All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Once menopause arrives—actually long before, when perimenopause hits—many women find themselves needing to rethink their entire skin care routine. You may have used the same moisturizer and creams your whole life only to realize the best lotion for menopausal dry skin may be something totally different. men s stubble trimmer
That’s because at this stage of life, which typically begins around age 40 with perimenopause, the body undergoes so many hormonal and physiological changes that the skin can be affected as a result. (Not to mention everything else going on with your body and mental health.) While this is a normal part of the process, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the right skin care products to help mitigate the damage.
Of course, it’s important to note that exercise and a good diet also influence the quality of your skin. That said, it doesn’t hurt to be consistent in your skin care routine! Here are a few ways to address some of the most common perimenopause and menopause skin concerns.
Dry skin is one of the most common (and noticeable) changes that women cite during this period. It’s caused by a decrease in estrogen and a reduced production of sebum, the oily substance that helps hydrate the skin.
Dr. Tiziana Iabichella, of the Ferraro Clinic, describes it as thus: “The loss of collagen and elastin, fundamental proteins for skin firmness, lead to the appearance of wrinkles and deeper expression lines.” You might also see a loss of elasticity and more blemishes on the skin. “Age spots are more frequent due to increased melanin production in some areas of the skin as well as a loss of luminosity,” Dr. Iabichella says.
While changing your skin care routine can’t totally stop some of these side effects of menopause and perimenopause from happening, there is value in finding the right products for this time of life. The best lotion for menopausal dry skin can, at the very least, help prevent itching, flaking, and other issues. The key is to look for the kinds of active ingredients the skin needs.
Look for products with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceremides.
To combat dryness, highly moisturizing active ingredients will be your best allies. “You need moisturizing active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to the skin,” says Mireia Fernandez, director of dermo-cosmetics at Perricone MD. Fernandez also suggests oil-rich products that will provide a protective layer for the skin.
“Ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and ceramides are also key to maintaining hydration and reinforcing the barrier function,” says Raquel Gonzalez, a cosmetologist and the technical manager of Byoode.
Look for products with vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic and hydroxy acids.
Treating hyperpigmentation with cosmetics is not easy but not impossible. As Fernandez explains, “It’s essential to use active ingredients that promote regeneration and reduce melanin production, such as vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, and hydroxy acids.”
Look for products with retinol or peptides.
Collagen and elastin are majorly responsible for keeping our skin looking firm. If that becomes a concern, Patricia Garín, director of dermocosmetics at Boutijour, recommends looking for a cream or serum with active ingredients like “peptides, retinol, or its most potent form, retinal, which are essential for regenerating tissue and stimulating collagen production.”
A version of this article was previously published in Glamour Spain.
By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Glamour. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See More Stories & Guides
skin clippers © 2025 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Glamour may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices