Menopausal Skin Changes and Treatments That May Help

Why skin can change during perimenopause and menopause

Falling oestrogen levels can affect collagen, elasticity, moisture retention and the skin barrier. This may contribute to dryness, thinning, reduced bounce and more visible lines. The changes do not happen in isolation: natural ageing, sun exposure, genetics, stress, sleep and your current skincare all influence how your skin looks and feels.

Aesthetic treatments can support the appearance and quality of the skin, but they cannot replace oestrogen or treat the medical symptoms of menopause. If you are concerned about wider menopausal symptoms or want to discuss hormone replacement therapy, your GP or a qualified menopause clinician is the right person to advise you.

Start by identifying the main concern

It is tempting to tackle everything at once, but menopausal skin can be more sensitive and less tolerant of aggressive treatment. A better starting point is to choose one or two priorities, assess your skin properly and introduce changes in a measured way.

Dryness and crepey skin

When moisture retention falls, the face, neck, décolletage and hands can look less smooth or feel tight. Skin boosters such as Profhilo, Sunekos and polynucleotides are injectable options designed to support hydration, elasticity and overall skin quality rather than add facial volume. Which product, if any, is appropriate depends on your skin, health history and priorities.

If you prefer a non-injectable option, Hydrafacial or a bespoke facial may help with cleansing, hydration and surface radiance. These can be useful before an event or as part of regular skin maintenance, although the effect and longevity will vary from person to person.

Fine lines, texture and enlarged pores

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries to encourage the skin’s repair response and may improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores and some acne scarring. Radiofrequency microneedling adds controlled energy at depth and may be considered where texture and mild laxity are both concerns.

The right needle depth, energy level and treatment interval matter. More intensive is not automatically better, especially if your skin is dry or reactive. A course may be recommended, and temporary redness, swelling, pinpoint bleeding or sensitivity can occur.

For questions about what to expect, downtime or suitability, see our frequently asked questions.

Loss of firmness around the jawline and neck

Changes in collagen, facial fat and underlying support can make the lower face, jawline and neck look softer. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to target deeper support layers and is often considered for the brow, jawline, lower face and neck. Results appear gradually as the skin responds.

Radiofrequency microneedling may also be discussed when surface texture and mild laxity are present together. Neither option is a surgical facelift, and neither can promise a particular degree of tightening. A consultation helps us explain what is realistic for your anatomy and starting point.

You can also view our treatment results, which show examples of individual outcomes rather than a guarantee of what anyone else will experience.

Pigmentation, redness and uneven tone

Years of sun exposure can become more visible during midlife, while hormonal changes and skin sensitivity may make uneven colour feel harder to manage. IPL skin rejuvenation may help with selected sun spots, uneven pigmentation, thread veins and facial redness. Suitability depends on skin tone, recent sun exposure, medical history and the type of pigmentation present, so a consultation and patch test are required.

A carefully selected chemical peel may be another option for dullness, congestion, pigmentation, fine lines or rough texture. Peel strength and ingredients should match your skin rather than follow a one-size-fits-all trend. Some peels cause flaking or sensitivity, and diligent sun protection is essential.

A simple home skincare routine still matters

Professional treatment works best alongside consistent home care. For many menopausal skins, the useful foundations are a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser that supports the skin barrier and broad-spectrum SPF 50 every day. Active ingredients can be helpful, but introducing several acids or retinoids at once may worsen dryness and sensitivity.

Tell us about all prescription medicines, supplements and active skincare before treatment. We can help you understand when products may need to be paused and how to keep your routine manageable around your appointments.

Why a consultation matters

There is no single best treatment for menopausal skin. Two people of the same age can have completely different concerns, skin types, medical histories and expectations. During your consultation, we assess your skin, discuss previous treatments and medications, explain likely downtime and decide whether one treatment, a staged combination or simply a better home routine is the most sensible next step.

All aesthetic procedures carry risks and results vary. Depending on the treatment, side effects may include redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, peeling, temporary pigment change or infection. Some treatments are unsuitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with particular health conditions, medicines, active skin disease or recent sun exposure. We will explain the relevant risks and aftercare before you decide.

Please seek medical advice before booking cosmetic treatment for a new or persistent rash, unexplained bleeding, a changing mole or lesion, or any symptom that concerns you.