As women enter menopause, they experience a variety of skin changes. Hormonal shifts, especially the drop in estrogen, lead to issues such as skin dryness, wrinkles, sagging, uneven tone, age spots, hair thinning, and even acne. While these changes are normal, many women want to maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin as they age. According to Dr. Alexandra Theriault of U.S. Dermatology Partners Denver, “Menopause can take a toll on skin, but there are numerous dermatologic treatments to prevent and address these issues by targeting the root causes rather than hiding changes.” In this post, Dr. Theriault provides an overview of menopause-related skin changes and dermatology treatments to maintain healthier, more resilient skin as well as recommending post-menopausal skincare products.
Skin Laxity, Wrinkles, and Fine Lines
Some of the most common skin concerns during menopause are noticeable sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines. According to Dr. Theriault, “These skin changes are caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin. These proteins keep skin firm and smooth. During menopause, collagen and elastin proteins degrade more rapidly and are replaced more slowly. This makes skin thinner and prone to laxity, lines, and wrinkles.” Some effective dermatologic treatments for skin laxity, wrinkles, and fine lines include:
- Neurotoxin injections (Botox) – these injectables relax targeted facial muscles, smoothing fine lines and preventing wrinkles from deepening. Neurotoxins have proven particularly effective on crow’s feet and forehead lines.
- RF microneedling (Vivace) – this treatment combines radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedling to promote collagen production by creating micro-injuries and jumpstarting the healing process. It’s effective in tightening the skin and reducing fine lines, offering a more youthful look.
- Dermal fillers – these fillers are injected below the skin to restore volume in areas that have lost fullness, like the cheeks and jowls. By replenishing volume, fillers improve skin firmness.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
Hormonal changes during menopause may lead to uneven skin tone and texture. This often occurs because skin becomes thinner, allowing moisture to escape more readily. This is why dry skin after menopause is so common and can lead to a dull appearance. Slower cell turnover can also make skin appear less vibrant. If you’ve noticed these skin changes, some menopause skin solutions that may help include:
- Chemical peels – these treatments exfoliate the outer layer of skin, promoting new cell growth and delivering an even skin tone and texture. By stimulating the production of new, healthy skin cells, chemical peels can also reduce discoloration and improve skin smoothness.
- Laser treatments – this advanced technology targets darkened skin, destroying irregular cells, stimulating new cell growth, and promoting collagen production, leading to improvements in skin tone and texture. To even out skin tone and improve texture.
- Microneedling – this treatment creates tiny injuries that encourage collagen production and rejuvenate skin, making it smoother and more even.
Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Dr. Theriault says, “Menopause leads to spots of increased pigmentation, often called age spots or liver spots, that develop due to the cumulative effects of sun exposure coupled with hormonal shifts. Age spots often appear as small, dark patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin.” Some common treatments for age spots and hyperpigmentation include:
- Laser treatments – there are specific lasers designed to break up darkly pigmented skin cells and reduce the appearance of age spots.
- Chemical peels – these dermatologic treatments exfoliate the outer layers of skin, reducing the appearance of age spots and creating an even skin tone.
- Microdermabrasion – this gentle exfoliating treatment removes the top layer of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and create a brighter skin tone.
- Medications – there are prescription topical medications like tretinoin and hydroquinone that reduce pigmentation and fade dark spots over time.
- Skincare Product Combinations – There are also skincare products available over the counter with gentler ingredients that can deliver similar results for some. The SkinCeuticals Perfect Pair – Discoloration kit provides two products that work together to improve skin tone and brightness. Another popular choice is the MD Skin Essentials CORE 4 bundle that includes a curated combination of products to deliver hydration, rejuvenation, and protection for all skin types.
Consult with your dermatologist to determine the best option for your skin.
Hair Loss
Hormonal fluctuations contribute to hair thinning and hair loss during menopause. This can be distressing. Luckily, there are options to help restore hair growth, including:
- Minoxidil or other prescription medications, such as spironolactone and dutasteride – these medications promote hair growth and prevent further thinning and loss.
- Microneedling and platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy – microneedling combined with PRP therapy stimulates hair follicles to promote regrowth by improving blood flow and delivering essential growth factors to the scalp.
- Nutraceutical supplements – supplements formulated to support hair health from within, like Nutrafol HairBiotic MD and Viviscal, improve hair growth. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to find a supplement that’s right for your needs.
Jowls
Sagging skin around the jawline, or “jowls,” is another concern during menopause. The loss of elasticity and volume contributes to a less defined jawline, but there are some dermatologic treatments that help, including:
- Fillers – dermal fillers add volume to lift sagging jowls, creating a firm jawline.
- Laser treatments – laser therapy can be used to stimulate collagen production, tightening skin around the jawline.
Menopausal Acne
When it comes to menopausal acne, Dr. Theriault says, “Acne may resurface during menopause. This is typically due to hormonal shifts that increase oil production, but it can be tricky to treat because menopausal skin is more sensitive and drier than younger skin. For most people, finding a gentle cleanser formulated with salicylic acid keeps pores clear without over-drying the sensitive menopausal skin. When cysts are present, oral spironolactone is a promising treatment. Avoid harsh teenage acne treatments, as they can exacerbate dryness and irritation.”
Melasma and Rosacea
Hormonal shifts lead to conditions like melasma and rosacea. While melasma often appears as dark patches, rosacea can cause flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels. If you struggle with these conditions during menopause, consider the following treatments
- Melasma – treatments for melasma include laser therapy, chemical peels, and prescription medications like hydroquinone. These treatments lighten hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone.
- Rosacea – topical and oral medications, as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can help reduce redness and minimize the appearance of blood vessels.
Loss of Collagen
As collagen levels decline, skin becomes less elastic, leading to sagging and fine lines. Recent evidence has also shown that this loss of collagen increases risk of basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Sun protection and targeted skincare can slow collagen loss. Specifically, dermatologists recommend:
- Sun Protection – sun damage accelerates the decrease in collagen, so apply sunscreen daily to reduce further collagen degradation.
- Retinoids, peptides, and growth factors – these are topical treatments used to stimulate collagen production. The ingredients improve skin elasticity and firmness over time.
Navigate Menopausal Skin Changes Gracefully
According to Dr. Theriault, “While menopause brings many changes to the skin and whole body, there are effective treatments available to address each concern. From neurotoxin injections for fine lines to PRP for hair loss, these treatments deliver numerous benefits to improve skin health. Consult with a dermatologist to create a customized plan that addresses your specific needs.”
Schedule a Dermatologic Consultation Today
Menopause-related skin changes can be managed with the right professional treatments, skincare routine, and guidance. If you’re experiencing any of these concerns, consider scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss personalized treatment options. Get started working with a local U.S. Dermatology Partners team by completing our online scheduling request. Once we hear from you, a dermatologic team will be in touch to finalize the details of your upcoming visit.
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