How I Manage Perimenopausal Skin Issues and the products I’m Using

Face oil

Perimenopause has brought changes to my skin and I’m not liking it attall. I’m currently 46 and knew that skin dryness was a sympton, but didn’t consider the possibility that it would also be itchy and uncomfortable. I’ve always had (what I consider to be) ‘mild’ hayfever and the tendency to react to very active ingredients. I now react to blinkin’ everything, sneeze a lot and have a very dry, tight, uncomfortable-feeling face. Ageing has never really bothered me in the past, apart from now, because I’m really noticing an increase in those pesky lines. NOW my google search history is crammed full of anti-ageing treatment searches. Ideally on the least invasive side. (I’m currently eyeing up Profhilo, after chatting to a similarly aged client who has it done and has the most plump juicy skin.) Anyway, lets put that aside and talk about how I’m dealing with these perimenopausal skin issues.

So what is perimenopause? Put simply, its your bodies natural transition to the menopause. Your ovaries very gradually stop working and your body starts releasing less of the hormones progesterone and oestrogen. This can can cause a host of mental and physical symptoms, including skin issues. Skin dryness and increased sensitivity is common and something I’m struggling with personally. The drop in oestrogen results in the decreased production of collagen, which serve as the building blocks of your skin. Therefore you may notice an increase in lines and wrinkles. BOOOO.

Hydrating face mask

Increase your collagen production…

My main of attack here is with retinol. Retinol speeds up the rate of cell renewal which stimulates collagen production. Its one of the few anti-ageing ingredients that actually work. Having used this on and off for several years, I know it works. Having had acne in my 20s ( which left me with mild scarring) this ingredient has made an improvement on the texture of my skin. I’ve used various brands, but the ones that I absolutely swear by are the prescriptive retinol subscription services ‘Skin+Me’ and ‘And Begin’. (Coincidentally, made by the same people). I’ll go into more detail about these companies in another post, as I’m now a devout follower! If you want hardcore ingredients with great results, check them out.

Reduce skin sensitivity and hydrate

Using retinol makes your skin more sensitive in itself, so play it very safe regarding other skincare and makeup that you use on your skin. Try using products designed for sensitive skin and avoid anything with fragrance in it, to start.

Use a gentle cleanser. A shout out to And Begin Balm-to-oil cleanser . Been using this for a few weeks and its beautiful. Very gentle on the skin. It has a very subtle fragrance but I don’t find it irritating in any way.

Use a hyaluronic acid serum. I absolutely swear by this stuff, its deeply hydrating. Cannot go a day without it. It visibly plumps my skin and is very light in texture. Apply a moisturiser over the top for best results. I don’t suffer from hot flushes (yet) but if you do, you may want to use a light moisturiser. I can safely say that I look older when I don’t use this (in my humble opinion). You can’t go wrong with the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5 been through several bottles of this stuff.

The Ordinary Serums

Apply a hydrating face mask. These can feel heavenly on dry, irritated skin. One of my favourites so far is Garnier Nutri Bomb Milky Sheet Mask Coconut and Hyaluronic Acid and its only a couple of quid. Leaves your skin with the ultimate glow (if you’re lacking in the department).

Another beauty is REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask . I used this when I’d had a reaction to a skincare product and it was a blessing. I actually used a few products from that range which hugely helped my skin recover. Very hydrating and calming.

Face mists are also a god-send for increasing moisture levels. If hot flushes are an issue for you, this can feel like heaven. I’ve used them on clients who suffer with this before, during and after applying makeup and they always tell me how nice it feels.

For the dry-skinned beauties

I’ve found it quite hard finding a moisturiser that works for me. My skin now is sooooooo dry. I’ll only buy cruelty-free beauty products now, so that eliminates a ton of well known brands. Theres also that fact that my moisturiser needs to keep me going for the day, I’m not going to re-apply it throughout the day. Tall order indeed.

I’m currently using First Aid Beauty Firming Cream and its going down a treat. It thick in texture but absorbs really well, leaving my skin feeling plump and hydrated. So far so good. I’ve just ordered their Ultra Repair Cream, which I have high hopes for. Will keep you posted on that one.

This one is actually a serum but I’ve just finished a bottle of Pai Skincare Back To Life Serum and will be re-purchasing. Very soothing and cooling on the skin, so great if you’re combination or suffer from redness. Feels deeply hydrating under my moisturiser.

Pure face oil

Face oils. While there are plenty of beautiful face oils on the market, I love to apply a simple argan oil on my skin to seal in my skincare. Its a dry oil so doesn’t feel overly oily. Its one of my skincare staples as a dry skin girlie (also pop some on my wavy hair to eliminate frizz). It just gives me that extra layer of moisture which my skin craves now.

These are products that have helped me with my perimenopausal skin issues. I can only draw from my own experience. Yours may look very different. If you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments!

Have a good day,

Nicky x

Hi! I’m Nicky, I’ve been a Hair and Makeup Artist for yonks now. Roughly 20 years! I’ve worked with 100s of brides and LOVE my job. I live in Petersfield, Hampshire and cover Hampshire and Surrey. I also do makeup lessons for both brides who want to do their own makeup ,and anyone else who wants to learn. I’m hugely passionate about teaching people makeup techniques and generally waffling on about hair and makeup. Honestly, I could go on for hours! Brides book me for my natural hair and makeup looks (and I like to think because I’m a super lovely person who is a very calming influence on a wedding day!).

If you would like to work with me, please fill out the enquiry form on the contact page. Or message me on insta or facebook.