# Thin, dry *skin.*

> After menopause the skin becomes thinner, drier and crepey – on cheeks, neck, décolleté, hands. Why that happens (oestrogen, collagen)

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/concern-thin-dry-skin-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

Not every wrinkle is an expression or volume wrinkle. Crepey skin is a question of skin quality – and needs a different treatment from fillers.

## What is behind it.

**What is behind it:** with the drop in oestrogen at menopause the skin loses up to 30 percent of its collagen in the first five years; sebum production falls, the barrier becomes leaky, the dermis thinner. The skin crinkles like tissue paper – especially on cheeks, neck, décolleté, backs of the hands and around the mouth. Sun from past decades shows now.

**What care can do:** rich barrier care (ceramides, glycerin, shea butter), a mild retinoid, sunscreen. With symptoms, a talk with the gynaecologist about hormone therapy is worthwhile – it also acts on the skin, but is a medical decision, not an aesthetic one.

**What helps in the practice:** skin boosters and polynucleotides measurably thicken the dermis, bind water and improve elasticity – two to three sessions, then maintenance. PRP stimulates fibroblasts, especially with microneedling (in winter). These procedures do not change the shape but the quality – exactly what is needed here.

**What fits less:** filler in crepey lines (visible, short-lived); botulinum toxin (not an expression line); aggressive peels and lasers on very thin skin. With volume loss as well – cheeks, temples – hyaluronic acid is also sensible, but as support, not into the crinkles.

## Is this for me?

**A treatment can make sense if …**
- the skin crinkles when touched or in side light
- cheeks, neck, décolleté or hands look parchment-like
- you are in or after menopause
- you want better skin, not a changed face

**Rather not suitable if …**
- you have active skin disease (eczema, rosacea flare)
- you take high-dose immunosuppressants
- you expect crepey lines to disappear completely
- you cannot keep up sun protection

These notes replace no examination. Whether and which treatment is an option is clarified in the consultation under § 630e BGB – sometimes the answer is: none.

## The essentials.

- **Cause:** oestrogen drop, collagen loss
- **Care:** barrier, mild retinoid, SPF
- **Practice:** skin boosters, polynucleotides, PRP
- **Not:** filler in crepey lines

## Important note.

This text is general information. It replaces neither a medical examination nor the consultation required before any treatment under German law (§ 630e BGB). Whether and which treatment is suitable for you can only be said after examination and consultation. No treatment results are promised.

## Frequently asked questions.

**Does hormone therapy help the skin?**

Yes, studies show more collagen and skin thickness under hormone replacement therapy. But that decision is made with the gynaecologist for medical reasons – not for the skin.

**How often do I have to come back?**

After the course usually one session every six to nine months.

## Related.

- [Polynucleotides](https://www.vivaderm.de/polynukleotide-en.html) – Treatment
- [Skin boosters](https://www.vivaderm.de/skinbooster-en.html) – Treatment
- [Menopause & skin](https://www.vivaderm.de/guide-menopause-skin-en.html) – Guide

## Sources

- [German Society of Dermatology (DDG)](https://derma.de/)
- [DermNet – dermatology reference](https://dermnetnz.org/)
- [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org/)
- [PubMed – biomedical literature database](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- [NHS: non-surgical cosmetic procedures](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/)
- [Medical Association North Rhine – patient information](https://www.aekno.de/patienten)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.