The word menopause literally means when your periods stop. The medical definition of being menopausal is when you have not had a period for one year. The menopause occurs when your ovaries no longer produce eggs and, as a result, the levels of hormones called oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone fall.

However, you may experience a myriad of symptoms in the months and years before you reach menopause, a phase known as perimenopause. Typically starting around age 45, though can be earlier, reproductive hormones start to fluctuate, periods become irregular, and you may experience hot flushes, aches and pains, dry skin and low mood – to name just a few of the many symptoms.

Menopause and skin

Women of menopausal age often notice dramatic changes in their skin. Oestrogen plays a critical role in many skin functions such as collagen production. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause. After that, the decline is more gradual. Women lose about 2% of their collagen ever year for the next 20 years. Along with accelerated skin ageing, it’s common for skin to become very dry, itchy and sensitive.

Top picks for menopausal skin

It can be advisable to keep your regimen simple when your skin condition is unpredictable and in a constant state of fluctuation. Follow our Prep, Treat and Glow regimen with key formulas to nourish, soothe, firm and hydrate.

	PREP Intensive Moisture Cleanser to nourish and restore the skins depleted barrier whilst effectively cleansing and removing impurities.
	TREAT Smart Response Serum to manage four skin conditions at once. Brightens, soothes, hydrates and firms. Micromanages your skin so you don’t have to.
	GLOW Calm Water Gel to cool, soothe and hydrate in a light gel texture for weightless protection and environmental defence.

Professional skin advice

We understand that your skin is unique, and menopause will affect us all differently. If you need guidance on the best formulas for your skin, reach out to your local Dermalogica Expert for personalised advice. Or book a free digital consultation with Face Mapping here.

Additional support and advice

Many women don’t get the support they need or simply aren’t aware of what’s out there or where to go. But with celebrities like Davina McCall and Lisa Snowdon raising awareness and speaking out about menopause, awareness is growing, this is empowering woman to take control of their menopause treatment. Visit your GP or search for a local menopause clinic for help and advice with options such as HRT. And search ‘menopause’ on Instagram for top accounts to follow.

Check out our collection of recommended products here.