When the skin starts to feel tight, redden for no reason and shine on the chin as you approach fifty, it’s not “in the head”. Perimenopause lasts on average 2 to 4 years, and doctors cited by Santé Magazine point out that it is accompanied by real skin changes. The good news: a targeted skincare routine can really stabilize the situation.
As dermatologist Dr. Stefanie Williams explains in Vogue, “Perimenopause is the transition phase preceding menopause; during this period, estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline, often accompanied by significant daily hormonal fluctuations” And “the skin tends to become thinner, drier and more reactive”. Later, in menopause, Fabienne Crocq speaks in Elle of a drop in collagen and elastin “up to 30%”. Adapting your routine early therefore helps to cushion this slope.
Why perimenopause disrupts your skincare routine
When estrogen drops, the skin barrier loses lipids and ceramides, the natural production of hyaluronic acid slows and the skin lets more water escape. Androgens retain more influence, which can awaken pimples and enlarged pores. We often find ourselves with skin that is dry, thin, tight and… prone to imperfections.
The experts from Santé Magazine also point out that the skin loses around 6% of its thickness every 10 years. Result: more visible fine lines, spots that mark quickly, redness that lasts.
Rather than throwing everything away, Dr. Stefanie Williams advises in Vogue to adjust your existing routine, focusing on hydration, barrier repair and a few well-chosen pro-aging active ingredients.
Perimenopause skincare routine: the right actions every day
In the morning, a very gentle cleanser is sufficient, in milk or non-foaming gel.
Follow with a hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide to fill in dehydration and calm redness.
On top, a cream with ceramides or fatty acids, then a sunscreen **SPF 50** every day, essential to limit spots and loss of collagen.
In the evening, gently remove make-up then non-aggressive cleanser. Two to three times a week, we can introduce gentle retinoids such as retinaldehyde or peptides, always in very small quantities at the beginning.
The other evenings, use a soothing serum, then a barrier cream or a few drops of argan or rosehip oil, as the A.Vogel website suggests, to “seal in” the hydration. If the skin burns or peels too much, space out the applications and seek the advice of a dermatologist.
The best skincare products to try during perimenopause
For the dull complexion typical of this period, Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum helps revive radiance. When the skin marks easily and recovers poorly after attacks, Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum targets repair and supports collagen. In case of deep dehydration, “Erborian Ginseng Micro Shot Starter 0.1%” offers a comfortable boost.
The idea is not to buy everything, but to choose a few well-constructed formulas, adapted to your budget, if possible without perfume or alcohol if the skin reacts easily.
If acne becomes inflammatory, the redness resembles rosacea or spots change in appearance, an appointment with the dermatologist remains essential, perimenopause or not.