Is It Time to Change Your Skincare Routine During Menopause?

For years, menopause was a topic people avoided — now, it's finally taking centre stage. From documentaries like Davina McCall’s Sex, Myths and the Menopause to experts on Instagram like Dr. Louise Newson (@menopause_doctor) and Karen Arthur (@menopausewhilstblack), more women are speaking out about their experiences.

And the beauty industry is catching up. Brands like M&S, Korres, Avon, and L’Oréal have started creating skincare specifically for menopausal women. Sales are booming too — Cult Beauty reported a 106% growth in its menopause-focused skincare category over the past year.

But the question is: do you really need to swap your trusted skincare for these new "menopause" products? Or can you manage your skin's changes with smart tweaks to your current routine?

Menopause and Your Skin: What's Really Happening?

Declining estrogen levels during menopause cause skin to become drier, thinner, less elastic, and more prone to sensitivity and breakouts. Brands are rushing to address these issues — but not every product on the shelf is worth your money.

Just like the "clean beauty" boom, some menopause-specific products are backed by science, while others rely more on marketing buzzwords than real results.

The truth? You can still rely on tried-and-true ingredients, with a few strategic updates to better support your skin through this hormonal transition.

7 Skincare Tips for Menopausal Skin

1. Reconsider HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) HRT isn’t just for managing hot flashes — it can also help slow skin aging. Studies show it can improve dryness, sensitivity, and even skin firmness over time. If you're considering HRT, ask your doctor about body-identical options, like transdermal estrogen gels or micronised progesterone.

2. Tackle Breakouts Gently Hormonal acne is common during menopause, but harsh products will only make things worse. Use gentle exfoliants like polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) or salicylic acid toners. Hypochlorous acid (found in Clinisept+) is another dermatologist-approved option that calms skin without stripping it.

3. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier Your skin’s protective barrier weakens during menopause, leading to dryness and irritation. Support it with ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. Choose hydrating moisturizers with glycerin or aloe and avoid heavy oils that can clog pores.

4. Go Slow with Actives Ingredients like retinol and vitamin C are still your best allies for collagen production, but your skin may be more sensitive now. Start with lower concentrations and reintroduce them gradually to avoid irritation.

5. Explore Peptides and Alternatives If retinol feels too harsh, look into peptides (like Matrixyl 3000) to stimulate collagen naturally. Antioxidants like resveratrol and astaxanthin also protect skin from damage and support regeneration without irritation.

6. Try Phytoestrogens Plant-based compounds like genistein (from soy) and bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) can mimic some of estrogen’s benefits in the skin — improving elasticity, calming inflammation, and boosting brightness.

7. Focus on Nutrition A diet rich in plant proteins, phytoestrogens (lentils, soy, chickpeas), healthy fats (like omega-3s from fish), and calcium (dark leafy greens, dairy) can strengthen skin from within. Supplements like vitamin D and adaptogens like ashwagandha can also help balance hormones and boost your mood.

Skincare Products That Really Deliver for Menopausal Skin

Here are some products worth checking out if you're ready to give your skincare routine a little menopause-friendly upgrade:

• SOS Cleanse by SOS Serum: A calming cleanser packed with blue daisy extract.

• MenoGlow Sleep Crème by Prai x M&S: Hydrates deeply with peptides and antioxidants.

• Meno-Boost by MPowder: A nutritional powder packed with ashwagandha, maca root, and prebiotics for better skin and health.

• VEN effect Micro-Exfoliant: Gently resurfaces skin with enzymes and phytoestrogens.

• Indeed Labs me-NO-pause Cooling Mist: Soothes hot flushes without alcohol or irritating oils.

• Faace Menopause Mask: Loaded with vitamins and essential fatty acids for stressed skin.

• L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect 7 Day Cure: Peptide-rich ampoules to firm and plump slack skin.

• Emepelle Serum: Uses MEP technology to mimic estrogen’s effects and rejuvenate skin.

• Montana Menopause CBD Oil: Soothes inflammation and promotes relaxation.

Final Thoughts

You don't have to throw out your entire skincare shelf because of menopause. With some smart product choices and a little patience, you can address your skin’s new needs without starting from scratch. Menopause is just another chapter — not the end of your glow.