If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ve probably noticed your skin isn’t quite the same. Maybe it feels drier, looks duller, or even breaks out like it did in your teens. These menopause skin changes can feel frustrating, but they’re completely normal. And the good news? There are steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
This guide is here to help you understand menopause and skin changes, why they happen, and what you can do about them. Plus, we’ll link to additional resources for every concern — from dryness and itching to acne and hyperpigmentation.
Why does menopause affect your skin?
Menopause is a major hormonal shift. Estrogen levels drop, and that affects your skin in big ways:
- Less collagen and elasticity. Skin may look thinner, less firm, and begin to sag.
- Reduced water retention. As your skin get thinner, it can’t hold as much moisture, which can lead to dryness and itching.
- Changes in pigmentation. Dark spots or uneven tone can appear.
- Acne flare-ups. Yes, breakouts can happen, even now.
These menopause and skin changes aren’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. They are normal changes that accompany menopause.
Learn more in Menopause Skin Care — How to Look and Feel Your Best.
Common skin concerns during menopause
Dry, itchy skin
Dry skin is a common change to the skin during menopause. With less estrogen, the skin produces less collagen, elastin, and natural oils, leaving the skin less able to remain firm and retain moisture.
During menopause, your skin loses its ability to hold water, so your skin can get quite dry. And because decreased estrogen also makes skin thinner and more fragile, that dryness can also make your skin feel itchy. Another reminder that your skin needs extra care during this stage.
Find relief in Itchy Skin During Menopause: How to Prevent It and Find Relief.
Hyperpigmentation
Hormonal changes can increase melanin production, causing dark spots or uneven tone. The most common places for this to show up are on your face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
Protecting yourself from the sun can help fad age spots, prevent new ones from forming, and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen or moisturizer with at least SPF 30 every day can help protect your skin.
Learn how to manage it in Hyperpigmentation and Menopause: Reclaiming Your Skin.
Acne
Breakouts during menopause? Unfortunately, they’re a reality of perimenopause for about 17% of us going through it.* At points during perimenopause, there can be an imbalance in the levels of estrogen and testosterone. That imbalance can result in relatively higher testosterone levels, which can trigger an increase in oil (sebum) in some areas that can clog pores and result in adult acne.
Discover more in Menopause Acne: Why You May Still Be Getting Breakouts at Your Age.
Skin sensitivity and rashes
Around the time of menopause, the pH level of our skin starts to change. This can make our skin more sensitive. This can make it more likely to experience rashes, easily irritated skin, or even a “skin crawling” sensation. If you have an existing skin condition, like eczema or rosacea, they could worsen during this time.
Skin care tips for menopause
Your skin needs extra TLC now. Here’s what helps:
- Gentle cleansing. Use a mild cleanser. Skip soaps and harsh products because they can be too drying.
- Moisturizing. Apply after bathing and whenever your skin feels dry. Look for creams with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers to help reduce irritation.
- Sun protection. Apply sunscreen or moisturizer with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy.
- Skincare products with retinol or peptides. These can help increase collagen.
- Healthy diet. A balanced diet full of a variety of fruits and vegetables can help your skin’s health.
- Stay well-hydrated. This can help your skin maintain moisture and elasticity. It’s also good for overall skin health.
Natural remedies and supplements
If you prefer a holistic approach, consider:
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Foods that contain these, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can support skin health. Some people find dry skin relief by taking omega-3 supplements.
- Natural moisturizers. Aloe vera gel and coconut oil are well known for their skin-soothing properties.
Lifestyle tips for healthy skin
- Exercise regularly. Helps boost blood flow to the skin and improve skin moisture.
- Get adequate sleep. Sleep is a challenge during the menopause transition, but do your best to get quality sleep. Skin cells grow and are repaired while we sleep.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Both can cause premature skin aging.
Menopause and skin changes are real—but they don’t have to define how you feel about yourself. With the right care, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and radiant.
Make an appointment with a dermatologist
Dermatologists are specialists when it comes to your skin and hair. There are multiple reasons that it would be good to find a dermatologist near you and set up an appointment:
- Skin cancer screening. Your risk of getting skin cancer goes up as you get older. The earlier it’s found, the more treatable it is.
- Product recommendations. Skin cancer can look like an age spot or other dark spot on your skin. Before treating it, have a dermatologist look at it and then they can recommend treatment that’s right for your skin.
- Skin continues to feel dry after at-home treatments. Exfoliation or microdermabrasion may help with dry skin, but during menopause, these treatments may do more harm than good. Check with your dermatologist first.
- You need help getting your acne under control. Because our skin is thinner and drier during menopause, treatments meant for teenage acne may be too harsh. A dermatologist can help you find an option that’s gentler on your skin.
- Rashes or skin conditions worsen. You may need a dermatologist’s help if over-the-counter and at-home treatments are working on your changing skin.
*Data from Attitudes & Usage study conducted in August 2021 with 4,578 female participants ages 40-65. Funded by Kenvue.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2025). How to care for your skin during menopause. Accessed 11/26/2025 from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/skin-care-during-menopause
Hall, P.F. (1969). The influence of hormones on melanogenesis. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 10: 125-139. PMID: 12304881.
Kar, S.K. & Bera, T.K. (2018). Phytochemical constituents of aloe vera and their multifunctional properties: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 9(4): 1416-1423. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.9(4).1416-23.
Khunger, N. & Mehrotra, K. (2019). Menopausal acne – Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Women’s Health, 11: 555-567. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S174292.
Lephart, E.D. & Naftolin, F. (2021). Menopause and the skin: Old favorites and new innovations in cosmeceuticals for estrogen-deficient skin. Dermatology and Therapy, 11(1): 53-69. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00468-7.
Lin, T-K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J.L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1): 70. doi: 10.3390/ijms19010070
Oizumi, R., Sugimoto, Y., & Aibara, H. (2024). The potential of exercise on lifestyle and skin function: Narrative review. JMIR Dermatology, 7: e51962. doi: 10.2196/51962
Sant’Anna Addor, F.A. (2018). Beyond photoaging: Additional factors involved in the process of skin aging. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11: 437-443. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177448
Shah, M.G. & Maibach, H.I. (2001). Estrogen and skin. An overview. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2(3): 143-150. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200102030-00003.
Thornton, M.J. (2013). Estrogens and aging skin. Demato-Endocrinology, 5(2): 264-270. https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.23872
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