Menopause and Your Skin: Collagen Loss, Dryness and What Can Help

Your skincare routine hasn't changed, but your skin has. Could hormones be part of the reason?

Perimenopause and menopause bring many changes, from sleep and energy to mood and metabolism. But there's another change women don't always expect: changes in their skin.

If your skin feels drier, looks less firm, or doesn't seem to have the same bounce and elasticity it once did, you're not alone. Hormonal changes during menopause can influence skin hydration, collagen, elasticity and overall texture.

At London Plastic Surgery & Advanced Aesthetics (LPS), we believe women deserve clear information about menopause and skin health, along with personalized options for caring for their skin at every stage of life.

How Does Menopause Affect Your Skin?

Estrogen plays a role in maintaining skin structure, hydration and collagen. During perimenopause and menopause, changing and declining estrogen levels can contribute to several noticeable skin changes.

1. Collagen loss and reduced firmness

Collagen is a structural protein that helps support the skin. As collagen levels decline, skin may gradually lose some of its firmness, elasticity and resilience.

You might notice that your skin looks less plump, fine lines appear more prominent, or your skin doesn't seem to bounce back as easily.

These changes are influenced by hormones, natural aging, sun exposure, genetics and lifestyle. Menopause is one part of the picture, but it can be an important one.

2. Dryness and dehydration

Skin may become drier during menopause as its ability to retain moisture changes. You might notice tightness after cleansing, rough patches, increased sensitivity or a complexion that looks less hydrated.

A consistent skincare routine that supports the skin barrier can help. Gentle cleansing, an appropriate moisturizer and daily sun protection are useful foundations.

3. Changes in skin texture and tone

Hormonal changes and cumulative sun exposure can contribute to visible changes in skin texture, uneven tone, fine lines and pigmentation.

Your previous skincare routine may need adjusting as your skin's needs evolve. Rather than adding more products at random, consider a personalized approach based on your skin type, concerns and goals.

What Can Help Menopause-Related Skin Changes?

There is no single treatment that addresses every menopause-related skin concern. The best approach depends on whether your main concern is dryness, pigmentation, texture, fine lines, loss of firmness or a combination of factors.

Medical-grade skincare

A well-planned skincare routine is a useful starting point. Depending on your skin and its tolerance, ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and barrier-supporting moisturizers may help address particular concerns.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is especially important because cumulative ultraviolet exposure contributes to visible skin aging and pigmentation.

At LPS, our team can help you explore medical-grade skincare options from professional skincare lines and build a routine suited to your individual needs.

BBL® and advanced laser skin treatments

At London Plastic Surgery & Advanced Aesthetics, we offer advanced Sciton laser and light-based technologies that may help address selected visible skin concerns.

Depending on your assessment and treatment goals, options may include:

• BBL® (BroadBand Light): light-based treatment for selected concerns such as visible pigmentation, redness and uneven skin tone.

• Moxi®: a non-ablative fractional laser option for selected concerns involving uneven tone, texture and visible signs of sun damage.

• HALO®: a hybrid fractional laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to address selected concerns involving skin texture, tone and visible signs of aging.

• ProFractional® and other resurfacing options: treatments that may be considered for selected textural concerns and skin resurfacing goals.

These technologies are not interchangeable, and not every treatment is suitable for every skin type or concern. A consultation helps determine which options, if any, are appropriate.

A personalized treatment plan

Some women may benefit from a combination of skincare and in-clinic treatments. Others may need to focus on hydration, sun protection and a simpler routine.

The goal is not to reverse every sign of aging or recreate the skin you had years ago. It's to understand your skin today and make informed decisions about how to care for it.

Menopause Skin Changes: When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

If you're experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, a new or changing skin lesion, or a sudden change in your skin, consider speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional. Not every skin change is caused by menopause, and new or changing lesions should be assessed rather than treated as cosmetic concerns.

If your main concerns involve skin texture, pigmentation, visible sun damage or loss of firmness, a professional aesthetic consultation can help you understand the available options and their limitations.

Hormone therapy may be appropriate for certain menopause symptoms for some women, but it should not be started solely to improve skin appearance without medical advice. Discuss menopause symptoms and treatment options with a qualified healthcare provider.

Your Skin Is Changing. Your Approach Can Evolve, Too.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that doesn't mean you need to navigate every change without support.

At London Plastic Surgery & Advanced Aesthetics, our approach combines medical expertise, advanced technology and personalized care. We offer medical-grade skincare and a range of aesthetic treatments to help address selected skin concerns with realistic expectations.

Interested in learning more about menopause skin changes and skin rejuvenation options?

Contact London Plastic Surgery & Advanced Aesthetics to arrange a consultation and explore a plan tailored to your skin.

London Plastic Surgery & Advanced Aesthetics
123 Dundas Street, London, Ontario
519-850-5435

Individual results vary. Treatment suitability, benefits, risks and expected outcomes should be discussed with a qualified provider. Aesthetic treatments do not treat menopause itself.