Skincare During Menopause: Should I Change My Routine?

Here’s how menopause affects your skin—and what you can do.

Mar 12, 2024

One significant transition for women is the big M: menopause. Typically starting between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, bringing with it a series of hormonal changes that can affect various aspects of our health—our skin, included.

But while these changes vary from person to person, they’re considered a normal part of aging. By understanding what’s going on inside and outside of your body, you can better prepare for what’s to come and hopefully, ease some of the skin issues that may pop up during this time.

How Menopause Affects Your Skin

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels, can have significant effects on the skin. Here are some common changes women may notice:

Dryness: Declining estrogen levels can lead to reduced oil production, resulting in drier, rougher skin.
Wrinkles and fine lines: Decreased collagen and elastin production can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
Loss of elasticity: Skin may become less firm and supple due to decreased elasticity. A study showed that some types of collagen may decrease by 30% in the first five years post-menopause.
Thinning skin: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining skin thickness, so its decline during menopause can lead to thinner, more fragile skin.
Increased sensitivity: Some women may experience heightened skin sensitivity and irritation during this period.
Hyperpigmentation: Hormonal changes can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to dark spots or an uneven skin tone. (It’s a common problem among Pinoys, too.)

Skincare During Menopause

While navigating the changes that accompany menopause, adopting a tailored skincare routine can help support your skin’s health and vitality. Here are some practical tips to consider:

Hydration is key: Combat dryness by using hydrating skincare products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Look for moisturizers specifically formulated for mature skin to replenish lost moisture and promote a plump, dewy complexion.

Try: Froika Hyaluronic Face Serum, P2,500
This moisturizing and soothing serum contains high-quality liposomes, which deliver active ingredients to the interior of the skin and restore its function as a barrier.

Try: Froika Hyaluronic Tonic Lotion, P1,900
This refreshing toner has hyaluronic acid in liposomes to rebalance, smoothen, and moisturize skin.

Prioritize sun protection. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen daily, even on overcast days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and re-apply every two hours when outdoors.

Try: Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel, P2,800
A lightweight gel formula, this provides high protection without a greasy or heavy feel, and won’t settle into fine lines.

Switch to a gentle cleanser. Opt for mild, non-abrasive cleansers that effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can exacerbate dryness and irritation.

Try: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, P2,100
A favorite among sensitive skin types, this cleanser is also ideal for normal and aging skin.

Boost collagen production. Incorporate skincare products enriched with collagen-boosting ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin firmness. (Check out our retinol guide here.)

Try: Neostrata Matrix Support SPF 30, P4,050
Formulated with .1% retinol and peptides, this premium anti-aging cream firms skin and improves texture while also providing sun protection.

Add a brightening product: Combat uneven skin tone and dark spots with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and licorice extract. (Here’s why you need a Vitamin C serum.) Consider incorporating a targeted serum or treatment into your skincare routine to help fade discoloration over time.

Try: MD Therapy Glutatone A+ Cream, P1,850
Get a radiance boost with this derma-approved cream that brightens with a powerful combination of glutathione, arbutin, and vitamin C.

Eat well, drink well. Maintain overall skin health by staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Adequate hydration and nutrition can support skin barrier function and promote a radiant complexion.
Consult a dermatologist. If you’re experiencing significant skin changes during menopause or have specific concerns, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice. A skincare professional can properly assess your skin’s needs and customize a regimen to address your individual concerns.

Menopausal Skincare: Step by Step

Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, shares a basic daily skincare regimen that women can try during menopause and beyond. It is best, however, to have your skin assessed for a more targeted routine.

Wash your face with lukewarm water and a mild, hypoallergenic, preservative-free cleanser.
Use a toner to balance skin’s pH levels and prepare skin for other products. Choose an alcohol-free toner with hydrating and soothing ingredients. Some picks: Mesoestetic Hydratonic Mist, Bioderma Sensibio H2O AR, and Herculane Thermal Spring Water .
Apply a hydrating moisturizer—preferably one formulated specifically for mature skin—on the face, neck, and decollete.
At night, add an anti-aging serum and products that will address your skin concerns, such as pigmentations, and puffy/dark under-eyes, before your nighttime moisturizer.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50, one that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, high energy visible light, and infrared radiation. If you have sensitive skin, you can opt for a mineral formula. Re-apply every two hours especially if under the sun.

Adds Dr. Navarro, “I recommend clinic procedures to rejuvenate menopausal skin.” These include “laser procedures, biostimulators (Rejuran H and I treatment), high-energy devices to tighten the skin (Ultraformer MPT), botulinum toxin injections, exosome therapy, and many more.”

While menopause brings about hormonal changes that can significantly impact the skin, proactive skincare can help mitigate these effects and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. The best strategy is to go for a skincare routine that’s well-tailored for your needs—so you can embrace this new phase of life with confidence and grace.

For customized skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here.

Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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