Hormones and skin: impact and solutions for women

Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects us, senses, and often reflects how we feel. Hormones play a significant part in this. When they are in balance, your skin behaves as it should. But as soon as they fluctuate – for example, during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause – your skin can suddenly react in a completely different way.

During menopause, my skin became so dry and thin. It no longer felt like my skin. – Marieke (51)

How hormones affect your skin

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate functions throughout the body. During menopause, your hormones fluctuate considerably, which also directly affects your skin. Some hormones that often cause changes during this stage:

Oestrogen and progesterone Support collagen, elasticity, and hydration. Within five years after menopause, your skin can lose up to 30% of its collagen.
Testosterone (androgens) Due to the changing balance between oestrogen and testosterone, your skin can sometimes become oilier and more prone to acne.
Cortisol (stress hormone) During menopause, fluctuating hormones can be accompanied by increased stress levels. This raises cortisol levels, which can damage the skin barrier and worsen inflammation. Many women notice that stress visibly worsens their skin complaints during this period.
Thyroid hormones Thyroid problems are more common in women around menopause. This can intensify skin changes, such as dryness or thinner skin.

Hormonal skin problems in daily life

During menopause, your skin can start behaving very differently. Hormonal changes often show up as complaints such as:

Acne: Due to the changing hormone balance, acne can flare up again, even if you have not had issues with it for years.
Dryness and sagging: typical with a decrease in oestrogen during (peri)menopause.
Redness and inflammation: A common complaint in (peri)menopause, due to the decrease in oestrogen that supports collagen and elasticity.
Pigmentation (melasma): Although melasma is often seen during pregnancy or with contraceptive use, menopause can also influence this due to changing oestrogen levels combined with sunlight.
Worsening of eczema or rosacea: Some women notice these complaints become more severe during menopause, but further research is needed to fully understand this connection.

My skin suddenly became so sensitive. I had to try all my products again to find something that worked. – Fatima (48)

What can you do yourself?

Lifestyle

Nutrition: eat a varied diet with antioxidants, vitamin C and E, and omega-3. Evidence is still limited, but it may be supportive.
Exercise: helps reduce stress and stimulates circulation.
Sleep: essential for recovery and hormone balance.

Skin care

Choose gentle cleansers and moisturising creams with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
For acne, ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide may help.
Protect your skin daily from the sun to limit ageing and pigmentation.

Stress management

Many women find that yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises help reduce stress, which can benefit their skin.

Medical or professional help

Dermatological treatments (laser, peels, microneedling) can help, but evidence is often based on small studies. Results vary from person to person.
Hormone therapy (HRT) is sometimes prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms. A positive side effect can be improvement in skin changes, but this is always done under a doctor’s supervision.
Small studies show that topical hormone creams can improve skin elasticity, but large-scale evidence is lacking and use should always be under medical supervision.

Good care makes a difference

Hormones affect your skin more than you might think. Some changes are temporary, others permanent. By taking good care of your skin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional support when needed, you can reduce many complaints. The effect can vary from person to person.

I thought there was nothing I could do. But with the right care, I notice my skin is recovering after all. – Ilse (50)

Treatments for menopausal symptoms

Supplements and – in combination with other menopausal symptoms – hormone therapy can help support your skin and health during menopause. Discover which products can relieve your symptoms and request them easily. You fill out an online medical questionnaire, after which a doctor will assess whether the treatment is suitable.

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Who is Lia van Pruijssen?

Lia van Pruijssen is a skin expert and Dermalogica specialist with 25 years of experience. She guides women through menopause towards healthy, radiant skin. Her advice and treatments are based on scientifically supported insights and proven effective. With the right care and attention, the skin can adapt and even rejuvenate.