Understanding Menopause, and What It Means for Your Skin Health

Entering the menopausal phase is a significant milestone in a woman’s life. For many, it’s not just periods stopping and hot flushes beginning, it has far-reaching effects throughout the body, not least on the skin. In this blog, we will explore what menopause is, how does menopause affect skin ageing, and how aesthetic treatments can support menopausal skin plus tackling the crucial question: can you still look good after menopause?

Throughout, we’ll use an approach rooted in patient safety, personalised care and the highest standards of clinical practice, which are at the heart of our ethos at Glow Aesthetics by Dora.

1. What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point at which a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. The period leading up to this is called perimenopause, when hormonal fluctuations begin and symptoms may emerge.

The key change is that ovarian oestrogen (and progesterone) production drops substantially. These hormonal shifts have systemic consequences: for your bones, vascular health, mood, genital health, and yes, your skin.

While the term ‘menopause’ is widely used, many practitioners now speak of the “menopausal transition” or “post-menopausal state” to emphasise a continuum. What matters is that as oestrogen levels decline, many of the protective and regenerative mechanisms in the body change.

2. How Does Menopause Affect Skin Ageing?

2.1 The hormonal link to skin ageing

Research shows that the decline in oestrogen during and following menopause correlates with measurable changes in skin structure and function — beyond what you'd expect from chronological ageing alone. PubMed+3PMC+3PMC+3

For example:

• Dermal thickness decreases by about 1.13 % per post-menopausal year in one study. PMC+1

• Collagen content declines by roughly 30 % in the first five years after the menopause. PubMed+2OUP Academic+2

• Glycosaminoglycans (which bind water in the dermis) decrease, leading to reduced hydration and turgor. PubMed+1

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2.2 What this means in practical skin changes: “how does menopause affect skin ageing”

As a result of those biochemical and structural shifts, many women notice a range of changes:

• Dryness and itching: Lower oestrogen means less ceramide production, reduced sebaceous activity and a weaker barrier. This leads to water loss, dry flaky patches and itching. News-Medical+1

• Thinner skin, more visible blood vessels & bruising: The dermis becomes thinner, capillary flow reduces and skin may show more underlying blue/purple tones or bruise easily. Northwestern Medicine+1

• Loss of firmness, volume, sagging: Reduced collagen + elastin leads to poorer structural support, so jowls, sagging cheeks, deeper nasolabial folds may emerge. American Academy of Dermatology+1

• More wrinkles and lines: With reduced collagen + elastin + hydration, fine lines deepen and new lines develop. PMC+1

• Pigmentation & uneven tone: The skin becomes more prone to sun damage, pigmentation and slower cell turnover. WebMD+1

• Acne or breakout-type changes: Paradoxically, some menopausal women experience adult acne, often linked to hormone shifts and changes in sebum/skin‐barrier dynamics. Breastcancer.org+1

  
  

2.3 Why these changes matter

Many women assume that ageing skin is simply “normal” and purely due to years passing. But as specialists in aesthetic medicine and nursing, we recognise that the menopausal drop in hormones accelerates skin ageing beyond intrinsic ageing alone.

It’s about more than appearances: thinning skin can be more fragile, slower to heal, and less resilient. At Glow Aesthetics by Dora we emphasise that the integrity of skin barrier and patient safety are non-negotiable when planning any aesthetic strategy.

3. Approaching Aesthetic Treatments for Menopausal Skin – “How Can Aesthetic Treatments Support Menopausal Skin Health?”

Yes: aesthetic treatments can support menopausal skin. But the keyword is support. They do not replace lifestyle, skincare basics or medical evaluation (especially if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is under consideration. Plus, they must always be delivered with patient safety, realistic expectation-setting, and the right clinical governance.

3.1 Safety first, our practice framework

• In the UK, non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic treatments operate in a landscape of evolving regulation. For example, recent government briefings note that there is no mandatory national register for non-surgical cosmetic providers, though new licensing frameworks are under development. House of Commons Library+1

• At Glow Aesthetics by Dora, our lead practitioner is a Specialist Nurse registered with the NMC and maintains up-to-date training in aesthetic procedures, patient assessment and complications management.

• Every client undergoes a thorough consultation, including full medical history, skin health assessment, realistic outcome discussion and clear documentation of consent, risks and after-care.

• Treatments are selected based on skin health first (barrier, inflammation, any underlying dermatoses), rather than simply the desire to “turn back the clock”.

• We emphasise holistic care: skincare, nutrition, lifestyle, medical liaison (e.g., with GP or endocrinologist) as required.

• Because menopausal skin may heal more slowly or react differently, after-care is adapted accordingly.

  
  

3.2 Treatment options & how they help menopausal skin

Here are some of the aesthetic treatment modalities commonly used for menopausal skin, along with how they support the changes noted. (Important: treatment suitability depends on individual skin health, history and risk profile.)

• Regenerative treatments- These focus on restoring and rejuvenating the skin by stimulating the body's natural healing processes eg polynucleotides and exosomes that aim to improve skin texture, elasticity and overall appearance by promoting collagen production and cell renewal. Achieving natural results and refreshed appearance.

• Dermal fillers (volume restoration) – As the face loses subcutaneous fat and bone support over time, fillers can restore mid-face volume, reduce hollows under the eyes/cheeks and lift sagging contours. Fox Pharma+1

• Microneedling – Stimulates collagen remodelling, improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and support the weakened dermal scaffold. Many menopausal patients respond well when skincare and after-care are optimised.

• LED Phototherapy – This is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to target various skin concerns. Using blue, red and near infra red at differing depths its great for killing acne causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen.

• Chemical peels – Medium-depth peels can help with texture, discolouration and superficial signs of ageing. But for menopausal skin, gentler options such as medical-grade but low risk peels are preferred.

• Topical treatments & combination protocols – At our clinic we often combine in-clinic procedures with medically-driven topical treatments (medical-grade retinoids, peptides, growth-factor serums) plus skincare home plans focused on barrier support, hydration, sun protection. Combined with an injectable treatment plan based on individual need and optimisation of results. Being realistic and remembering that the outcome is NOT to chase perfection but focus on improvement.

• Holistic integration – It’s not purely about injecting or resurfacing. We gradually integrate lifestyle advice: sun protection (critical in menopausal skin as UV damage accumulates), smoking cessation, nutrition support (antioxidants, hydration), sleep, stress-management—all of which affect skin health.

  

3.3 Managing expectations – “can you still look good after menopause?”

Yes, absolutely you can. But it’s about reframing what we mean by “looking good” in a post-menopausal context.

• Realistic outcomes: We aim for refreshed, supported skin rather than unrealistic “turned-back-time” promises.

• Safety & suitability: Treatments are adapted to your skin’s current biology (which has changed during menopause).

• Maintenance mindset: Menopausal skin responds best when it’s looked after consistently—this is less “one big fix” and more “ongoing care plan”.

• Ageing with grace: Aesthetic treatments can help you feel confident, but they are part of a wider appraisal of wellbeing, self-image and ageing positively.

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4. Practical Advice for Menopausal Skin (Inside & Out)

Here are actionable steps you can implement, whether you’re just entering menopause or are some years beyond.

4.1 Skincare basics

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily: Menopausal skin may have reduced natural protection and increased pigmentation risk. WebMD+1

• Focus on hydration & barrier repair: Choose moisturisers with humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin), ceramides and lipid-rich emollients. Avoid harsh soaps. News-Medical+1

• Introduce active agents more carefully: Retinoids, peptides, antioxidants all have a role (see skincare consultation at our clinic).

• Gentle exfoliation: Encourage cell renewal but not over-strip the barrier.

• Good sleep, nutrition (lots of colours of fruit/veg, antioxidants), hydration and avoiding smoking are fundamentally important. WebMD+1

4.2 When to consider professional aesthetic support

• You’re noticing volume loss, sagging, increased lines, pigmentation or changes in skin texture that skincare alone isn’t addressing.

• You have had a full skin health assessment (ideally including your GP/dermatologist if you have skin conditions) and your skin barrier is stable.

• You’re ready for a tailored plan—not impulsively chasing a “quick fix”.

• You understand that some treatments may require “downtime”, incremental sessions and maintenance.

4.3 Safety and red flags

• Choose a certified practitioner with relevant training (nurse, doctor or regulated clinician) and check their qualifications, insurance, after-care policies.

• Disclose any hormone therapy (HRT), systemic illnesses, medications (including the skin ones) and past procedures.

• If you have skin diseases (eczema, rosacea, psoriasis) or very thin, fragile skin, proceed cautiously: menopausal skin can behave differently. PMC

• Understand risk vs benefit: as one UK insurer notes, “procedures carry risks such as allergic reactions, infection or unsatisfactory results … it is crucial to weigh both the potential benefits and the risks and to manage patient expectations.” hamiltonfraser.co.uk

5. Why Choose Glow Aesthetics by Dora

At Glow Aesthetics by Dora, we remember that each patient is unique — it’s not one-size-fits-all. Here’s how we approach it:

• Led by Specialist Nurse Dora Aaron, registered and experienced in aesthetic medicine and skin health.

• Patient safety is our main priority: from initial consultation to after-care, we have rigorous standards.

• Every treatment plan is personalised: we assess skin health (including the way menopause may have affected it), lifestyle, goals and set realistic expectations.

• We practise evidence-based care: We draw on current dermatological and aesthetic research (e.g., the data on collagen loss, barrier decline, etc.) and integrate that into our protocols. See e.g., studies marking 30 % collagen loss in first five years post-menopause. OUP Academic

• Ongoing support: Beyond the clinical room, we guide on skincare home-care, lifestyle, preventive strategies—because looking good after menopause is about long-term, not just one procedure.

  
  

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can you still look good after menopause?Yes. Looking good is absolutely achievable. It means understanding the new skin biology, receiving tailored care, combining professional treatments with good skincare and lifestyle, and setting realistic goals.

Q. What is the best time to have aesthetic treatments?There’s no “ideal age” but earlier intervention after noticing changes tends to require less aggressive treatment. However, if you’re many years post-menopause, improvement is still possible—it just may take a slightly different pathway.

Q. Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) fix skin ageing?HRT can have a positive effect on skin (increasing collagen, thickness, hydration) but it is a medical treatment directed by your GP or specialist. It doesn’t replace skincare or aesthetic interventions—and not all women are suitable candidates for HRT. PMC+1

Q. Are aesthetic treatments safe in menopause?Yes—as long as they are delivered by suitably trained professionals, with a proper assessment, tailoring and follow-up. Because menopausal skin may behave differently (thinner barrier, slower healing, altered responses), caution and experience matter.

Q. What skincare ingredients are beneficial for menopausal skin?Ingredients such as retinoids (for collagen stimulation), peptides, antioxidants, ceramides, humectants (hyaluronic acid), sunscreen. Also gentle exfoliants and pigmentation-targeting agents as required. In short: you want barrier-support, correction and protection.

7. Summary & Take-Home Messages

• Menopause brings a drop in oestrogen that accelerates skin ageing processes: reduced collagen, thinner skin, drier barrier, volume loss, increased wrinkles and pigment.

• The phrase “how does menopause affect skin ageing” captures these structural and functional shifts.

• “How can aesthetic treatments support menopausal skin” is about tailored, evidence-based, safe interventions that work alongside good skincare and lifestyle.

• “Can you still look good after menopause” — yes, absolutely; the aim is refreshed, resilient, confident skin, not unrealistic reversal of time.

• At Glow Aesthetics by Dora, patient safety, individualisation and high-quality care are central.

If you’re experiencing menopausal skin changes and want to explore your options for a safe, effective, personalised plan, please get in touch to arrange your consultation.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology: Caring for your skin in menopause (2019) — Studies show collagen loss of about 30 % in first five years post-menopause. American Academy of Dermatology+1

2. Moody C, et al. “Skin ageing and menopause: implications for treatment”. PubMed (2003) — dermal cellular metabolism influenced by hypo-oestrogenic state. PubMed+1

3. “Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2.” PMC (2023) — menopausal skin changes review. PMC

4. “Understanding Menopause Skin Changes and What You Can Do.” Healthline (2025) — summary of dryness, sagging, hormonal changes. Healthline

5. “Insurance Risks of Aesthetic Treatments for Menopause.” Hamilton Fraser (UK) — risk/benefit in aesthetics. hamiltonfraser.co.uk

6. “The regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England” (UK Parliament, 2025) — regulatory context for aesthetics. House of Commons Library+1

   
   

Thank you for reading. If you’d like a focused blog on any specific topic (for example, menopause & pigmentation, or a treatment-plan breakdown) I’d be delighted to prepare one , just let me know! glowaesthetics.bydora@gmail.com