Your guide to menopause skincare: Glow your own way

Ah, menopause… or ‘the second puberty’ as some experts (unglamorously) call it. This time of transition signals in some *pretty* significant changes for women. And just when you thought hot flushes, mood swings and sleepless nights were quite enough (thank you very much!) along comes a multitude of menopause skin changes to add insult to injury. With unfamiliar flushes and strange symptoms, it’s easy to feel like you’re starting from skincare scratch. But don’t despair! We’ve got your back with all the menopause skincare tips you need – from hero ingredients to building your perfect menopausal skincare routine. So, if you’re looking for a low-down on skincare for menopausal skin, you've landed in the perfect place.

Understanding menopause skin changes

Menopause brings with it a whirlwind of changes, and your skin is right there on the rollercoaster. Thanks to fluctuating hormone levels, including the decline in oestrogen (which is crucial for the stimulation of collagen and elastin), menopause skin changes over time to feel less plump and protected. Add to that a reduction in sebum production and it’s no wonder the skin becomes less able to retain moisture. Dryness, sensitivity, dullness – sound familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out solo. Whether you are just starting your research into perimenopause skincare or you’re getting to grips with dry menopausal skin, this guide will help you back on the road to feeling great in your skin – because change doesn’t have to mean compromise.

Common concern: Increased sensitivity & itchiness

While the links between menopause and dry skin are clear, some might be surprised by the sensitivity of their skin that comes with it. When seeking skincare for menopause, it’s important to understand that menopausal skin produces less oil, increasing that feeling of tightness and dryness. While changes in the lipid layer can lead to water loss from the skin, the weaker skin barrier can also lead to irritation. Choosing the best lotion for menopause itchy skin means looking for soothing ingredients that will protect the surface of the skin, rather than irritating or stripping it further – anything astringent is a big no no!

When shopping for the best menopause skincare these days, you are thankfully spoilt for choice – there are targeted menopause skin products launching faster than you can say ‘hot flush’, and sometimes with hefty price tags. But here's the thing, the best skincare for menopausal skin doesn’t necessarily have to read ‘menopause’ on the label. Savvy shoppers know it’s what’s inside the bottle that counts. So here are the hero ingredients you need to look out for…

Ready for the science bit? Let’s get stuck in with our first menopause skincare saviour! Hyaluronic acid is renowned for its super ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Naturally occurring in the skin, where it retains moisture and provides structural support, it naturally declines during menopause. But here’s a reason to rejoice: the best moisturisers for menopausal skin are packed with hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s hydration, so make sure you include them on your menopausal skincare shopping list.

Our next game changer is glycerin, which also attracts and retains water, making it another great moisturiser for menopausal skin. It also forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, reducing moisture loss and making it less prone to irritants, while also soothing irritation or inflammation. Talk about a menopausal skincare champion! When creating our list of the best skincare for menopausal skin, glycerin gets a gold star.

Peptides & ceramides for firmness & barrier support

Next up in the menopausal skincare spotlight are peptides, which stimulate collagen production and boost skin’s elasticity. These fragments of protein act as the building blocks of the skin working as messengers between cells, prompting them to create collagen and elastin, which in turn can boost skin’s youthful appearance. If you’re looking for the best skincare for menopausal skin, you can be sure that peptides will pop up.

Our final menopause skincare ingredient under the microscope is ceramides. A type of lipid fat that naturally makes up around 50% of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), they play an important role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier by locking in moisture and protecting against environmental damage. When searching for the best face cream for menopause skin, always scan the ingredients list for ceramides.

Step 1: Gentle, hydrating cleansers

You guessed it... menopausal skin is best cleansed with a gentle approach. Since the dermal layer is thinner, the skin can feel extra sensitive and risks developing a ‘tight’ sensation with some soaps. Our advice? Avoid anything stringent or drying that foams, is perfumed or that will strip the skin. The best cleanser for menopausal skin will contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to support moisture retention and soothe sensitivity. Choose oil-based or creamy cleansers as part of your menopause skincare routine and you’ll be glowing in no time!

Step 2: Rich, nourishing moisturisers

One of the skin’s main roles is to act as a barrier to the environment and keep water in, but with the menopause, this barrier function begins to decline. But never fear, that’s where moisturisers come in! The best menopausal skin moisturiser should contain peptides to stimulate collagen, hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, and glycerin and ceramides to form a protective barrier. You might want to switch up your moisturisers depending on when you apply it – the best face cream for menopause during the day must include SPF to protect vulnerable skin, while the best moisturiser for menopausal skin at night will be richly nourishing to work its magic while you sleep. And remember, consistency is key – once you’ve found a menopause skin moisturiser that works, stick with it!

Step 3: Don't forget body care

Let’s not forget – your body deserves the same VIP treatment as your face. Menopause can leave skin feeling like the Sahara, with dryness and itchiness making surprise appearances. The secret? Slather on the buttery moisturisers that provide intense hydration and indulge in silky oils that feel like a hug for your skin. The best lotion for menopausal dry skin will contain those same hard-working heroes that do wonders for your face – think collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid. For those pesky itches, the best lotion for menopause itchy skin is rich in soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides. Since skin is sensitive, it’s smart to opt for fragrance-free options and seek out natural ingredients such as shea butter and oat extract to protect irritable skin. Even if you’re only at the start of your menopause journey, adding a luxurious body lotion into your perimenopause skincare routine can feel deliciously pampering – because every inch of you deserves to glow. So go ahead, treat yourself, lock in that moisture, and feel fabulous. Your skin will thank you, and so will your confidence.