You’re not imagining it. Your skin is changing during perimenopause and menopause. 

This natural hormonal change, which can begin as early as your mid 30s or as late as your mid 50s, comes with a tonne of symptoms (hot flushes and insomnia, anyone?), including the way your skin looks and feels. 

According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, your ovaries begin producing less Oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause, a key hormone that has a profound impact on the skin. 

Then there’s other chronological skin ageing factors like decreased Collagen and elastin production and a loss of fat under the skin, plus a lifetime of sun damage coming to the surface.  

It’s a massive shift in so many ways, so let’s talk about it!   

Read on for some of the most common (yet sometimes unexpected) skin changes to expect in peri and menopause, as well as some products that can help.

Skin Sagging & Thinning

This one’s part hormonal changes, part inevitable skin ageing.  

You may notice a loss of volume in the face as the layer of fat we all have underneath our skin thins and shifts position.  

This along with declining Collagen production and cumulative sun damage can result in skin looking thinner and hallowed, with sagging around the lower half of the face.

A combination of targeted at-home skincare and professional in-clinic treatments is the best approach here. 

Products to try for skin plumping: 

• Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum – 14% Glycolic Acid and 1% Granactive Retinoid work together to ‘trick’ skin into behaving like a younger skin 
• Alpha-H Plump & Firm Duo – Save when you pair Midnight Reboot Serum with Golden Haze Face Oil, the perfect non-greasy oil for peri and menopause skin  

Redness & Sensitivity 

Everyone’s peri skin or menopause skin can be different.  

For some, skin can become resistant or hypersensitive thanks to hormonal changes. 

Even those who previously had relatively clear, easy to manage skin can find themselves with unpredictable sensitivity, redness or skin conditions like rosacea. 

Hot flushes are a common menopause symptom; this can also contribute to increased redness and heat in the skin. 

Products to try for menopausal redness and sensitivity: 

• Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum – A first aid serum that soothes sensitivity and reduces irritation while supporting your skin barrier  
• Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream – The perfect lightweight yet ultra hydrating moisturiser that feels cooling on the skin; never heavy! 

Dryness 

During perimenopause and menopause, skin can become drier as our natural oil-producing glands slow down. 

This means even if you’ve had oily skin for most of your life, you can find yourself with dry, tight skin.  

Dryness and dehydration can also leave skin looking dull, and emphasise the look of fine lines. 

Products to try for dryness during menopause: 

• Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum – Plumps and hydrates instantly while replenishing moisture levels over time 
• Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream – A super nourishing cream with a rich texture that helps to reduce redness, too!  
• Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil – Softens and plumps the skin to lock in moisture, without any heavy or greasy feeling 

Hormonal Breakouts 

Turns out, there’s no such thing as growing out of acne! 

Hormonal changes in sebum (oil) production during peri and menopause plus a decrease in skin cell turnover can lead to pimples and breakouts later in life. 

Products to try for hormonal breakouts: 

• Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic – A 2% Salicylic Acid exfoliant you can swipe over hormonal breakouts or use as a spot treatment 
• Alpha-H Peri & Menopause Skin Kit – Save when you bundle Clear Skin Tonic, Vitamin A Serum and Golden Haze Face Oil 

Hair Loss & Thinning

Lower levels of Oestrogen and Progesterone and an increased production of Testosterone can impact your hair and scalp health.  

Some find their hair is generally less lustrous, while others may report thinning and breakage.   

*And then there's increased hair growth in other areas, like peach fuzz over the face or a sprout on the chin!

Products to try for peri and menopausal hair changes: 

• Alpha-H Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment - Helps to encourage healthy hair growth while giving dull hair body and shine 
• Alpha-H Glossy Hair Duo - Save when you bundle Healthy Scalp Exfoliating Treatment with our multi-use Golden Haze Face Oil 
• A dermaplaning tool, quality tweezers or wax strips can assist with removing unwanted facial hair!  

Finally, don’t forget the basics. 

Stick to a gentle cleanser like Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser, and always wear your preferred sunscreen daily!