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Skin Concerns During Menopause: What Happens and Why

Jan 8
Menopause is a natural life stage, but the hormonal changes that occur during this time can have a significant impact on the skin. Declining oestrogen levels affect collagen production, hydration, elasticity, and barrier function, often leading to multiple skin concerns appearing simultaneously.

For beauty and aesthetic practitioners, understanding menopausal skin is essential for providing safe, effective, and empathetic care.

Why Menopause Affects the Skin

Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity. During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels fall, leading to:
 • Reduced collagen and elastin production
 • Slower cell turnover
 • Increased transepidermal water loss
 • Heightened skin sensitivity
These physiological changes explain why many women experience new or worsening skin concerns during this stage of life.

Common Skin Concerns During Menopause

Adult Acne and Breakouts
Hormonal imbalance can trigger breakouts, even in individuals who have never previously experienced acne. Reduced oestrogen alongside relatively higher androgen activity can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and inflammation.
Menopausal acne often presents around the jawline, chin, and lower face and requires a gentle, barrier-supportive approach rather than aggressive treatments.

Dryness and Dehydration
One of the most common menopausal skin concerns is dryness. Reduced lipid production weakens the skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. This can lead to tightness, flaking, and discomfor
Hydration-focused skincare and treatments that support barrier repair are essential during this phase.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines
As collagen levels decline, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. Fine lines may deepen, and wrinkles become more visible, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
This is a structural change within the skin and highlights the importance of collagen-supportive treatments and realistic client expectations.

Sensitivity and Irritation
Menopausal skin is often more reactive. Clients may report stinging, redness, or irritation from products they previously tolerated well. A compromised skin barrier increases susceptibility to environmental stressors and active ingredients.
Practitioners should adopt a cautious approach, prioritising skin calming and strengthening over aggressive exfoliation.

Hyperpigmentation
Hormonal fluctuations can stimulate melanocyte activity, leading to uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Sun exposure can exacerbate this, making daily SPF and pigmentation-aware treatments essential.


Loss of Firmness and Elasticity
Reduced elastin and collagen cause the skin to lose firmness, particularly in the lower face, jawline, and neck. Gravity and reduced structural support contribute to sagging and changes in facial contours.
Understanding these changes is crucial when advising clients on suitable treatments and outcomes.

Supporting Menopausal Skin Professionally

Menopausal skin requires a holistic, educated approach that considers internal hormonal changes as well as external skincare and treatments. Practitioners should focus on:
 • Barrier repair and hydration
 • Gentle exfoliation and renewal
 • Collagen-supportive treatments
 • Sun protection and pigmentation management
 • Clear consultation and expectation setting

Education is key to delivering safe, ethical, and effective results for this client group.

Training and Education Matters

As more clients seek support for menopausal skin concerns, practitioners must be confident in their knowledge of skin physiology, ageing, and hormonal influence. Accredited training ensures treatments are tailored appropriately and delivered within professional boundaries.

At Advanced Learning Academy, we offer online accredited courses designed to support practitioners in understanding skin changes across the lifespan, including menopause-related concerns.
Click here to view the course