How To Combat Menopause Skin Changes With Skincare And Treatments

Forbes

17-07-2025

Experts Weigh In: How To Combat Menopause Skin Changes With The Right Skincare And Treatments getty
While the perimenopause phase typically starts in a woman's 40s resulting in menopause around the age of 50, more and more individuals are starting to experience their onset much earlier, thanks to a range of factors including modern-day lifestyle and the stress often associated. And the dramatic skin changes caused by menopause and perimenopause catch many women off guard. From sudden dryness to unexpected adult acne, hormonal fluctuations create a cascade of effects that go far beyond hot flashes. Leading aesthetic experts reveal the most effective strategies to restore skin health during this transitional phase.
The Hidden Reality of Menopausal Skin Changes
'One of the most common misconceptions I see is that menopausal skin changes are purely cosmetic and inevitable, something to simply 'put up with,'' explains Mona Mirza, CEO and founder of Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai. 'In truth, they are biological responses to declining hormone levels and can be proactively managed with the right interventions.'
The science behind these changes is clear: estrogen decline directly impacts collagen synthesis, elastin maintenance, skin thickness, and moisture retention. Dr Elizabeth Makk, functional medicine MD at Biolite, notes that 'hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause affect far more than mood and metabolism — they directly influence the skin's ability to regenerate, retain moisture, and stay resilient.'
Mona Mirza, CEO and founder of Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai, says menopause skin changes are biological responses to declining hormone levels Courtesy of Biolite
Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Different Stages, Different Strategies
Dr Marwa Ali distinguishes between the two phases: 'Perimenopause presents with dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, acne breakouts, and uneven skin tone due to hormonal fluctuations. Menopause shows these changes 'on steroids' — significant loss of elasticity, thinning skin, accelerated wrinkles, and increased dryness as hormonal changes reach full swing.'
Dr Jenny Doyle sees these concerns daily: 'We see many women seeking treatments related to menopause and perimenopause, as this time brings huge hormonal changes, affecting our skin in many different ways. Common concerns include increased laxity, reduced elasticity, dryness, and a duller complexion due to the body's reduced collagen production.'
Dr Alia Ahmed, also known as the Psycho-dermatologist, emphasizes the broader impact: 'Clients commonly deal with changes to the skin barrier, causing dryness or triggering symptoms like itching or visible rashes. The psychological impacts can include body image issues, low mood, social anxiety, and hopelessness.'
Revolutionary Professional Treatments
The treatment landscape has evolved significantly. Dr Sophie Shotter advocates for advanced regenerative therapies: 'Sunekos (an innovative and new skin booster) delivers the exact cocktail of amino-acids and hyaluronic acid the fibroblasts need to restart fresh collagen and elastin production, so crepey texture and fine lines soften from the inside out.'
Dr Shotter also touches on Meta Cell Technology (MCT), which represents the latest breakthrough. 'MCT plasma contains 3x more growth factors than standard PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma),' explains Dr Shotter. 'And the MCT exosomes are hugely abundant, which act like cellular messengers — flooding the dermis with growth factors that switch aging, sluggish cells back into repair mode.'
Dr W M Nawaz champions polynucleotides: 'Polynucleotides (aka salmon DNA) are my go-to treatments for supporting menopausal skin. They're powerful biostimulators that work to trigger fibroblast activity, increase collagen and elastin production, and improve hydration without overloading delicate, hormone-affected skin.'
Sofwave treatment on patients Courtesy of Dr Sophie Shotter
Dr Doyle highlights the effectiveness of Sofwave, an energy-based device also offered by Dr Shotter's clinic. 'Sofwave has become popular among our mature clients as it stimulates collagen regeneration across the face, with particularly effective results around the neck, jowls, and above the eyes — key places we notice aging,' says Dr Doyle.
Dr Ali combines multiple approaches: 'Profhilo Structura and polynucleotides hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. Photo fractional treatments improve sun damage and age spots while stimulating collagen for firmer, brighter skin.'
Essential Topical Ingredients for Hormonal Skin
The expert consensus points to specific ingredients that become crucial during menopause:
Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, helping plump dehydrated skin.
Retinoids: Stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover. Dr Ali recommends these for reducing wrinkles and improving texture.
Peptides: Support collagen production and improve skin firmness — essential as natural production declines.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant that brightens skin and boosts collagen synthesis.
Dr Nawaz recommends a targeted home routine: 'I recommend a ceramide-rich moisturizer to reinforce the lipid barrier, an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum to brighten and protect against oxidative stress, and a featherlight SPF 50 to shield the skin.'
For ultra-dry skin, Dr Alia specifically recommends Tolpa's Lipidrio range, which 'improves hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss and improves elasticity — key issues for women in peri-menopause or menopausal stages.'
Tolpa's lipidrio nourishing regenerating cream from the brand's lipidrio range Courtesy of Tolpa
The Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Factor
No longer as negatively stigmatized as it once was, the perception of HRT has significantly shifted in recent years. Mirza emphasizes HRT's potential, noting that it is now recognized as an effective way to address menopause-related problems: 'When used safely under experienced physician guidance, bio-identical HRT can slow or even reverse some effects. However, it works best with external regenerative therapies — we're not just replacing lost volume; we're reviving the skin's innate ability to heal and rebuild.'
Beyond the Surface: Intimate Health Considerations
Dr Galyna Selezneva addresses often-overlooked concerns: 'Vaginal dryness and pain during sex is a sign of vaginal atrophy that can present as a menopause symptom but should never be left untreated. Many women suffer in silence because they think it's 'expected.''
She recommends radiofrequency treatments: 'EMFEMME 360 delivers radiofrequency heating throughout the vaginal area, increasing blood circulation and remodeling elastin and collagen fibers. Clinical studies show 83 percent of women could have pain-free sex after treatment.'
The Holistic Approach
Dr Alia stresses lifestyle integration: 'My approach combines skincare, medical management, and lifestyle management including sleep, diet, fluid intake, stress, and relationships. Lifestyle management is not something most clients expect to discuss, but it's crucial for those experiencing emotional distress.'
The Bottom Line
Although hard to combat, experts agree that menopause skin changes are not necessarily inevitable. The biological shifts, however, do require targeted intervention. As Mirza concludes: 'Menopause doesn't have to mean the decline of beauty. With the right science, it can be a new beginning.'