Skin and hormones during menopause: this is how you protect your skin from the sun
Around the age of forty — or sometimes even earlier — your skin may begin to change. Some women suddenly notice their skin becoming dry and tight. Others see wrinkles or pigmentation marks that were not there before.
The skin is our largest organ and plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing. These changes can start in the years leading up to your last period — the perimenopause — and may continue after menopause.
“What is happening to my skin, and what can I do about it?” In this blog, we explain why your skin changes, how the sun plays a part, and how best to care for your skin.
I didn’t expect to get pigmentation marks on my hand so early. I thought: I’m not old at all yet, am I? – Noor (44 years old)
What happens to your skin during menopause?
During menopause, your progesterone starts to decrease and your oestrogen fluctuates more and gradually declines. This hormonal imbalance also affects your skin.
The production of collagen — the protein that gives firmness and elasticity — already begins to decrease slowly from the age of 25. Around menopause, this process speeds up, especially due to the falling oestrogen level.
As shown in a scientific study, these fluctuations lead to a loss of skin thickness, elasticity, and hydration. As a result, you may notice changes in your skin. This varies from woman to woman, but common changes include:
- Dryness: Your skin may feel drier and tighter because sebum production decreases.
- Loss of elasticity: Your skin may become looser, with more visible wrinkles.
- Pigmentation marks: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to dark patches or an uneven complexion.
- Sensitivity: Some women experience redness, itching, or irritation more quickly.
Sunlight and your skin: the pros and cons
The sun can make you feel more energetic and alert, and helps your body produce vitamin D. However, during menopause, your skin loses firmness and hydration, making sunlight more damaging than before.
According to a review study, exposure to UVA and UVB radiation is one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which can cause wrinkles, pigmentation marks, and looser skin.
Protect your skin: sun protection is essential
With the right care, you can help protect your skin. Here are three simple yet effective steps:
- Use sunscreen daily
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply generously and reapply every two hours, especially if you are outdoors, sweating, or swimming. Do you wear makeup? Then use a setting spray or powder with SPF to top up your protection throughout the day without disturbing your makeup.
Note: to support your natural vitamin D production, you may choose to expose your skin briefly to sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon — as long as this is done safely and in moderation. Be sure to apply sunscreen if you remain outside for longer. - Wear protective clothing
Think of a sun hat, sunglasses, and loose clothing with long sleeves. - Seek shade between 12:00 and 15:00
The sun is at its strongest then. Also apply sunscreen when you are in the shade, as UV rays reflect off sand, water, and walls.
Sun damage? This helps your skin recover
Want to know how to support your skin if you already have sun damage, such as pigmentation marks or dull skin? In another blog, we share care tips that help restore and strengthen your skin.
Embrace your skin
Your skin shows what you have been through. From youthful glow to the strength of experience. Menopause challenges your skin, but with the right care, you give it what it needs. Protect it from the sun and support it from within with nutrition, rest, and hydration. This way, you remain radiant — every single day.
Who is Lia?
Lia van Pruijssen is a skin expert and Dermalogica specialist with 25 years’ experience. She helps women achieve healthy, radiant skin. Her advice and treatments are grounded in scientifically supported insights and have proven effective. With the right care and attention, skin can adapt and even rejuvenate.
Tips and advice
How do you cope with hot weather when experiencing hot flushes?
Hot flushes can make summer particularly challenging. During menopause, your internal thermostat can become unsettled. Here you can find out what you can do about it.
Hormones and menopause: what is happening in your body?
Your body goes through a lot of changes during menopause. This period in a women's life marks the transition from a reproductive to non-reproductive stage. Progesterone and oestrogen play a key role in your reproductive health. During the menopausal transition, the amount of oestrogen and progesterone produced declines rapidly. However, certain levels of sex hormones are still needed for your body to function. Fortunately, nature has a great solution for this.
What is the role of oestrogen in menopause and why is it so important?
Oestrogen plays an important role in every stage of a woman's life. What happens to oestrogen during menopause? What are symptoms of low oestrogen and what can you do about them?
