Perimenopause brings a host of bodily and skin changes. Many people experience perimenopause without awareness of what’s happening to their bodies, because this phase of life is not widely discussed. 

The skin care changes that come with perimenopause often mirror changes that come with other hormonal shifts over a lifetime—such as going through puberty or taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Our skin, the body’s largest organ, can reveal the hormone changes happening below the surface. And the signs of those changes can show up on our faces.

Skin Sensitivity

One of the most common perimenopause skin changes is increased sensitivity. Any hormone change can trigger skin sensitivity, and the key is to pare down the routine to the bare minimum to avoid irritation. Focus on cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, and eliminate any products that contain fragrance (many essential oils are okay in low percentages, such as in our products). Once you move through the hormonal shift, you may be able to add in new products. Go slowly. 

When you notice:
Redness, itchiness, irritation, tenderness, rashes

Give skin: 
A super simple routine designed for sensitive skin: cleanser, toner, lotion, sunscreen. 

Acne

It almost seems unfair that being pre-menopausal can send us back to the days of teenage acne, but hormonal changes commonly show up as pimples. What makes this even surprising is that a perimenopausal breakout can occur on skin that is simultaneously dry. Focus on balancing out skin’s oil production and avoid the temptation to aggressively cleanse. (Teenagers should also avoid aggressive cleansing.)  

When you notice:
Pimples, clogged pores, acne 
 
Give skin:
A routine formulated for combination skin and designed to balance oil production: cleanser, toner, face oil, and spot treat pimples. 

Hyperpigmentation

Hormonal shifts can alter melanin production and cause dark spots to appear seemingly out of nowhere. First, give skin increased antioxidants to keep cells resilient and quick to renew. Then, make sure to wear a good sunscreen to keep spots from darkening. 

When you notice:
Pigmentation, “sun” spots, dark spots
 
Give skin:
Antioxidants that repair skin cells: myrrh, carrot seed, lavender, plus an excellent sunscreen.

Vaginal Dryness

Yep, skin changes happen during perimenopause and not only on your face. Vaginal dryness and painful sex do not have to be your new norm. Reach for a great lube instead. 

When you notice:
Vaginal dryness, pain during sex 
 
Give skin (your vulva + vagina):
A pH optimized lube with no petro-chemicals.

Bonus: Mood

While not technically skin, mood impacts our total well-being and that amorphous concept of “well-being” often shows up right on the skin of our faces. Or rather, when we’re not taking our full selves into account—prioritizing joy, moving our bodies, nourishing ourselves physically and metaphysically—our skin and bodies can revolt. Tend to your moods, which may shift during perimenopause, as much as you tend to your face. 

When you notice:
Mood swings, grumpiness, malaise 
 
Give yourself:
Aromatherapy: Citrus for aliveness, woodsiness for grounding, florals for stress relief. Spot Serum, which you grabbed four paragraphs above, doubles as an anxiety tamer—roll it onto pulse points and inhale.  

Shame-free skin care is possible. It starts with honest conversations about our bodies. And we’re honored to get to do that with you, right here. 

For a primer on how to care for (and love) aging skin, tap this link.

 

Written By Vera Kachouh