Aging is a privilege—it means you’re alive! But let’s be real—it can also feel like a bit of a shock when you wake up one morning and notice your skin isn’t behaving the way it used to. Suddenly, you’re dealing with adult acne, dryness, thinning skin, sagging, and hair loss. Welcome to menopause, where estrogen levels drop, and your entire body—skin included—feels the shift.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I see women in my office every day with the same concerns:

“Why is my skin suddenly so dry?”

“Why am I breaking out in my 50s?”

“Is there anything I can do to keep my skin looking healthy and vibrant?”

The answer? Absolutely! But first, let’s break down what’s happening to your skin during menopause and what you can do about it.

What Happens to Your Skin During Menopause?

Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings—it’s also a time when your skin undergoes some major changes due to declining estrogen levels. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:

 Collagen Drops Like a Rock – By the time you hit menopause, you’ve already been losing about 1% of collagen per year since your mid-20s. But after menopause? That loss accelerates—up to 30% of your collagen disappears in the first five years. This leads to thinner skin, fine lines, and sagging.

Dryness and Sensitivity Increase – Estrogen helps your skin retain moisture and stimulates oil production. When it declines, your skin barrier weakens, leading to dry, irritated, and sometimes even itchy skin. Many women describe their skin feeling paper-thin or constantly tight.

Hormonal Acne Makes a Surprise Appearance – Think acne was just a teenage problem? Think again. With a relative increase in androgens (male hormones like testosterone), some women experience midlife breakouts, especially along the jawline and chin.

Hair Thinning and Hair Growth in Odd Places – Estrogen keeps hair growth balanced, but with menopause, you might notice thinning on your scalp while peach fuzz and chin hairs make an unwelcome appearance. It’s all about shifting hormone ratios.

Hyperpigmentation & Sun Damage Can Worsen – Without estrogen’s protective effects, sun damage becomes more visible and precancerous spots or skin cancers may appear.

Delayed Wound Healing – Lower estrogen levels slow down cell turnover and repair, meaning your skin takes longer to heal from cuts, bruises, and cosmetic procedures.

So, What Can You Do?

The good news? There’s A LOT you can do to keep your skin healthy and glowing through menopause and beyond. Here’s your dermatologist-approved menopause skincare game plan:

1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

Look for moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to help restore your skin barrier. If your skin is extra dry, layer a hydrating serum underneath your moisturizer. Consider adding a gentle facial oil for an extra moisture boost.

2. Embrace Retinoids (Slowly!)

 Retinoids (like retinol and prescription tretinoin) boost collagen, smooth fine lines, and even skin tone.
Start slow—2-3 times a week—and layer over a moisturizer to minimize irritation.
If retinoids feel too harsh, try bakuchiol, a gentler alternative.

3. Sunscreen, Always & Forever

 SPF 30+ every single day—yes, even in winter, even if you’re just walking to the mailbox.
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) are best for sensitive, menopausal skin.
Bonus: Sunscreen prevents hyperpigmentation and collagen breakdown.

4. Combat Acne & Hair Growth With Smart Strategies

 If hormonal acne is an issue, spironolactone (a prescription oral medication) can help.
Azelaic acid and niacinamide are great for calming inflammation and reducing breakouts.
For unwanted facial hair, consider laser hair removal, electrolysis, or topical eflornithine (Vaniqa).

5. Consider Estrogen Cream (Yes, For Your Face!)

 Topical estrogen creams (usually prescribed for vaginal dryness) are being studied for their ability to improve facial skin elasticity and hydration.
Studies show that using estrogen topically can increase collagen production and improve skin texture.
If you're on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), that can also benefit your skin.

6. Support Your Skin From the Inside

1. Eat more protein to support collagen production (think lean meats, fish, eggs, and collagen supplements).
   
   
2. Load up on omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) to keep skin plump and hydrated.
3. Vitamin D, iron, and ferritin levels are crucial for hair growth—check with your doctor!

The Emotional Side of Menopausal Skin Changes

Let’s talk about something just as important as skincare routines and treatments—the emotional impact of menopausal skin changes. Many women describe feeling frustrated, self-conscious, or even invisible as their skin and hair start to shift. It’s not just about fine lines or dryness—it’s about looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself. This transition can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth: you are not alone. Menopause isn’t something to fight or fear—it’s a new phase of life that deserves just as much care and attention as any other stage. By prioritizing skincare, nutrition, and self-care, you can continue to feel strong, radiant, and confident in your own skin. Aging isn’t about fading into the background—it’s about stepping into your power with grace, wisdom, and beauty. 

Menopause & Skincare: What Experts Are Saying

In a recent episode of The Skin Real podcast, I sat down with Dr. Brenda Dintiman to talk about menopause and its impact on the skin. We covered everything from hormonal acne and hair thinning to the potential benefits of topical estrogen and why sunscreen is more important than ever.

Be sure to check out this episode for expert advice on how to keep your skin glowing through menopause!

Aging is a Privilege, Not a Problem

Menopause isn’t the end of your story—it’s a new chapter. Your skin and body will evolve, but that doesn’t mean you have to battle it. Instead, work with it. Nourish it. Protect it.

Invest in what makes YOU feel confident and radiant. And most importantly, find a doctor, friends, and a community who can support you on your menopause journey!

You’re not alone in this—your skin deserves all the care and attention at every stage of life!