Menopause marks an inevitable yet transformative stage in a woman’s life. For some, this transition can begin as early as their 30s, often accompanied by heightened skin sensitivity, redness, irritation, and dryness.
As hormones fluctuate, the skin’s equilibrium is disrupted, leaving it more reactive and unpredictable. This journal explores the intricacies of menopausal skin—what happens beneath the surface, why these changes occur, and how you can best support your complexion through each stage.
What is Menopause?
By definition, menopause is a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen and progesterone levels decline, resulting in the cessation of menstruation.
The four types of menopause include:
Natural: Occurs gradually with age
Surgical: Results from the removal of the ovaries
Induced: Caused by medical intervention
Premature: Occurs before age 40 due to genetics, autoimmune conditions, or medical treatments
How hormones influence skin
Estrogen
By binding to receptors within skin cells, estrogen nurtures the skin barrier, maintains hydration, and supports collagen synthesis. As levels decline during perimenopause, the skin can become drier, more sensitive, and less predictable.
Progesterone
Often referred to as the balancing hormone, progesterone helps stabilize the effects of other hormones and interacts with the brain’s calming mechanisms. When progesterone levels fall, cortisol production—the body’s primary stress hormone—rises. Elevated cortisol can impact mood, energy, and skin health, often manifesting as redness, itchiness, or dullness.
Testosterone
Androgen hormones, including testosterone, help maintain healthy skin when balanced. However, during perimenopause, when estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, testosterone can become temporarily dominant. This may overstimulate the sebaceous glands, causing excess oil, congestion, and painful breakouts—often around the lower face.
The transitions that take place
Perimenopause
On average, women around the world begin perimenopause between ages 45 and 47, and the phase can continue for 4 to 10 years.
This gradual transition marks the body’s shift toward menopause, usually beginning in the early to mid-40s and lasting from a few months to several years, depending on the individual. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and decline, the skin—rich in estrogen receptors—undergoes noticeable changes. Increased sensitivity, inflammation, and hormonal breakouts are common, particularly along the jawline and chin.
The skin may also feel drier or tighter, with rough texture, flaking, or itching. Some experience tingling or a crawling sensation due to changes in nerve function and hydration balance.
Menopause
Defined by 12 months without a menstrual period
Typically occurs between ages 45–55
Global average: 51 years old
Menopause is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. At this point, estrogen levels are consistently low, leading to visible and structural changes in the skin. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production slows, resulting in thinner, drier, less resilient skin. Fine lines deepen, and laxity becomes more noticeable.
Heightened cortisol levels and increased stress sensitivity—common during this phase—can further impair the skin’s repair mechanisms, while sleep disruption may compromise overnight renewal and radiance.
Post-Menopause
Generally begins around age 51 and beyond
Lasts throughout the rest of life
In the years following menopause, estrogen remains low, and the body produces only weaker forms of the hormone via the adrenal glands and fat tissue. This reduced hormonal support impacts skin density and vitality.
Collagen production can decline by up to 30% within the first five years post-menopause, leading to greater fragility and a loss of elasticity. The skin barrier becomes more vulnerable to environmental aggressors and dehydration, making daily nourishment and protection essential.
Despite these changes, targeted skincare and a consistent ritual can help restore luminosity, reinforce resilience, and sustain skin health long-term.
Our Research
We have identified six key skin functions that become compromised as hormonal support declines during menopause: the skin’s inflammatory pathways, natural antioxidant defenses, solar resilience, barrier integrity, pH balance, and renewal processes.
To deepen our understanding, we conducted a 90-day study with 20 women ages 35–62, each sharing her personal experience navigating these evolving skin changes.
Study approach:
Tailored rituals: Comprehensive skin analysis informed personalized morning and evening rituals, each featuring three essential formulations for double cleansing and daily SPF protection.
Professional treatments: Half the participants also received in-clinic facial treatments, allowing for comparison between professional care and at-home rituals.
Ongoing assessment: Monthly diagnostic imaging at our Flagship locations captured and tracked visible improvements throughout the study.
Initial consultations revealed consistent signs of impaired barrier function, persistent redness through the centre of the face, and significant dryness and dehydration.
The findings
After 90 days of using their prescribed RATIONALE ritual, participants reported:
90%
noticed brighter, more radiant skin
85%
felt more nourished and hydrated
65%
experienced reduced redness
60%
observed stronger, more resilient skin
Key takeaways
Consistency matters: A regular cleansing ritual that focused on fortifying the skin’s barrier made a significant difference—removing impurities while replenishing essential ceramides and lipids.
Visible transformation: 70% of participants noticed improvements from cleansing alone.
Renewed confidence: Many began without a set skincare routine, yet within weeks reported healthier, more balanced skin. By the end, 95% felt more confident, with several embracing a makeup-free glow.
Empowered understanding: 85% shared that they learned something new about their skin, feeling more connected and in control during hormonal change.
Participant Testimonials
“Everyone’s noticed the change. It’s changed how I look after my skin and how I feel about myself. We all get into ruts, but once you get over that initial hurdle, it’s not that much effort—and if you make it enjoyable, it becomes something you look forward to.”
Dimi | Trial Participant
“Menopause is such an important stage for skin health, and we knew we needed to start the conversation. Every woman—whether she’s in her 30s, 40s, 50s, or 60s—deserves to feel confident, healthy, and radiant in her own skin. This study came from RATIONALE’s desire to better understand the changes that occur in skin during menopause and to uncover how professional guidance and tailored skincare can help restore luminosity, hydration, and comfort. Our results have been remarkable, and we are so delighted to share them, along with our proven skincare solutions and treatments.”
– A note from Taylah Hampton, RATIONALE’s National Education Manager
Ready to reclaim your radiance?
We understand that hormonal transitions can bring unpredictable shifts that affect both your skin and your confidence. Yet every complexion tells a different story—there is no single journey the same and no one-size-fits-all approach.