All About Peri/Menopausal Skin

We don’t talk about hormones enough, especially when it comes to skin and skincare. Half of the population are women, and therefore, half of the population will experience menopause. One billion women will be in perimenopause by 2025 and 25 million in the US are dealing with menopause symptoms today. Perimenopause and menopause are a natural part of a woman's life course and usually occur between the ages of 45 and 55 - although it can start earlier.  

While every woman experiences perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) and menopause (which officially begins one year after your final period) differently, all women experience noticeable changes to their skin brought on by hormonal fluctuations.  

Read on for our Skin Laundry guide to perimenopause and menopause. 

What are some common Perimenopausal skin concerns? 

Hormonal changes are inevitable as we move through life. First in our teens and again in midlife, women’s estrogen levels start to fluctuate. During perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, this can have a knock-on effect on your skin. Common complaints include the appearance of hyperpigmentation, redness and rosacea, drier skin and adult acne or perimenopausal acne. 

Perimenopausal acne develops in women for the same reasons as in puberty—the changes and imbalances in hormone levels during this stage of life impact our skin. As estrogen levels decrease, the effects of male sex hormones called androgens increase. Androgens increase the production of sebum, the skin's natural oil, and this excess oil on the skin can mix with bacteria, dead skin, and debris, clogging pores and leading to inflammation.  

What are some common Menopausal skin concerns? 

The most common complaint in menopausal skin is dryness, as estrogen is directly related to collagen, skin lipid production, and skin hydration. Estrogen supports the skin in a variety of ways, promoting collagen and hyaluronic acid production and a healthy barrier function. Studies show that women lose about 30% of collagen in their skin during the first five years of menopause, followed by a gradual 2% drop yearly.  

Hyaluronic acid levels in the body also decline, while a disruption in the skin barrier leads to a depletion of moisturizing ceramides and lipids. Combined, this all leads to a multitude of skin issues, including dryness, sensitivity, and dullness, alongside a lack of firmness, more fine lines and wrinkles, and uneven tone and texture.  

The takeaway for caring for Peri/Menopausal Skin

Those experiencing peri/menopause should focus on preventing acne, boosting collagen production and hydration levels, and restoring barrier function.  

Skin Laundry Treatments for Peri/Menopausal Skin  

The Skin Laundry Signature Laser Facial uses a non-invasive, non-ablative laser to effectively targets everything from acne and hyperpigmentation to redness, fine lines and wrinkles while being safe for all skin tones. This treatment also stimulates new collagen and elastin tissue production, leading to firmer, younger-looking skin over time.    

The Skin Laundry Resurfacing Facial uses fractional technology to target everything from hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and pore size to acne scars and is safe and effective for all skin tones. Fractional technology stimulates the production of collagen, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increasing skin cell turnover, and creating microchannels that enable greater absorption of products, like serums, into the skin.   

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Skin Laundry Protocols For Peri/Menopausal Skin  

Boost Hydration + Strengthen Skin Barrier   

Replenish elasticity, plumpness, and hydration with our multi-correctional Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin. It is now formulated with Niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient that softens fine lines, reduces oil production, and hydrates the skin's natural barrier. This serum delivers a long-lasting reservoir of moisture and radiance.  

This oil-free, milky gel Hydrating Gentle Cleanser gently washes away dirt and impurities, leaving the skin deeply cleansed and hydrated. Formulated with amino acids, vitamin b5, and watermelon extract, this cleanser is rich in antioxidants to help balance, soothe, calm, and strengthen the skin's surface.