Meet Dr Jen: expert ObGyn and Nutritionist. Dr Jen has kindly penned this week’s journal entry, explaining how perimenopause can affect your skin, and how best to counteract perimenopausal skin concerns.
Perimenopause Skin
Thought you were done with acne and body hair issues when you got through your teenage years? Think again.
Enter perimenopause, which can start as early as a woman's mid-30's! Yes, you read that correctly. Symptoms associated with menopause can start 10 years before your periods actually stop, so skin changes can start then too, as can mid-section weight gain (even if you aren't eating more or exercising less).
But don't worry, there is a lot you can do. Between your hormones and your skin, it's easy to feel as if you're running in circles, but it's actually a lot more straightforward than you may think, once you’ve undergone a mini-medical school.
And that is what I am here to deliver. Read on for all you need to know about perimenopause skin.
How Perimenopause Can Affect Your Skin
Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, is marked by fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which significantly impact the skin.
These hormonal shifts can lead to changes such as dryness, loss of elasticity, increased wrinkles, and acne.
To start, there's a drop in estrogen. Estrogen plays a crucial role in collagen production, skin hydration and wound healing, and as estrogen declines, the skin loses collagen and elastin, leading to:
- Increased wrinkles and fine lines
- Thinning of the skin, making it more fragile
- Dehydration due to reduced hyaluronic acid production
- Slower wound healing
This is essentially what prompts an increase in crepey skin, too: a loss of collagen in the scaffolding structures of the skin is the result of low estrogen levels.
Evidence: A study in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2019) found that collagen decreases by about 30% in the first five years of menopause and continues to decline by 2% per year thereafter. Research in Dermato-Endocrinology (2012) confirms that estrogen therapy improves skin elasticity, hydration, and thickness.
Then, there is progesterone. Progesterone levels fluctuate in perimenopause, leading to water retention and increased sebum production, meaning more clogged pores and adult acne (oftentimes this acne is centered around the jawline, and it can even be cystic).
Evidence: A 2021 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that progesterone fluctuations can trigger inflammation and sebaceous gland activity, increasing breakouts.
And finally, testosterone is reduced, leading to a loss of firmness. Testosterone supports skin repair and sebaceous gland function, so as it declines the skin loses firmness and volume and there is a slower cell turnover, leading to dullness.
How To Treat Perimenopausal Skin
To counteract the effects of the decrease in estrogen and the fluctuation in progesterone, it’s important to work to boost collagen and elastin production, maintain moisturization and counteract the increased sebum production.
This can be achieved through topical applications, supplements or in-clinic treatments. I debrief my top recommendations below:
Topical Treatments For Perimenopause Skin
Ingredients To Consider
- Hyaluronic Acid: Naturally present within the skin and capable of binding 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is incredibly effective at delivering moisture and replenishing the skin.
- Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin): Used to describe any compound or ingredient that is derived from vitamin A, retinoids can stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles or treat acne.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C has many benefits when applied topically in skincare: brightening, stimulating collagen and elastin production, aiding in wound healing, evening tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and protecting against environmental aggressors.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide can even skin tone, reduce pore size and stimulate collagen synthesis, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a powerful oil-soluble chemical exfoliant, able to penetrate into pores to clear skin cells both on the surface of the skin and beneath.
- Peptides: Peptides are the basis of numerous studies, and have proven firming, soothing and hydrating abilities, leading to a stronger skin barrier, fewer fine lines and wrinkles, reduced inflammation and more elastic skin.
Lifestyle & Supplements
- Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides have been shown in studies to improve skin elasticity.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Omega fatty acids can strengthen the structure of the skin, smoothing, repairing, hydrating and soothing whilst offering anti-aging benefits such as reduction of UV damage, fine lines and elastin degradation. The most beneficial omega fatty acids are linoleic acid (omega-6), alpha-linoleic acid (omega-3) and oleic acid (omega-9).
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Estrogen-based HRT may help increase skin hydration, thickness, and reduce wrinkles.
- Reduce dairy and high-glycemic foods: As these foods can worsen hormonal acne, it’s worth considering reducing your daily intake.
- Oral Spironolactone (for persistent acne): This is a doctor prescribed medicine that can help block androgen-related breakouts.
In-Clinic Treatment Options:
- Microneedling is an effective and natural way to amplify collagen and elastin levels, working over time to boost skin tone, clarity, firmness and elasticity.
- Laser Treatments can trigger the skin’s natural repair process enhancing collagen and elastin production. Moxi™ is a great option, a gentle laser that is safe for use on all skin types.
Best Products For Perimenopausal Skin
To treat the effects of perimenopause on your skin, Joonbyrd’s dermatologist-formulated functional body care is key:
- For A Moisture Boost: SUNDAY SOFA Rejuvenating Body Butter contains rambutan leaf extract (a natural retinol alternative), hyaluronic acid and adaptogen Siberian ginseng, and is clinically proven to enhance skin firmness and elasticity, and moisturize for up to 48 hours.
- To Treat Crepey Skin: DAYDREAMER Firming Body Serum delivers firmer skin in as little as four weeks, thanks to its biomimetic peptide-sapphire complex and 17 active and botanical ingredients. The rich oil-in-gel formula improves the appearance of crepey skin, cellulite and stretch marks, delivering a dose of collagen and elastin boosting ingredients directly to where they're needed most.
- To Reduce Inflammation: LITTLE LOVE Nourishing Body Lotion is rich in soothing niacinamide alongside ashwagandha and moisturizing amino acids, to protect your skin and deliver proven moisturization for up to 48 hours.
Conclusion
Perimenopause-related skin changes are largely driven by fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Evidence-based treatments, including topical skincare, dietary changes, and HRT, can help mitigate these skin effects.
Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider for personalized treatments can further enhance skin health during this transition.
For more women's health, weight and nutrition information, follow Dr Jen's free weekly newsletter, Ajenda. Sign up here or at www.joinajenda.com.
For further expert insight on self-care, check out our journal.
