How Does Menopause Affect My Skin Type? Dermatologists Talk Skin Changes for Women Over 50

Mirror, mirror on the…what! Ever look in the mirror and notice a new skin concern or line that seems to have popped up overnight? We’re right there with you. Once we enter our 50s and menopause, the rapid change in hormones is to blame for our skin type doing a complete 180. But how exactly does menopause affect my skin type? To learn the answer to that we turned to top dermatologists. Here, what they had to say and how to adjust your skin care routine accordingly.

How does menopause affect my skin type?

“Menopause can significantly impact the skin and even alter skin type due to hormonal changes, primarily the decline in estrogen levels,” says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center and AziMD Skincare. “Estrogen helps maintain the skin's thickness and elasticity by promoting collagen and elastin production.With menopause, the decrease in estrogen leads to a reduction in collagen production, resulting in thinner, less elastic skin, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging.”

Dr. Shirazi adds that “estrogen also plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's moisture by increasing natural oil production and supporting the skin’s barrier function. During menopause, reduced estrogen levels can lead to decreased sebum production, resulting in drier skin that feels rough and flaky.”

Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, also notes that “these changes can be associated with increased skin dryness from reduced oil production, dehydration from a lack of water retention from less hyaluronic acid, acne from changes in hormone levels and thinner skin due to a reduction in collagen.”

Watch the TikTok below from dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD to learn more about menopause and skin changes.

What happens to each skin type during menopause?

Dr. Shirazi breaks down exactly how does menopause affect my skin type by each type below, but she mentions that there are a few changes that occur in every skin type during this time. “Regardless of the initial skin type, all skin during menopause tends to experience a loss of collagen and elastin, leading to reduced firmness and elasticity," she says. “Pigmentation issues, such as age spots and uneven skin tone, can also become more pronounced due to changes in melanin production. Additionally, the skin’s natural repair processes slow down, making it important to incorporate products that support skin regeneration and hydration.”

If you have normal skin:

“Normal skin can transition to a drier type as estrogen levels drop during menopause,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This change can manifest as an overall decrease in moisture and elasticity, requiring adjustments in skincare routines to maintain hydration. As the skin becomes drier, it might also become more sensitive and reactive to products and environmental factors, necessitating a gentler skincare approach.”

If you have dry skin:

“Dry skin tends to become even drier during menopause as the already limited sebum production further declines,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This can result in rough, flaky, and sometimes itchy skin.” The skin’s barrier function may weaken, making it more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity, she adds. Additionally, “hydrating products and moisturizers become essential to combat the increased dryness and maintain skin health.”

If you have oily skin:

“During menopause, oily skin often experiences a decrease in oil production due to lower estrogen levels,” says Dr. Shirazi. “While the skin may still produce some sebum, the overall reduction can lead to a more balanced or even dry skin type. Additionally, the likelihood of acne breakouts might decrease, although some women may still experience hormonal acne due to fluctuating androgen levels.”

If you have combination skin:

“Combination skin, which typically features an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, might experience less oiliness in the T-zone while the dry areas become drier during menopause,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This can result in a more uniform skin type, often leaning towards dryness. Skincare routines may need to be adjusted to focus more on hydration and nourishment across the entire face to address the changes in both oily and dry areas.”

If you have sensitive skin:

“Sensitive skin may become even more reactive during menopause due to the thinning of the skin and a weakened barrier function,” says Shirazi. “This can lead to increased redness, irritation, and a heightened response to external stressors. It becomes crucial to use gentle, soothing products that help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation, ensuring the skin remains calm and protected.”

The ideal skin care routine when going through menopause

Dr. Camp says, “Skin care during menopause should focus on maintaining hydration, neutralizing the effects of antioxidants, maintaining collagen production, and protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation.” Shirazi gets into more specifics below with a breakdown of the steps to follow for all skin types.

Morning menopause skin care routine

“In the morning, start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, says Dr. Shirazi. She recommends her AziMD Skincare Purify Cleanser. Then, “apply an antioxidant serum particularly with vitamin C to protect and repair the skin from UV, environmental damage, and brighten the complexion by evening the skin tone.” 

“Next, use a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and support the skin's barrier function,” says Dr. Shirazi. One of her favorite moisturizers is First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream. “Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield the skin from UV damage and prevent pigmentation issues.”

Nighttime menopause skin care routine

“In the evening, cleanse the skin again to remove makeup and impurities from the day,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a gentle chemical exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and improve texture. Apply a hydrating and nourishing moisturizer to strengthen the skin barrier." Then, she says to "apply retinol at bedtime to boost cellular renewal, collagen and Hyaluronic acid production, improve tone and texture." And finish by tapping on an "eye cream to target dryness and fine lines around the eyes.”

“Additionally, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids and engaging in regular exercise to support overall skin health,” notes Dr. Shirazi. “This comprehensive approach helps maintain healthy, radiant skin during menopause.”

See more skin care tips and tricks:

Marula Oil Is the Best Natural Skincare Oil for Women Over 50: How It Hydrates, Firms and More

Experts Say These 5 Tweaks Can Make a Huge Difference for How You Wash Your Face

How to Get Rid of Textured Skin: What Women Over 50 Need to Know for Smoother, Youthful Skin