THE times are certainly not the same for everyone, yet, statistically, around the age of 45 perimenopause can begin, while vTrue menopause can occur around the age of 50 and own. AND the skin inevitably reflects these changes. They can appear redness, blemishes, dryness or sensitivity you’ve never experienced beforebut also variations in sebum production and a general greater skin fragility. What to do? There is no need to complicate the routine, but to make it more targeted: few products, carefully chosen, capable of truly responding to the new needs of the skin.
How skin changes in perimenopause
The skin is constantly changing, and around the 45/50 years old, these changes may become more evident. As we get closer of perimenopause first, and then of menopause, The decrease in estrogen in fact it also begins to reflect on the epidermis.
“The skin tends to become drier, thinner and less elastic,” explains the doctor Federica Gelato, dermatologist. «One of main changes concern collagen: in the first years after menopause can decrease rapidly, making the skin less compact and more fragile.”
To this we add one lower capacity to retain water, with a consequent loss of firmness, greater sensitivity and more visible wrinkles.
Less collagen, less hydration: the decline in estrogen is to blame
At the basis of these changes there is above all the reduction of estrogen, in favor of a greater influence of androgen hormones. The result is one skin which, on the one hand, appears drier, thinner and more fragileand on the other hand, it can present localized impurities, such as small forms of acne, often concentrated in the jaw area.
Therefore, not only does the structure of the epidermis change, but also its overall balance, which can be less uniform and more difficult to manage.
The “flashes” on the skin
Another aspect that is often underestimated is the appearance of sudden redness linked to vascular hyperactivity typical of hot flashes. They may resemble conditions such as rosacea or couperose, but should not be confused with simple skin irritations, because they have a different origin and require specific attention.
New skin needs during peri and menopause
What to do, then? «The priority is undoubtedly hydration, together with restoration of the skin barriera», explains the doctor. «In this phase the skin needs above all comfort, nourishment and protectionbecause it tends to become more sensitive and less tolerant. Elasticity and luminosity remain important, but the real basis is more balanced and less reactive skin.”
How skincare is changing
«The routine used up to a few years earlier may no longer be adequate» explains Dr. Gelato. «What worked at 35 or 40, around 50 it may be excessive or poorly tolerated. Too aggressive cleansing, too many overlapping active ingredients or frequent exfoliation risk accentuating dryness and sensitivity.”
The solution? Focus on more essential skincare and targeted: fewer products, but chosen with greater attention and consistency.
Fundamentaland focus on assets that help regain lost balance «such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support the skin barrier, hydration and tolerability; well-chosen retinoids, when indicated, to work on the quality of the skin; vitamin C as an antioxidant support for brightness and photoaging”.
The product never to be forgotten
Finally, a truly indispensable product? “There Daily sun protection remains a staple of any routine and should never be underestimated: it’s the gesture most important to preserve quality over timeuniformity and firmness of the skin”, explains the doctor.
And the most common mistake? “Think that all the products used up to that point are used. In fact, what really works is one smarter routineoften made up of a few targeted steps. Another frequent mistake is insisting on overly aggressive scrubs, acids or active ingredients, when the skin already has a more fragile barrier”, concludes the expert.