We turned to a skincare expert to unpack what’s really happening to your skin during menopause, and the steps that help as you navigate the changes.

Dr Kosenko is the President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) and Head of Medical and Clinical Training at Dermocosmètica. A Monash graduate and Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, he moved into cosmetic medicine in 2007, guided by a longstanding interest in dermatology and skin cancer care.

From dryness and sensitivity to changes in firmness, your skin can shift dramatically during menopause. Declining oestrogen levels can make the skin more prone to irritation, previously oily skin can become dry, and lines may become more noticeable. So how do women handle these changes?

In the Q&A below, Dr Kosenko answers the key questions about menopausal skin, including what products to embrace, which to avoid, and how to keep your skin healthy and hydrated through this new chapter.

What are the biggest changes to the skin during menopause?

During menopause, the skin changes significantly due to a drop in circulating oestrogen levels.

When oestrogen levels fall, the skin becomes dry and thin, and lines and wrinkles appear. Collagen production decreases by about 30%, skin cell activity slows down, and wound healing becomes less effective.

Together, these effects are the key features of oestrogen-deficient skin.

How does our skincare need to change to suit this stage

Skincare needs to adapt and evolve during menopause. The characteristics of a woman’s skin before menopause are often very different from those after it. For example, skin that was once oily may become dry, and sensitivity can increase.

Ideally, skincare should both stimulate oestrogen receptors and address the new concerns of postmenopausal skin, particularly dryness and sensitivity.

What products are worth embracing

Whilst there are several ways to treat oestrogen-deficient skin, in my opinion, a menopause-specific skincare range such as Emepelle is ideal.

It offers a complete treatment with active ingredients that have been shown to benefit the skin. Importantly, it contains methyl estradiol propionate (MEP), a molecule that binds to oestrogen receptors in the skin without affecting other parts of the body.

What products should menopausal women avoid?

Products that irritate the skin should be avoided. As discussed, the skin changes during menopause, so some active ingredients that were once suitable may no longer be well-tolerated.

It’s best to choose products supported by evidence from studies published in medical journals, as many products claim to have beneficial effects without any scientific proof.

Does expensive mean better when it comes to products?

In general, you get what you pay for.

Less expensive skincare ranges often lack the right type or concentration of active ingredients. While I don’t suggest buying the most expensive products for the sake of cost alone, high-quality, therapeutic skincare is rarely cheap.

I recommend consulting a skincare specialist who can take a detailed history, assess your skin, and prescribe the most suitable products for your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and the most effective treatments are usually not found in standard retail ranges.

Where does food fit into menopausal skincare?

This is an interesting question. There isn’t a specific diet that can reverse menopausal skin changes. However, just as the skin’s needs evolve after menopause, so do the body’s overall requirements.

Muscle and bone strength become increasingly important, and maintaining a healthy weight can be more challenging. For these reasons, I recommend a balanced diet based on natural, whole foods. Everyone should aim to minimise highly processed foods and obtain nutrients primarily through their diet rather than supplements.

What about beyond menopause?

Many women will spend nearly half their lives in the postmenopausal stage, often remaining active well into their 80s. It’s important to recognise the wide-ranging changes that occur after menopause, and not just those affecting the skin.

A holistic approach to health and well-being is essential to help ensure that a woman’s life is not only long but also of a high quality.

What changes have you noticed in your skin throughout menopause? Leave us a comment below.