Perimenopause & Your Skin: Understanding and Embracing the Changes

As hormones change, your skin can become drier and more sensitive, and you may find that products your skin once tolerated are no longer as comfortable. You might notice changes in firmness, pigmentation or even find yourself experiencing breakouts again.

Although these changes can feel overwhelming, understanding what’s happening to your skin can help you adapt your skincare routine to meet its changing needs. Your skin doesn’t need to be a source of frustration. Focusing on skin health and choosing products that support your individual skin needs can help you feel more confident and in control as your skin changes.

Your skin barrier may need more support

A common theme in caring for your skin throughout perimenopause and menopause is supporting a healthy and functioning skin barrier. Hormonal changes can affect the skin's structure and hydration which may impact how well the skin performs its protective function.

Look for skincare products containing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which can help support skin hydration and barrier function.

Your skin may become drier

During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can contribute to increased skin dryness. You may notice that your skin feels tighter, rougher or more prone to flaking.

Moisturising daily with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser can help support the skin barrier and reduce symptoms such as tightness, itch and flakiness. Ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid can also help support skin hydration and barrier function.

Your skin may become more sensitive

You may find that your skin no longer tolerates products that you have been using for years. Ingredients that were once comfortable may suddenly cause stinging, redness or irritation.

The first step in managing sensitive skin is to strip back and simplify your skincare routine. This may involve temporarily stopping active ingredients and choosing a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturiser.

Once your skin has settled, you can slowly reintroduce active ingredients that target your specific skincare concerns, introducing one product at a time and monitoring how your skin responds.

Pigmentation may become more noticeable

Regular SPF application is important at every stage of life and should continue throughout perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes can influence pigmentation, while cumulative sun exposure can also contribute to uneven skin tone and pigmentation becoming more noticeable.

Although some types of pigmentation require assessment and treatment by a dermatologist, protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ can help prevent further UV-related pigmentation and protect your skin from ongoing sun damage.

Ultimately, caring for your skin during perimenopause isn't about trying to turn back the clock. It's about understanding how your skin is changing and adapting your routine to support its health through every stage of life.

A Simple Skincare Routine for Perimenopausal Skin

As your skin changes during perimenopause, a gentle, hydrating routine can help support the skin barrier, soothe sensitivity and maintain moisture. Choose products based on your individual skin needs, introducing new products gradually.

A final tip: Keep your routine simple, use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning, and introduce new products one at a time. If persistent redness, irritation or pigmentation concerns develop, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

References: 

1. “Perimenopausal skin: Frequently asked questions” , The Australian College of Dermatologists (Published April 2022)

2. Jeane Hailes for Women’s Health, Menopause (internet) [Accessed October 2026]