The Smarter Way to Care for Skin Through Menopause
Updated: 17th October 2025
If your skin suddenly feels like it’s changed overnight, you’re not imagining it.
During the menopause, skin undergoes a number of changes which everyone can experience differently. One day, your usual moisturiser leaves you glowing, the next, it just sits there. Menopausal skin feels thinner, tighter, or even oily in patches. Makeup doesn’t land the same and familiar formulas suddenly sting.
It’s frustrating, unpredictable and can feel like your skin has stopped playing by its own rules. But here’s the truth: your skin hasn’t given up on you. It’s simply evolving and with the right understanding, you can evolve with it.
The Role of Oestrogen in Menopausal Skin Changes
The main changes in your skin during the menopause are caused by changes in a hormone called oestrogen. Oestrogen has been present as a hormone within your body since puberty, fluctuating as part of your menstrual cycle. Usually our oestrogen levels peak at around the age of 25, dropping slightly in our 30s and more significantly in our 40s are we approach the menopause.[1] As oestrogen levels start to decline during perimenopause and the menopause itself, your skin undergoes a series of natural changes due to oestrogen playing a vital role in supporting collagen, elastin and hydration levels.
The Menopause and Collagen Production
During this time, collagen and elastin production can slow down, leading to less firmness and volume. It’s reported that collagen production decreases at a rate of 2.1% each year in the 15 years that follow menopause, which means an average of a 30% decrease in collagen between the ages of 50 and 65.[1] This loss in collagen can leave your skin looking and feeling thinner, drier and in some cases more wrinkled.
How Hyaluronic Acid Helps Combat Dry Skin in Menopause
Declining oestrogen levels reduce production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides in the skin, molecules which help to retain water and keep your skin’s barrier strong. A key concern associated with menopause is skin dryness, as the skin barrier can struggle to adapt straight away to hormonal changes within the skin. A survey of 3,875 postmenopausal women over 40 showed that 36.2% suffered from dry skin.[2]
A lack of ceramides and drier skin can also trigger new sensitivities, including irritation and itchy skin during menopause. So, many women find their skin is more sensitive than it was before.
The Menopause and Testosterone
In some people, testosterone fluctuations during the menopause can cause an increase in oil production, which can sometimes trigger new breakouts.[3] This can occur even if you have never experienced breakouts before; sadly it's a myth that spots disappear once you enter your 20s.
When these hormonal shifts start to occur, the effects become visible on the skin. The key is not to think of these shifts as a loss, but as a recalibration. Your skin is adapting and the right ingredients can help it thrive again.
The Medik8 Solution: Intelligent Skincare for Evolving Skin
We believe in taking a smarter, simplified approach to visible skin rejuvenation. Whilst there isn’t a universal regime for those going through the menopause, our CSA PhilosophyⓇ is clinically proven to address 90% of anti-ageing skincare needs, including those amplified during the menopause. This targeted menopause skin care approach takes just 3 simple steps: vitamin C and sunscreen in the morning, followed by vitamin A at night.
Morning: Replenish and Protect
Vitamin C
A daily dose of antioxidant protection to help support collagen production and visibly brighten dullness. Our recommendation: C-Tetra Advanced. Engineered for high-performance visible brightening, skin smoothing, and daily antioxidant defence . C-Tetra Advanced is clinically proven to brighten skin and visibly improve wrinkles in 7 days.[4]
Sunscreen
Essential protection against UVA and UVB rays, along with pollution which can intensify dryness and sensitivity. Our recommendation: Advanced Day Ultimate Protect. It works to protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental stressors, whilst also preventing the formation of wrinkles, dark spots, dullness and uneven skin texture.
Evening: Strengthen and Renew
Vitamin A
Supports your skin’s natural renewal cycle to help restore visible firmness and smoothness for thicker, more resilient skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced in appearance, the skin is overall more resilient and youthful-looking, and sensitivities are calmed. We recommend our iconic Crystal Retinal. The UK’s No.1 dermatological face serum.[5] Containing retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL[6] Crystal Retinal is clinically proven to visibly smooth stubborn wrinkles, brighten dark spots, decongest and firm your skin - without irritation.[7]
These three steps work in synergy to help to restore resilience, radiance and smoothness, while strengthening the skin barrier for long-term skin health.
Additional Skincare Solutions for Common Menopausal Skin Concerns
There’s no single approach to menopausal skincare but understanding what your skin needs is the smartest place to start. Explore these targeted solutions designed to strengthen, smooth and restore visible radiance through this next phase.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles:
Liquid Peptides Advanced MP™ helps to kickstart collagen production, offsetting the loss that occurs during menopause. Our breakthrough Dual MiniProteins™ targets the formation of wrinkles at their foundation. Expression Line MiniProtein™ helps relax dynamic lines for visibly reduced depth, while Growth Factor MiniProtein™ supports key components like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid for smoother, firmer-looking skin in every drop.
SHOP NOWBlemishes & Breakouts:
Please note if you are experiencing significant menopausal breakouts, a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted.
Press & Clear is a gentle, microbiome-friendly[8] daily tonic that clarifies & balances congested skin. It is clinically proven to visibly reduce surface imperfections, pores and the appearance of post-imperfection dark spots by up to 35%,[9] without compromising the skin’s barrier.[10]
Dryness:
Hydr8 B5 is supercharged with a hyaluronic acid booster complex, this ultra-hydrating serum supports the production of internal hyaluronic acid, preserves its power and amplifies its hydration. Perfect for addressing menopause dry skin concerns.
Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream is expertly formulated to help increase collagen production by 45%[11] and promote optimal skin longevity. This remarkable innovation is powered with advanced actives that help stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production to support visible firmness, elasticity and reduce deep-set wrinkles.
In addition, using gentle cleansers such as Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil and Micellar Mousse will minimise any irritation on already sensitised skin, as well as being consistent with sunscreen to ensure skin is protected from the sun which can exacerbate sensitivity.
Embracing Your Skin’s New Chapter
Your skin has been with you through every stage of life and this stage is simply its next evolution. By understanding these skin changes and implementing targeted menopause skin care strategies with science-led formulas, advanced actives and intelligent routines, you can help your skin feel as strong, smooth and radiant as ever.
Remember, your skin hasn’t lost its power; it’s just ready for new support. Explore Medik8’s range of advanced formulas designed to support skin through every stage of change.
[1] D. Reilly, J. Lozano, Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty, Plast Aesth Res, 2021, 8(2), DOI: 10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153
[2] L. Dunn et al, Does estrogen prevent skin aging? Results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I), Arch Dermatol, 1997, 133(3), pp 339-42, DOI: 10.1001/archderm.133.3.339.
[3] N. Khunger et al, Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions, Int Journal of Women’s Health, 2019, 11, pp 555-567, DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S174292.
[4] Proven via independent clinical study conducted over 4 weeks on 32 participants.
[5] Source: Circana (UK) Ltd, Retail Tracking Service, Prestige Skincare Face Serum by Franchise Line, Derm Brand Attribute, Value & Unit Sales, 12 ME June 2025. †Dermatologist Brand is defined as a brand that has identified itself as (i) founded or developed by a dermatologist and/or (ii) is dermatologist recommended. To verify visit: https://www.medik8.com/pages/circana-group-claim-letters-crystal-retinal
[6] G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378
[7] Proven via independent clinical study on Crystal Retinal 6. Tested on 33 participants over 12 weeks.
[8]Verified Microbiome-Friendly
[9] Proven via independent clinical study conducted over 8 weeks on 29 participants with sensitive, congested skins
[10] 100% showed a clinical improvement in barrier function (Proven via independent clinical study conducted over 8 weeks on 29 participants with sensitive, congested skins)
[11] Proven via ex vivo collagen study using Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream