Menopause brings significant changes that extend beyond just stopping menstruation, affecting various aspects of a woman’s health, including her skin. These changes often come as a surprise and can be quite challenging. As hormone levels shift and decrease, the skin — our largest body organ — shows clear signs of these changes.

Below, we’ll briefly discuss what happens to our skin during menopause and how to better protect it from its effects.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that when estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause, the skin loses some of its ability to remain resilient and elastic. Estrogen is particularly important for keeping skin moist and producing collagen — a protein that keeps skin firm and stretchy. As menopause progresses, collagen production drops significantly, leading to noticeable differences in the skin. It may become thinner, less full, and lose its youthful appearance. It may also bruise more easily and become dry and itchy.

The reduction in the skin’s natural oil production also makes dryness issues worse, causing the skin to look dull and feel rough, particularly on the face, neck, and hands. As estrogen levels decrease, it’s more difficult for the skin to hold onto moisture. This weakens its protective barrier and makes the skin more vulnerable to environmental damage such as sun exposure, pollution, and cold, which can dry it out further and speed up the aging process.

Additionally, many women notice their skin starts to sag. This happens because the skin loses elastic fibers, which, along with the decrease in collagen, reduces the skin’s structural support. As a result, areas that were once tight and firm — such as the jawline, under the eyes, and the neck — may begin to sag. Wrinkles also become more pronounced because the skin doesn’t snap back as quickly as before.

Less obvious changes include alterations in the skin’s blood vessels, which can make the complexion look redder, especially in the cheeks. These changes can also mess with temperature control, leading to hot flashes that make the skin look red temporarily. Changes in fat distribution and loss of collagen can also alter facial contours, potentially leading to a more hollowed look or more pronounced jowls. And surprisingly, some women may experience acne later in life or develop skin conditions such as rosacea, which might need specific treatments from a dermatologist.

While these changes may seem daunting, dealing with them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking care of your skin — keeping it hydrated, protecting it from the sun, eating a healthy diet, and using gentle skincare products — can make a significant difference. Sometimes, consulting with a dermatologist for specialized care can help manage some of these effects. It’s important to remember that these changes can be managed, and with some adjustments to your skincare routine, you can continue to look and feel great. Also, men can benefit from similar self-care practices, and incorporating items from a men’s self-care kit can be equally beneficial in maintaining healthy skin.