Skin during menopause understanding the changes

As hormones change, skin can become drier and feel less supple. Fine lines, firmness and the way skin heals can also change. At the same time, the effects of UV exposure accumulated over the years continue. A single cause therefore rarely explains everything you see in the mirror.

Not every woman experiences the same changes. Some mainly notice dryness, while others become more sensitive or also develop blemishes. Your skin's care needs can seem contradictory at first glance. It is worth noting exactly what you observe rather than immediately starting the most extensive anti-ageing routine possible.

This article focuses on the skin. Symptoms such as hot flushes, significant sleep problems or changes in the intimate area deserve a separate discussion with a gynaecologist or GP where needed.

Start with products your skin tolerates well. Gentle cleansing and a moisturiser can help reduce tightness. Very hot water, frequent exfoliation or introducing many active ingredients at once can put additional strain on sensitive skin.

Sun protection belongs in your daytime routine. A broad-spectrum product with at least SPF 30, applied generously and reapplied as needed, complements shade and protective clothing. The texture you find comfortable will depend on your skin and daily life.

If you would like to add an active ingredient, introduce it on its own. This makes it easier to recognise what helps your skin and what irritates it. If burning, redness or flaking persists, have your routine reviewed. More products do not automatically mean greater benefit.

• In the morning

  Cleanse gently as needed, then use a moisturiser and suitable sun protection.

• In the evening

  Gently remove sunscreen and make-up, then apply skincare your skin tolerates.

• If you notice changes

  Note when symptoms began and which products or medicines you have recently started using.

Itching, recurring inflammation, pronounced dryness or new blemishes may need a dermatological assessment. New or changing pigmented spots should also be professionally assessed before aesthetic treatment is planned.

Dryness or pain in the intimate area is a separate medical concern. A face cream or an aesthetic skin treatment is not an appropriate answer. Please feel comfortable discussing these symptoms with your gynaecologist.

If you are experiencing several symptoms at once, it helps to organise them into a clear overview: which affect your skin, which affect your sleep or daily life as a whole? This allows the relevant practice to work with you in a focused way.

You may wish for fresher-looking skin or a change in contour at any stage of life. During the consultation, the first step is to distinguish whether the main concern is skin surface, pigmentation, volume or tissue sagging. Only then can treatments be meaningfully compared.

Lasers, biostimulators and other injectable treatments do not constitute a single ‘menopause treatment’. Each has its own uses, possible side effects and limitations. For sensitive or inflamed skin, a different treatment or a pause may be advisable first.

No aesthetic procedure can broadly compensate for a hormone deficiency or address menopause as a whole. Recovery also needs to fit into your daily life. Ask for an explanation of what change appears achievable, how much time it will take and how success will be assessed.

• Skin quality & regeneration
• Laser treatments
• Biostimulators

Menopausal hormone therapy is assessed in light of symptoms, personal medical history, possible risks and individual preferences. It is not a general beauty recommendation and should not be started or changed solely because of a wish to improve your skin.

If you have questions about this, a consultation with a gynaecologist is the appropriate setting. You should also discuss any medicines already prescribed and any over-the-counter preparations. This guide and the aesthetic treatments offered do not replace that assessment.