Here’s how perimenopause can affect your skin (and what you can do about it)

At the moment, nothing scares me more than perimenopause, and that’s partly because you never know when it’s going to hit. Having had two kids when I was 38 and 40 years old, I wasn’t mentally prepared for how much my body would change, first from pregnancy and then from ageing. Because despite the regular gym sessions and laser facials, nothing can prevent that from happening, and I can feel it too. 

Now I find myself constantly wondering – is it perimenopause? Or am I just grumpy? Is it hormone-induced brain fog? Or am I just forgetful? Have I gained weight because of hormonal changes or am I just being lazy with my fitness routine? 

How perimenopause can affect your skin

Dr Jody Paige Goh, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of women’s healthcare clinic and app Hey Taylor says this is quite a common reaction for women in their 40s. “What makes perimenopause tricky is that these symptoms often overlap with the stress and busyness of life at that age, so it’s easy to overlook what’s really going on. It’s not uncommon to hear women say they just “haven’t felt like themselves” for a while, only to realise in hindsight that these changes were hormone-related.”

Hormones play such an impactful role in our well-being that it is important to pay attention when something feels a bit different. Dr. Goh notes that some women might notice their skin feeling drier or more sensitive. “Fine lines may become more visible, and for some, adult acne or flare-ups of rosacea can pop up seemingly out of nowhere. These changes often start in the 40s, but they’re very individual — and they can be frustrating if you don’t know what’s behind them.” Skin changes are part of a larger hormonal picture, and learning how best to care for it during this time can be reassuring and add more to your confidence. 

Dr. Evelyn Tay of Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic has treated a variety of perimenopausal conditions as they appear in the skin. This includes dry, sensitive skin that occurs even when using moisturiser, hot flushes that can lead to rosacea-like symptoms, loss of collagen and elasticity and thinning of hair or worsening of an underlying hair loss condition. 

What are some treatments that can treat perimenopausal skin?

Nevertheless, she stresses that treating perimenopausal conditions should go beyond the skin. “It is important to address the psychological aspects of these menopausal/ perimenopausal symptoms. Physical changes during menopause can translate to a loss of identity. It helps to understand the science behind the symptoms so women can know what to expect. The focus should be on healthy skin, as a reflection of one’s inner wellbeing, diet, and lifestyle.”

Dr. Tay’s clinic offers treatments which can improve the skin during perimenopause such as Rejuran, Profhilo and HIFU, amongst others, but she also stresses the importance of a balanced diet and proper skincare to help. 

“Eat a balanced diet rich in protein to counteract bone and muscle loss during this period. This also ensures the building blocks (amino acids) for collagen synthesis,” she says, adding that foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols that are potent antioxidants are also good as they can reduce the oxidative stress in the skin and minimise environmental. 

“Consider consuming omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to fortify the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which declines in production with menopause.” She also emphasises the use of sunscreen to reduce UV damage, and retinoids, which can improve skin texture and increase collagen formation.

Why it’s important to start tracking your symptoms

For Dr. Goh, starting the conversation earlier is a great way to stave off future stress or worry. “In your late 30s or early 40s, it’s worth knowing what signs to look out for and what changes to expect,” she says, adding that these can be tracked through her Hey Taylor app. “That way, when symptoms do appear, whether it’s disrupted sleep, mood swings, or skin changes, they come as less of a shock and feel more manageable. 

Empowering yourself with this knowledge means you can take steps early: schedule regular health screenings (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screens, as well as bone density scans), review your cardiovascular risk, and consider calcium and vitamin D intake. 

“These small but proactive measures help you stay informed and in control as your body changes — not just managing symptoms, but supporting long-term wellbeing.”