitive and reactive, making it important to adjust your skincare approach accordingly. Avoid harsh physical scrubs and limit exfoliation to gentle chemical options like lactic acid, used no more than once or twice per week. Focus instead on nourishing, barrier-supporting treatments that help restore and maintain your skin’s protective function while providing the hydration your aging skin needs.
Professional treatments for menopausal skin
While a solid at-home routine is essential, professional skin treatments can provide the extra support your skin needs during perimenopause or menopause. Here are our most effective options for addressing menopausal skin concerns:
Hydrafacial MD
This multi-step treatment is perfect for menopausal skin as it gently cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with hydrating serums. Hydrafacials can be customized to address multiple skin concerns at once, and can help improve your skin’s hydration, texture, and radiance without irritation.
Skinvive™
This innovative treatment uses micro-injections to place a hydrating gel just under the skin’s surface, helping your skin attract and maintain moisture from within. Skinvive is ideal for combating the dryness that’s so common during menopause while improving overall skin texture.
Chemical peels
Customized chemical peels help remove dull, damaged skin layers while stimulating new cell growth and collagen production. We can adjust the strength based on your skin’s sensitivity to address concerns like uneven texture, age spots, and fine lines with minimal downtime.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that replaces hormones that decline during menopause, and we specifically offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using hormones with the same molecular structure as those naturally produced by your body.
Hormone replacement therapy may help maintain skin thickness and collagen production, but it’s important to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider. Many women find that professional skincare treatments and medical-grade products provide excellent results without hormonal intervention.
ProCell Microchanneling
ProCell Microchanneling stimulates your skin’s natural collagen production through controlled micro-injuries, helping to improve skin thickness, reduce fine lines, and enhance overall skin quality—addressing many of the structural changes that occur during menopause.
While you can’t reverse the hormonal changes of menopause, you can significantly improve your skin’s health and appearance with the right combination of treatments and medical-grade products.
Botox® and dermal fillers
Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport can soften expression lines that may appear more pronounced as your skin loses elasticity, while dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® can restore lost volume for a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Laser skin rejuvenation
IPL and fractional laser treatments can address multiple signs of aging simultaneously, improving skin tone, texture, and firmness while stimulating collagen production for long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause and Your Skin
When do skin changes typically start during menopause?
Skin changes often begin during perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) when hormone levels start fluctuating, typically in your 40s. Changes may accelerate during menopause and continue afterward as estrogen levels remain low.
Is it normal for my skin to suddenly become more sensitive during menopause?
Yes, increased sensitivity is very common during menopause due to declining estrogen levels and changes in your skin barrier. This is why it’s important to use gentle, nourishing products and avoid harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.
How often should I get professional treatments during menopause?
The frequency depends on your specific skin concerns and the treatments you choose. We typically recommend starting with a consultation to assess your skin and create a personalized treatment plan that may include regular radiance facials, quarterly chemical peels, or occasional injectable touch-ups.
Will my skin ever return to how it was before menopause?
While you can’t reverse the hormonal changes of menopause, you can significantly improve your skin’s health, appearance, and comfort with the right combination of professional treatments and medical-grade skincare products. Many of our patients achieve beautiful, healthy-looking skin that they feel confident about.
Get expert care for your skin during menopauseOur experienced team at Mountain Radiance understands the unique challenges that menopause brings to your skin, and we’re here to help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns. Dr. Mark Chandler oversees our award-winning medical spa in Asheville, ensuring you receive the highest level of care from our skilled aesthetic professionals.
Ready to give your skin the support it deserves during menopause? Call us at (828) 627-2711 or schedule your consultation online today. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and radiant in your skin through this important (and beautiful!) phase in your life.
