Sudden skin aging: The right skin care during menopause

Menopause is a turning point in every woman's life, and it also leaves visible marks on the skin. Hormonal changes lead to dryness, tightness, and a loss of elasticity. But with the right knowledge, you can actively counteract it.

Dr. Miriam Rehbein is one of Germany's leading dermatologists and entrepreneurs. Without outside capital, she built a successful practice, a cosmetic institute, and the skincare brand DOCTOR MI! medical skincare. She developed innovative treatments and set new standards with her TECMi!® technology. As a mother of three, she combines career and family and stands for independence, innovation, and skin health.

During menopause, estrogen levels in the body drop significantly. Estrogen is largely responsible for collagen production, retains moisture in the skin, and ensures an even complexion. As this hormone declines, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and loses elasticity. It can no longer retain moisture as effectively, leading to feelings of tightness.

Progesterone, another important hormone, also decreases. Progesterone promotes skin renewal and influences lipid metabolism. A deficiency can therefore lead to dry skin and an increased tendency to wrinkles. These hormonal changes are the main cause of many skin problems during menopause.

Hormonal fluctuations manifest themselves on the skin in a variety of ways:

• Dry skin: Without adequate moisture, the skin feels tight and may become flaky. This is one of the most common symptoms of menopause.
• Fine lines and wrinkles: The loss of collagen leads to reduced firmness and elasticity of the skin. Fine lines form particularly around the eyes and mouth.
• Pigment spots: Hormonal changes can cause brown spots, so-called age spots, to form. These are particularly noticeable when exposed to sunlight.
• Skin sensitivity and redness: Thinner skin reacts more sensitively to environmental influences such as temperature changes or aggressive care products.
• Acne: Some women experience a recurrence of acne during menopause. Declining estrogen levels affect the ratio of estrogen to testosterone, which can increase sebum production.

Now, gentle, targeted care is needed. Less is often more when the products are tailored to the needs of mature skin.

• Moisturizing is essential: Choose rich moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These ingredients provide intensive moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Anti-aging with peptides and retinol: Retinol promotes cell renewal and reduces fine lines. Start with low concentrations to avoid skin irritation. Peptides support collagen formation and maintain elasticity.
• Don't forget sun protection: Use a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) daily. Skin is now more sensitive to UV radiation, which helps prevent dark spots and premature aging.
• Intensify your nighttime care: Take advantage of your skin's regeneration phase at night. Rich creams or serums with retinol, vitamin C, or peptides support the healing process.

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids from fish and nuts is especially important now. Drinking enough fluids keeps the skin hydrated from within. Nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

Sleep and stress also play a crucial role. Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep and increase stress levels. Both can disrupt the skin's healing process and lead to skin problems. Therefore, make sure you get enough rest and incorporate relaxation phases into your daily routine.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.