Menopause and Your Skin: How to Care for It

Menopause brings significant shifts in hormone levels, particularly a decline in oestrogen.

Our skin – the body’s largest organ – is closely connected to the nervous system and is highly responsive to both hormonal changes and stress, which can amplify visible signs of aging and sensitivity.

During menopause, lower oestrogen levels lead to noticeable changes in the skin. It becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and slower to heal. Collagen production declines, contributing to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Increased sensitivity can make the skin more prone to irritation, while changes in pigmentation may result in uneven skin tone or age spots. These changes make sun protection, gentle cleansing, and targeted moisturisation especially important.

At the same time, menopause brings changes to bone health, as oestrogen also plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Adequate vitamin D and calcium are essential to support bone strength and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This creates a balancing act: how to get enough sun for vitamin D production without increasing the risk of skin damage or skin cancer.

So, how can we protect our skin while still supporting bone health, and how much sun exposure is truly beneficial? The answer is more complex than it might first appear, requiring a nuanced approach that considers individual skin type, lifestyle, diet, and medical history.

In her blog article Looking After Your Skin in the Menopause, Hormone Health Associate and BMS Menopause Specialist Dr Liz McCulloch shares practical tips and guidance on reducing your risk of skin cancer and caring for your skin during menopause. She also addresses a common concern; does using a higher SPF sunscreen block vitamin D production? Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism and bone health, and calcium is especially important for women navigating menopause.

Dr McCulloch is a highly experienced General Practitioner with more than 17 years’ medical experience. She is a recognised BMS Menopause Specialist, and a member of the British Menopause Society and British College of Aesthetic Medicine.

Arrange a consultation with Dr McCulloch.