Learn how skin changes before, during, and after menopause, and discover skincare tips, treatments, and ZO Skin Health solutions to maintain healthy, radiant skin in Manchester.
Understanding the Stages of Menopause
Menopause isn’t a single moment in time – it’s a gradual process that takes place over several years and happens in stages. Each stage can affect the body, and the skin, in different ways.
- Perimenopause – This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when hormone levels (particularly oestrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate. It usually starts in a woman’s 40s, though it can begin earlier, and may last anywhere from 4 to 8 years. During this time, irregular periods, hot flushes, and skin changes are common.
- Menopause – Menopause itself is officially defined as the point when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, though it can occur earlier or later.
- Post-menopause – This is the stage after menopause, when menstrual cycles have permanently stopped. While symptoms such as hot flushes may lessen, the effects of reduced oestrogen – including changes in skin, bones, and overall health – continue.
In most cases, the menopausal transition is complete by the mid-50s, though every woman’s experience is unique. Some symptoms, particularly those related to skin and ageing, can persist long after menopause, which is why understanding and supporting your skin throughout every stage is so important.
Menopause and Your Skin: What to Expect
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but it often brings changes that can affect how you look and feel. While hot flushes and disrupted sleep are well-known symptoms, the skin also undergoes significant shifts due to fluctuating hormone levels. At The Menopause Clinic, we help women understand these changes and find solutions that support confidence and wellbeing.
How Skin Is Affected Before Menopause
The years leading up to menopause – known as perimenopause – can trigger unpredictable hormonal changes. Oestrogen levels begin to decline, reducing collagen production and impacting hydration. You may notice:
- Increased dryness and rough texture
- Early signs of fine lines
- More sensitivity than usual
- Breakouts linked to hormonal fluctuations
During this time, it’s important to adopt a gentle but effective skincare routine that maintains hydration while protecting the skin barrier.
Perimenopause skincare tips:
- Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip natural oils.
- Incorporate hydrating serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture.
- Consider antioxidant-rich creams to protect against environmental stressors and early signs of ageing.
- Introduce a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser for areas prone to occasional breakouts.
- Don’t skip broad-spectrum SPF – sun protection is essential at every stage
Skin Changes During Menopause
As oestrogen levels fall further, skin often loses elasticity and thickness. Collagen – which provides structure and firmness – can decline by up to 30% in the first five years of menopause. This can result in:
- Thinner, more fragile skin
- Deeper wrinkles and sagging
- Increased redness or irritation
- Slower healing and repair
Many women also experience a dull or uneven complexion. Professional support, from both medical and skincare experts, can help address these issues with targeted treatments and medical-grade products.
Menopause skincare tips:
- Switch to rich, hydrating moisturisers to combat dryness.
- Incorporate peptides and retinol (if tolerated) to stimulate collagen and improve texture.
- Use soothing ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Maintain consistent sun protection, as menopausal skin can become more susceptible to pigmentation.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants or over-cleansing, which can worsen sensitivity.
Post-Menopause: Long-Term Skin Health
After menopause, the skin continues to age more rapidly due to the sustained drop in oestrogen and collagen. Long-term effects can include:
- Persistent dryness and crepiness
- Loss of volume in the face
- More pronounced pigmentation or age spots
While these changes are natural, they don’t have to define how your skin looks or feels. With the right care, it’s possible to restore radiance and resilience at any stage of life.
Post-menopause skincare tips:
- Continue with rich moisturisers and hydrating serums to maintain barrier function.
- Include antioxidant serums (like vitamin C) to support skin repair and brighten dull areas.
- Consider professional treatments, such as facials, peels, or laser therapies, to address ageing signs and improve texture.
- Maintain a simple, consistent routine to avoid over-stressing sensitive skin.
- Pair skincare with medical-grade products, like ZO Skin Health, for enhanced results and long-term skin health.
The Menopause Clinic Approach
At The Menopause Clinic, we take a holistic view of skin health during menopause. Our team works with you to manage hormonal changes while supporting your skin with personalised advice. We often collaborate with our sister company, Face Medical, who offer advanced skin consultations using the OBSERV skin scanner and a wide range of in-clinic treatments and skincare products by ZO Skin Health. Together, we ensure your care addresses both the underlying causes and the visible effects of menopausal skin.
Support from Face Medical & ZO Skin Health
For those seeking tailored skincare, Face Medical recommends ZO Skin Health, a professional brand designed to improve skin function and resilience. Their products can help with hydration, texture, and protection – all key concerns for menopausal skin.
Face Medical in Heywood, near Manchester, will also be hosting a Reset, Refine, Reveal event this November, where guests can explore their skin type, learn about effective product pairings, and enjoy expert advice in a relaxed setting. While not limited to menopausal skin, it’s an excellent opportunity to understand how your complexion can benefit from a personalised approach.
You can find out more about this exclusive event by contacting Face Medical
Embracing Healthy, Radiant Skin
Menopause may bring challenges, but with the right support, your skin can continue to look and feel healthy. Whether you’re preparing for perimenopause, navigating the transition, or managing post-menopausal skin, The Menopause Clinic and Face Medical are here to guide you every step of the way.