Suddenly noticed that the foundation that served you well for years is suddenly settling into lines and clinging to new dry patches? The perimenopause and menopause are likely to be the culprits – and you definitely need a new foundation.

The menopause is triggered by a decline in the hormone oestrogen and, for most, arrives between the ages of 45 and 55. For some, the menopause can pass with little fanfare, while for others it feels like a well-attended parade marching through your life. Symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, headaches and low mood, and will vary in severity and timescale from person to person. If your menopause has been brought on by medical treatment, then the symptoms tend to be more impactful. If this wasn’t enough to contend with, a lack of oestrogen can cause skin to change in a number of different ways, from dryness and breakouts to a loss of elasticity. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a game-changer for easing many of these symptoms, your changing skin will still benefit from a dedicated skincare routine.

Knowledge is power, and understanding why these changes happen will make them easier to manage…

How does skin change during menopause?

Dryness: During the peri-menopause, the period leading up to your menopause, we start to lose some of the natural moisturisers in our skin, like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Without ceramides to keep the skin barrier strong, and hyaluronic acid adding hydration, skin can quickly become uncomfortably dry and dehydrated.

Loss of radiance: A lack of sleep from night-sweats and insomnia, combined with reduced hydration can quickly cause skin to become dull and lacklustre.

Decreased firmness and loss of oomph: Our skin loses up to 30% of its collagen during the menopause, which is why you might notice that structural changes to the skin feel quite sudden. There can be an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, with skin less able to bounce back than it once was.

Breakouts: Levels of oestrogen deplete during the menopause, but male hormones called androgens, like testosterone, remain present. This shift can trigger menopausal breakouts, as skin produces excess oil. It's frustrating, especially if you had thought you waved goodbye to acne in your teens.