Menopause and skin.

Oestrogen as skin protection: oestrogen keeps fibroblasts active, promotes collagen and hyaluronic acid formation, maintains skin thickness and sebum production. As it falls in perimenopause, this support disappears. Studies show a loss of about 30 % of skin collagen in the first five years after menopause, then about two percent a year.

What changes: the skin becomes thinner and drier because less sebum and hyaluronic acid are produced; elasticity decreases, lines deepen, the face loses volume, especially in the mid-face. Redness, sensitivity and – through the relative dominance of male hormones – hair thinning at the parting or unwanted facial hair often come on top.

Care that matters now: richer moisturisers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, retinoids to stimulate collagen (introduce slowly), daily sun protection and gentle cleansing. Hormone replacement is not recommended for skin reasons alone; if started for other reasons, the skin usually benefits too.

Treatments that suit this phase of life: skin boosters and polynucleotides against dryness and crinkle lines, hyaluronic acid for lost volume in the mid-face and along the jawline, botulinum toxin for expression lines, PRP for early hair thinning. The focus shifts from 'stopping movement' to 'giving back structure and quality'.

Staying realistic: no treatment restores the skin of 35. Well planned, though, the skin can be made to match energy and phase of life – rested, not changed. The consultation deliberately takes more time for this phase.