When the body begins to rewrite itself, it often arrives quietly, and the skin is usually the first to tell us that something is changing.

You may notice subtle shifts: less vitality and radiance, dry patches, or a sensitivity you don’t recognise. You might question your routine, but you haven’t changed anything. This is your body signalling a transition.

During peri and menopause, skin renewal slows. Cell turnover becomes less efficient, collagen production declines, and the skin becomes thinner, drier, and less resilient. The jawline may soften, the neck often shows changes first, and products that once felt nourishing can suddenly sting or strip. Menopausal skin is less cushioned against environmental stressors and recovers more slowly.

Many women experience a second wave of breakouts, often along the jaw or chin. Others notice enlarged pores, textural changes, or blotchiness. For some, there’s a deeper discomfort, a feeling of fading, not just metaphorically, but visually.

If you’re experiencing these changes, know this: it isn’t vanity. How we feel in our skin is deeply connected to confidence, wellbeing, and how we present ourselves to the world.

Because renewal slows, active ingredients still matter, but how they’re used becomes critical. I advise switching to a gentle, surfactant-free cleanser and avoiding hot water or abrasive cloths, which can worsen dehydration and inflammation. Apply lightweight serums slowly, allow them to absorb fully, and seal everything in with ceramide-rich, barrier-supporting moisturisers.

Vitamin C, retinoids, and other actives can still support renewal, but they should be buffered and cushioned. If they feel uncomfortable, apply them after a hydrating serum or over a light moisturiser.

Menopause doesn’t make us less. It’s a reawakening - a time to honour our changing needs and care for the skin and body that have carried us this far.

With care,

Dr. Ellie x