Skin During Perimenopause: What to Expect

3–4 minutes

If you’re in your 40s and noticing that your once-reliable skincare routine isn’t working quite the same anymore, you’re not imagining it. Skin during perimenopause changes sometimes suddenly, sometimes subtly. And while it can feel frustrating, it’s completely natural.

Here’s what’s really going on beneath the surface of your skin during this hormonal rollercoaster and how to support your skin with care, not panic.

What happens to skin during perimenopause?
Skin during perimenopause becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic due to declining estrogen levels. You may also experience breakouts, redness, or increased sensitivity. The best approach is a gentler, more hydrating skincare routine, sun protection, and possibly targeted treatments for collagen and moisture support.

Why Perimenopause Impacts Skin

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, and it can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. During this time, your estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and that has a direct effect on your skin.

Estrogen plays a key role in:

Stimulating collagen production
Retaining skin moisture and thickness
Supporting blood flow for that natural glow

As estrogen dips, you might notice:

Dry, dull, or flaky skin
Loss of firmness and elasticity
Thinning skin that bruises more easily
New sensitivities to products that never bothered you before
Acne flare-ups, even if you never had them in adulthood
Slower wound healing or inflammation

You’re not alone. A 2022 review in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology confirmed that declining estrogen contributes to visible skin aging, especially during the perimenopausal window.

What You Can Do: Skin-Smart Strategies for This Phase

1. Moisture Is Non-Negotiable

Switch to richer, more nourishing moisturizers. Look for:

Ceramides (to rebuild your skin barrier)
Hyaluronic acid (for hydration without heaviness)
Squalane or jojoba oil (to mimic your skin’s natural oils)

Quick Tip: Apply moisturizer on damp skin to lock in more hydration.

2. Use Retinoids — Gently

Yes, retinoids (like retinol or retinaldehyde) are still effective, but your skin may need a milder formula.

Start slowly, 1–2x per week
Follow with a soothing barrier cream
Avoid harsh exfoliants on the same nights

3. Get Serious About SPF

Sun damage becomes even more noticeable when collagen declines. Now’s the time to wear SPF every day, rain or shine.

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Reapply if you’re outdoors for long periods
Use physical blockers like zinc oxide for sensitive skin

4. Focus on Barrier Repair

If your skin stings more often or flushes easily, your skin barrier might be compromised.

Avoid over-cleansing (skip foaming or stripping cleansers)
Skip alcohol-heavy toners
Try niacinamide, which supports the barrier and reduces redness

5. Consider Professional Help

Dermatologists and estheticians can offer:

Collagen-stimulating treatments (like microneedling or lasers)
Prescription creams tailored to hormone-related changes
Advice on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if appropriate

Always consult your healthcare provider first, especially if skin symptoms are paired with other perimenopausal signs like sleep changes, mood shifts, or irregular cycles.

Midlife Skin and Identity: Let It Be Yours

The real truth? Your skin in your 40s and 50s won’t look like it did at 25 and it doesn’t have to.

Instead of trying to reverse time, think of this phase as a recalibration. Your skin is evolving. Your needs are shifting. So let your routine evolve with it.

“Perimenopause is not about falling apart,” says dermatologist Dr. Heather D. Rogers. “It’s about tuning in and responding to what your body is asking for.”

Did You Know?

A 2023 study found that collagen levels drop by 30% in the first five years of menopause and begin declining during perimenopause. Supporting collagen through topical peptides, diet (think vitamin C and protein), and lifestyle matters more than ever.

What Happens to Skin During Perimenopause (and What to Do About It)

Why Perimenopause Impacts Skin