What’s Happening to Your Skin During Perimenopause — and How to Support It

“What would you like to achieve from your treatment today?”“I’m mostly looking to support my skin barrier as I go through perimenopause. My skin is more reactive and dull lately.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Perimenopause is a natural—but often confusing—transition. It typically begins in your 40s and is marked by hormonal shifts that can deeply affect your skin. Maybe your once-oily skin now feels parched and tight. Your glow might seem a little dimmer. Or perhaps products that never used to bother you now trigger redness or breakouts.

Let’s break down what’s happening—and how to care for your skin during this time.

What Happens to Skin During Perimenopause?

• Estrogen levels drop, leading to decreased collagen, hydration, and elasticity.

• The skin barrier weakens, making you more prone to dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity.

• Breakouts and redness may appear—even if you never had acne before.

• Cell turnover slows, leaving the skin looking dull or uneven.

This is a time of change, but it’s also a time to get intentional about your skincare routine.

What to Avoid During Perimenopause

• Harsh exfoliants or stripping cleansers – These can damage your already-compromised skin barrier.

• Overuse of active ingredients – Acids, retinols, and peels are powerful but can be too much when overused.

• Fragrance-heavy or alcohol-based products – These may trigger irritation or dryness.

What to Do Instead

1. Focus on Barrier Support

Your skin barrier is your first line of defense. Prioritize ingredients like:

• Ceramides

• Fatty acids

• Niacinamide

• Colloidal oat or centella asiatica

2. Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

Add in hydrating ingredients such as:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glycerin

• Humectant-rich toners or essences

3. Gentle but Effective Exfoliation

Try Dermathod Priming Peel Booster to refine texture without compromising the barrier.

4. Collagen-Supporting Treatments

Consider:

• Microneedling

• LED light therapy

• Peptide-rich serums

• Barrier-focused facials tailored to your skin

My Go-To Perimenopause-Friendly Products

(These are some of my favorite picks—feel free to customize your own regimen based on skin needs.)

• KrX Cica Recovery Toner + Cream – Calms, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier

• BioReHydra Serum – Lightweight and packed with postbiotics to support healing

  
  

• Dermathod Moist Morning Touch Foam Cleanser – A gentle enzyme cleanser ideal for sensitive skin Grab it here

In the Treatment Room

When clients come in with hormonal skin changes, I don’t just look at the surface. I create a long-term plan that prioritizes barrier repair, hydration layering, and lymphatic drainage. We skip the aggressive treatments and focus instead on consistency and care.

Perimenopause isn’t something to “fix”—it’s a transition to support. Your skin just needs a little extra love, patience, and nourishment during this phase. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s health—inside and out.

If you’re not sure where to start, book a consultation with me and let’s create your glow-up game plan together.

Because you deserve to feel confident in your skin—at every stage of life.