Perimenopause and Menopause Effects on Skin: What Every Woman Should Know

As women, our skin tells the story of our lives. It carries memories of laughter, late nights, sun-kissed summers, and seasons of change.


But somewhere in our 40s and 50s, many of us notice our skin beginning to change in new ways: you notice that your once effortlessly dewy skin now feels a little drier, the smile lines are a little deeper, or the tone isn’t quite as even as before.  These changes are closely tied to perimenopause and menopause, two significant life stages that can affect not only our bodies but also our skin’s health and appearance.


The truth is, these changes are completely natural — but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to keep your skin healthy, resilient, and glowing. Understanding what’s happening under the surface is the first step toward giving your skin the care it deserves.

What Happens During Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. It often begins in the mid-to-late 40s, but can start as early as the late 30s. Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during this time, and symptoms can last several years.


Menopause is reached when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the end of your reproductive years. The average age is 51, though it varies.


Both stages affect not just reproductive health, but also skin structure, hydration, and repair processes.

How Hormonal Changes Affect the Skin

1. Loss of Collagen and Elasticity

Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. Estrogen helps stimulate collagen production — but as estrogen declines, collagen production slows dramatically. In fact, women can lose up to 30% of skin collagen in the first five years after menopause.

This loss may lead to:

    • Sagging skin
    • More visible fine lines and wrinkles
    • A softer jawline contour


2. Dryness and Dehydration

Estrogen supports sebum (oil) production, which helps keep skin supple. As estrogen levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, natural oil production decreases. Skin may feel:

    • Tighter and rougher
    • Flaky or itchy
    • Quick to “drink up” moisturizer, yet still feel dry


3. Thinning Skin

Reduced estrogen levels also slow cell turnover and reduce skin thickness, making it more delicate and sometimes more reactive to products or environmental stressors.


4. Pigmentation Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can alter melanin activity, leading to age spots or uneven skin tone. Sun-exposed areas — face, hands, chest — are often where these changes appear most.


5. Slower Healing and Sensitivity

Your skin barrier — the protective outer layer — weakens as oil production and collagen decline. This makes skin more sensitive and slower to recover from cuts, blemishes, or irritation.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

It’s tempting to see these changes as “just aging,” but in reality, your skin is signaling that its needs have changed.


Think about it: you wouldn’t wear the same prescription glasses for decades without adjustment. Your skin is no different. When hormones shift, your skincare routine should adapt too.


And this isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about preserving comfort, protecting your skin’s barrier, and helping it function at its best so you feel confident in every season of life.

Caring for Skin During Perimenopause and Menopause

Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Look for ceramides, fatty acids, and niacinamide to restore your barrier and lock in hydration.

Prioritize Moisture

Choose multifunctional products that combine moisturizer and treatment in one — packed with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and nourishing plant oils.

Feed Your Skin Antioxidants

Hormonal changes increase vulnerability to oxidative stress from UV rays, pollution, and lifestyle factors. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea extract, and astaxanthin help neutralize free radicals, protecting collagen and supporting the skin barrier.

 In particular, astaxanthin — a naturally occurring antioxidant from microalgae — has been shown to improve skin hydration, smoothness, and elasticity. Its ability to protect against oxidative stress is especially beneficial for perimenopausal and menopausal skin, which is more prone to dryness, fine lines, and environmental damage. By supporting collagen integrity and defending against daily skin stressors, astaxanthin helps skin stay resilient, radiant, and healthy during hormonal changes.

Be Gentle

Avoid harsh scrubs or stripping cleansers. Opt for a pH-balanced, hydrating cleanser to maintain the skin’s natural moisture.

Daily Sun Protection

UV damage accelerates collagen breakdown and pigmentation. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a must, every single day.

A Reflection for Every Woman

Your skin has been with you through decades of smiles, stress, and sunshine. It has healed from small wounds, adapted to changing seasons, and protected you from the elements.


Now, as it enters a new chapter, it simply needs a little more attention — not to turn back time, but to honor the time you’ve lived.

The Purely Bella Perspective

At Purely Bella, we know that mature women’s skin has unique needs. We’ve even shared our best practices for women over 40 in Embracing Radiant Skin: Best Practices for Women Over 40, where we discuss how to maintain a healthy glow through every stage of life. That’s why our products are:

  • Barrier-repairing to protect and restore
  • Antioxidant-rich, featuring powerhouse ingredients like astaxanthin
  • Multifunctional to simplify your routine without sacrificing results

Because healthy, radiant skin is timeless — and you deserve to feel confident and cared for at every stage.

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