Skincare after 45: tips from skin specialist Lia van Pruijssen

Turning 45 often signals a new chapter in life. You may find your skin responds differently to skincare products, that fine lines become more pronounced, and that your skin feels drier or less supple. This is not by chance. It is a natural process, often linked to hormonal changes during menopause. In this blog, skin specialist Lia van Pruijssen shares her insights on how best to support your skin during these changes.

My skin suddenly felt tight and dry. Only when I read about the influence of hormones did everything make sense. - Yeara (46)

According to skin specialist Lia van Pruijssen, with the right knowledge and care, you can support, protect, and even restore your skin’s radiance. Whatever your age.

Wat gebeurt er met je huid na je 45e?

Around the age of 45, your body goes through various changes, and your skin is no exception. A key factor that affects skin ageing is the fluctuation and decline of oestrogen. This female hormone plays a major role in the health and appearance of your skin. 

When oestrogen levels decrease, many things change in your skin: 

• Thinner skin: it becomes more sensitive and vulnerable. 
• Loss of elasticity: wrinkles and fine lines become more noticeable. 
• Dryness: sebum production decreases, causing your skin to retain less moisture. 
• Loss of volume: fat tissue under the skin decreases, making your face appear more hollow. 
• Pigmentation spots: hormonal fluctuations can affect pigmentation. 

External factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, smoking, and stress can also speed up the ageing process and intensify its effects. Combined with hormonal changes, this calls for a different approach to skincare. 

Recognition: what do you notice in daily life?

Many women find that their trusted products suddenly no longer work as they once did. Your skin feels different, make-up does not stay in place as well, or you more often experience a tight feeling after cleansing.

My skin suddenly became so dry, even though I always had combination skin. I had to rediscover what worked for me. – Lara (49)

These changes are completely normal, but they can be uncomfortable and may even make you feel less confident. As oestrogen levels fall, the skin barrier weakens. Your skin loses moisture more quickly and reacts more sensitively to irritants. As a result, it can suddenly feel very different. Adjusting your routine sometimes takes patience: it may not be easy to find the right cream straight away, but once you do, your skin can often quickly feel supple and comfortable again.

What can you do to support your skin?

Although skin ageing is a natural process, that does not mean there is nothing you can do. With an adapted skincare routine and healthy habits, you can do a great deal to keep your skin supple and radiant. 

1. Protect your skin from the sun UV radiation is the main cause of skin ageing. That is why you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it is cloudy. This helps prevent existing wrinkles from deepening and new pigmentation spots from forming. Want to know more about sun protection during menopause? Read our blog about sun and skincare. 
2. Hydrate inside and out Dryness is a common problem after 45. Use hydrating products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to retain moisture in the skin. Also, drink enough water and eat foods rich in antioxidants. 
3. Choose products that suit your skin Your skin has different needs at this stage. Opt for creams and serums with active ingredients such as retinoids and vitamin C, which stimulate collagen and strengthen the skin barrier. We will go into more detail on this in the next paragraph. 
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle Sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol and smoking support your skin from within. Managing stress is just as important, as stress can speed up the ageing process. 
5. Consider professional treatments Microneedling, chemical peels, or laser techniques can help with skin renewal. Always seek professional advice about these options. 
6. Avoid harsh cleansers After menopause, sebum production decreases, causing your skin to lose moisture more quickly and the barrier function to weaken. Harsh cleansers or scrubs can make this worse. Choose mild, hydrating cleansers and use lukewarm water to prevent dehydration. 

Skincare with impact: which ingredients really help?

The right ingredients can make a real difference for your skin after 45. They support the natural repair process, protect against harmful external influences, and help keep your skin supple and radiant. These are the most important: 

1. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) Retinoids are true powerhouses in skincare. They stimulate collagen production and speed up cell renewal. This makes the skin firmer and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Always start with a gentle retinol variant and build up slowly to avoid irritation. Use retinoids in the evening and protect your skin with sunscreen during the day. 
2. Vitamin C This antioxidant protects your skin against free radicals that speed up skin ageing. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and ensures an even, fresh complexion. Choose a stable form, such as L-ascorbic acid, and apply it daily under your day cream. 
3. Hyaluronic acid Hyaluronic acid retains moisture in the skin, giving it a fuller, more supple appearance. Especially for dry skin – often a result of hormonal changes – this ingredient can work wonders. 
4. Peptides Peptides are small protein chains that signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin. While there is evidence that they can make the skin firmer and reduce fine lines, more research is needed to fully confirm this effect. 
5. Omega-3 fatty acids These healthy fats appear to have promising effects on skin hydration and elasticity, although further research is needed. They also play a role in overall health and inflammation, which can indirectly benefit the skin. They may contribute to healthy skin through diet, supplements, or in some skincare products. 
6. Antioxidants such as vitamin E and green tea extract Antioxidants protect your skin from harmful influences such as UV radiation and air pollution. They help slow down signs of skin ageing and keep your skin radiant. 

Start carefully with powerful ingredients like retinol or vitamin C. Build up slowly and always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin. 

We end with gentleness, and strength

Your skin changes, but that does not mean you cannot look beautiful or feel radiant. By investing in a good skincare routine with ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, you support your skin in a positive and effective way. Combine this with a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and self-love, and you will see that your skin not only stays healthy but also glows from within. 

As Lia van Pruijssen emphasises: good skincare is more than just creams; it is about attention, knowledge, and listening to what your skin needs. 

Who is Lia? 

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

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