The Complete Skincare Guide for Perimenopausal Skin

Women are often told to expect dramatic changes during menopause, but what many don't realize is that these changes begin years earlier during perimenopause. This often-overlooked transition phase brings about hormonal fluctuations that affect your menstrual cycle, body, and, in particular, your skin.

The challenge? There's no one-size-fits-all approach to perimenopausal skincare. If you're wondering how to adapt your routine to combat these changes effectively, you're in the right place. This guide will help you understand the difference between perimenopause and menopause, and show you how to give your skin the extra care it needs during this transition.

What's the Difference: Perimenopause vs Menopause? 

Many women aren't sure which phase they're experiencing or how to tell them apart. While both stages share similar symptoms, understanding the key differences is essential for creating an effective skincare routine.

What is Menopause?

Menopause officially begins after you've gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While it can occur earlier or later, most women experience natural menopause between ages 40 and 58, with the median age being 51 years.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase when your menstrual cycle begins to fluctuate. This phase typically starts in your late 30s or early 40s and lasts between 2 to 8 years on average. During this time, your hormone levels shift unpredictably as your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen.

The symptoms of perimenopause mirror those of menopause in many ways. You might 

• feel tired
• get hot flashes
• feel sore in your breasts
• lose your sex drive
• experience vaginal dryness
• have difficulties falling asleep
• experience mood swings

The key difference: During perimenopause, your periods become irregular but don't stop completely, and pregnancy is still possible. Once you've reached menopause, menstruation ceases entirely.

How Does Your Skin Change during Perimenopause?

Numerous hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause might have an impact on your skin. Research shows that declining estrogen levels trigger a cascade of skin changes, including decreased collagen production, reduced elasticity, and increased moisture loss. This condition, known as Estrogen Deficient Skin, is the primary driver of skin issues during this transition.

What Happens to Your Skin

Increased Dryness and Sensitivity
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining your skin's moisture barrier and supporting collagen production. As estrogen levels drop, your skin loses its ability to retain water effectively, leading to persistent dryness and increased sensitivity.

Accelerated Aging Signs
Studies indicate that women lose up to 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years of menopause. This rapid decline results in:

• More pronounced fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and mouth
• Loss of skin firmness and elasticity
• Sagging, particularly around the neck, jawline, and cheeks
• Thinner skin that bruises more easily

Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Tone
Age spots and hyperpigmentation become more visible as skin thins. The cell renewal process slows down significantly, meaning dark spots and scars take longer to fade.

Adult Acne Breakouts
Surprisingly, up to 30% of perimenopausal women experience new or worsening acne. The fluctuating hormone levels can trigger increased oil production and inflammation.

1. Combat Dryness with Gentle, Nourishing Products

A. Layer on Hydration
Hydration is non-negotiable during perimenopause and menopause. Focus on natural, plant-based ingredients that work with your skin:

• Rosehip Seed Oil: This botanical powerhouse is naturally rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Its emollient properties help improve moisture retention, support skin regeneration, and boost collagen production. Empress Naturals offers cold-pressed 100% Pure and USDA Certified Organic Rosehip Seed Oil. Known as "Liquid Gold" among facial oils, this odorless, anhydrous dry oil instantly absorbs into your skin, hydrating from within and leaving behind soft, smooth skin
• Centella Asiatica (Cica): This healing herb has been used for centuries to soothe, hydrate, and repair skin. Cica strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and promotes moisture retention naturally. It's particularly effective at boosting collagen production, which is crucial during perimenopause when collagen loss accelerates.

2. Address Sensitivity and Inflammation

A. Embrace Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and helps protect and heal sensitive skin. Research shows it can improve skin texture, reduce redness, and brighten hyperpigmentation. Natural sources like rosehip seed oil contain bioavailable vitamin C that's gentler on sensitive skin. Empress Naturals' entire Anti-Aging Skincare Range features cold-pressed 100% Pure and USDA Certified Organic Rosehip Seed Oil as a hero ingredient, delivering vitamin C and vitamin A naturally to your skin.

B. Try Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients
Look for products containing:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica): This ancient healing herb soothes irritation, reduces redness, and supports skin healing while strengthening the moisture barrier
• Natural Plant Oils: Rosehip seed oil, argan oil, and geranium oil are rich in antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate cell renewal and calm sensitive skin
• Calendula: Gentle and soothing, calendula reduces inflammation and promotes skin healing naturally.

3. Fight Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

A. Try Targeted Natural Brightening Ingredients
Look for botanical alternatives that gently brighten without harsh chemicals:

• Vitamin C-Rich Oils: Rosehip seed oil and sea buckthorn oil naturally contain high levels of vitamin C for brightening
• Licorice Root Extract: Natural brightening agent with anti-inflammatory properties that works overnight to reduce inflammation and fade pigmentation, especially dark spots brought on by hormonal shifts