Menopause typically begins in the 40s* and marks a new stage when the skin’s needs begin to change.
Hormonal shifts—particularly a decline in estrogen—affect how the skin behaves and how it responds to routines that once worked well. In this guide, we explore what
happens to the skin during this transition and how to adapt your daily ritual accordingly, knowing that every woman experiences it differently.
Estrogen: What it does and why it matters
As we approach menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline. This hormone is produced in the ovarian follicles,
which gradually lose their ability to generate it over time. Beyond regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen plays a key role in skin health and overall wellbeing:
🦴 Helps protect bone density and prevent lack of elasticity
⚖ Supports a healthy lipid profile
✨ Contributes to firmer, more hydrated and radiant skin
🧠 Influences memory and mood
The 3 stages of menopause and their effects on the body
(40-50 years)*
Hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Early symptoms may appear, such as hot flashes,
irregular cycles, changes in sleep and mood, progressive bone mass loss, and cholesterol variations.
(≈50 years)*
It happens after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The symptoms that started earlier may
persist and/or intensify: insomnia, mucousal dryness, joint pain, migraines, difficulty concentrating, or weight changes.
(From then on)
Hormone levels stabilize at lower ranges. Some discomforts subside, but long-term
risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease increase.
What’s happening beneath the skin’s surface during menopause?
Skin relies on estrogen to stay firm, hydrated and even toned. These hormones stimulate key cells such as fibroblasts—responsible for producing collagen,
elastin and hyaluronic acid—as well as melanocytes, which regulate melanin and help prevent dark spots.
As estrogen levels decline, these biological processes slow down, triggering a series of structural changes beneath the surface:
∙ Collagen in free fall: In the first five years after menopause, up to 30% of collagen can be lost,
followed by an average decline of around 2% per year over the next 15 years.
∙ The skin’s support system is at risk: Elastin and hyaluronic acid levels decrease, further weakening skin structure.
∙ Cell turnover slows down: As estrogen levels decline, cell renewal slows down, leading to a gradual loss of epidermal density of around 1.1% per year.
∙ Oxidative stress is at its peak: The drop in estrogen reduces skin’s natural antioxidant protection, increasing exposure to oxidative stress and impacting resilience and repair.
Visible changes in menopausal skin
✓ More dryness: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rises.
✓ Loss of elasticity: As collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decline, skin appears less firm and supple.
✓ More wrinkles and expression lines: Especially around the eyes and lips, where skin is thinner and constantly in motion.
✓ More fragility: Reduced density and defense mechanisms make skin more vulnerable to external aggressors.
The
"extras" of this stage
∙ More oil production: Hormonal imbalance may enlarge and overstimulate sebaceous glands, leading to breakouts and imperfections.
∙ The skin’s support system is at risk: Vascular irregularities and small veins become more visible.
∙ Dark spots and uneven skin tone: Melanin production becomes unbalanced, causing hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, and hands.
∙ Photosensitivity: Increased UV reactivity and higher risk of sun spots or sunburn.
A skincare routine designed for hormonally changing skin
· Use a facial cleanser for dry skin delivering extra comfort, both morning and night.
· Exfoliate your skin every few days to help remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
· Apply nourishing and firming creams daily to support skin firmness and hydration, as estrogen and collagen levels decline.
· Use sunscreen for the face every day. It’s essential to prevent aging and, during menopause, even more important to help prevent pigmentation.
The key lies in
skin's structural proteins
Structural proteins, such as collagen and elastin, are key building blocks that give the skin its support
and firmness. Over time and with hormonal changes, their production decreases, and the skin begins show signs of losing elasticity. At Natura Bissé, we have designed Essential Shock to help maintain this essential structure and help the skin look firmer, smoother, and more comfortable.
The perfect trio for hormonally changing skin
Expert advice: our gynecologist answers in 60 seconds
To fully accompany you at this stage of life, we spoke to Sofía Fournier,
gynecologist and women’s health expert, who gave us a few tips on how to go through menopause in the healthiest way possible.
*Note: The ages indicated are for guidance only. Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause may occur at different times depending on individual health and biological factors.
SOURCES:
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rprh.2015.01.002
Romero, C. E. (1997). Efectos cardiovasculares de los
estrógenos.
Revista Médica del Uruguay (13: 183-190).
https://www.smu.org.uy/publicaciones/rmu/1997v3/art3.pdf
Pérez, M. A., Arancibia, S. R. Acciones protectoras de los
estrógenos en el sistema nervioso central. UNAM.
http://www.ejournal.unam.mx/rfm/no49-6/RFM049000609.pdf
Honeyman, J. M. (2012). Funciones metabólicas y hormonales de la
piel. Revista Chilena de Dermatología, 28(3), 234-239.
https://www.sochiderm.org/web/revista/28_3/25.pdf
Accorsi-Neto, A., Haidar, M., Simões, R., Simões, M., Soares, J.,
Jr, & Baracat, E. (2009). Effects of isoflavones on the skin of postmenopausal women: a pilot study.
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