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How Skin Changes During Perimenopause and Ways to Treat It
Once we hit our 40s it seems as though everything is out of whack. Our periods become irregular, hot flashes come out of nowhere and weight just won’t come off. And though we recognize those as clear signs that menopause is lurking, other changes to our bodies that appear seemingly overnight can also be attributed to perimenopause–and they all start with the skin: dryness, unwanted hair, wrinkles and a crepey texture. That’s why we spoke with Catie Boucher, DCNP, board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of The SavvyDerm, to get the inside scoop on these perplexing perimenopause skin changes and, more importantly, what you can do about them.
What happens to skin during perimenopause?
"The simplest way to describe skin changes in relation to perimenopause is that patients feel like they woke up one day, and their skin suddenly developed a whole new personality overnight," explains Boucher, 37, who, due to a hysterectomy, is no stranger to perimenopause skin changes herself. "It felt like, almost overnight, my combination skin became drier than the desert, I started sprouting coarse black hairs on my chin and the skin on my body became noticeably crepey and significantly less firm."
So, what exactly is happening? Boucher outlines the most common complaints: dryness, unwanted facial hair, hair loss and a loss of firmness leading to the sudden appearance of wrinkles. "It feels like someone pressed fast-forward on the aging process," she says, "and the changes often happen abruptly rather than gradually." The culprit? Hormones. "They leave women feeling like they are riding an emotional rollercoaster, coupled with dramatic external changes in their skin.” Thankfully there are effective treatments and strategies to combat these perimenopausal skin changes.
Perimenopause skin changes: Dryness
"Studies have shown that women lose 30% of their collagen in the first five years of perimenopause," Boucher reveals. That’s because estrogen, the key hormone responsible for hydration and collagen production, takes a dramatic dip during this time. As those levels plummet, skin loses its ability to retain moisture, becoming dry and crepey.
Her easy solution? Switch to a cream-based cleanser for the face and body—it can make a big difference in moisture loss, says Boucher. A good drugstore option is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
Perimenopause skin changes: Unwanted hair
We’ve all been there: A little swipe at your chin and you feel a hard, stubbly hair sticking out. If you’re like us, you can’t grab a tweezer and magnifying mirror fast enough. Boucher explains that the decline in estrogen allows androgen levels to rise, which can trigger unwanted facial hair growth. You can easily tweeze, wax or shave it—experts insist it won’t grow back thicker. Or, you can always use a depilatory cream like GiGi Hair Removal Cream for the Face which is formulated for sensitive skin.
Perimenopause skin changes: Acne
We have higher androgen levels to blame for the high school-level breakouts we’re once again experiencing—they stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce excessive amounts of oil. Click through here for seven dermatologist-approved solutions.
Perimenopause skin changes: Thinning skin
Perimenopause can cause the skin to become thinner and more translucent, making blood vessels and other imperfections more visible. While you can’t reverse thinning skin, you can potentially slow the process by using a retinol cream since it stimulates collagen production. One to try: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer Cream with Hyaluronic Acid.
Perimenopause skin changes: Hyperpigmentation
Age spots, sunspots and other areas of discoloration may become more prominent due to hormonal changes and increased sun sensitivity. Boucher’s recommendation is to stay on a topical pigment inhibitor year-round. “This type of product helps reduce existing pigmentation while keeping pigment cells at bay throughout the year.” Her favorite is Hydrinity Vivid Brightening Serum. “This is my go-to because, in addition to containing ingredients that target pigmentation, it also includes a chemical exfoliant and a botanical extract that helps lower the skin’s temperature. I recommend using it twice daily, year-round.”
A simple, effective and low-cost way to tackle dark spots? With patches like Hero Mighty Patch Micropoint for Dark Spots. Just place the patches over spots and watch them fade as you sleep.
Perimenopause skin changes: Rosacea
Perimenopause can worsen existing rosacea, causing redness, flushing and visible blood vessels on the face. Click through to learn how to get rid of rosacea permanently.
Perimenopause skin changes: Increased sensitivity
Skin may become more sensitive to irritants, such as fragrances, dyes and harsh chemicals. The simplest way to avoid irritation is to check labels before and opt for fragrance-free, gentle and hypoallergenic products. “My best advice for anyone experiencing these changes is that less is more,” says Boucher. “Introducing one product at a time can help ensure tolerability.”
Perimenopause skin changes: Loss of elasticity and firmness
The decrease in estrogen causes a loss of skin elasticity, resulting in skin wrinkling and sagging. “One product known to stimulate both collagen and elastin is a topical retinoid,” says Boucher. However, due to the dryness that many perimenopausal women experience, tolerating a nightly retinoid can be challenging. “My favorite option for my patients is Skinbetter AlphaRet. It allows you to incorporate a nightly retinoid without experiencing the ‘retinoid uglies,’ which include dryness, redness, peeling and sensitivity, among other side effects.”
Boucher also recommends what she calls "The Big 3". "Sticking to this foundational routine," she insists, "will help maintain skin health and maximize the benefits of any additional treatments you may opt for in the future."
A daily topical Vitamin C with a stable formulation (First for Women pick: CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum).
A retinoid to boost collagen and improve texture (First for Women pick: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion serum).
A mineral SPF with at least 6% zinc to prevent further collagen breakdown and protect against UV damage (First for Women pick: EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47).
For more skin care tips for mature skin, click through these stories:
Here’s the Best Speedy Nighttime Routine for Glowing, Youthful Skin, According to Top Dermatologists