Menopause & Its Impact on Your Skin, By Dr Shahzadi Harper

By Dr Shahzadi Harper

For many women, menopause can feel like stepping into uncharted territory - a stage where the body changes in ways that can be unfamiliar, and sometimes unsettling. While it’s a natural life transition, it often brings challenges beyond hot flushes, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. One of the most visible - and least discussed - is the transformation in our skin’s texture, tone, and resilience.

Perimenopause vs Menopause: What’s the Difference?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It typically begins in a woman’s 30s or 40s - as oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and gradually decline. This hormonal shift can trigger irregular periods, mood swings, night sweats, and, yes, noticeable changes in skin and hair - including a 2% yearly loss of collagen.

Menopause is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, marking the end of the reproductive years. Post-menopause follows, with oestrogen levels remaining low and the effects on the skin becoming more pronounced.

How Skin Changes During Perimenopause & Menopause

Hormonal shifts can affect every layer of the skin. While each woman’s experience is unique, some of the most common changes include:

1. Increased Dryness – Reduced natural oil production leaves skin feeling tight and dehydrated.
2. Thinning & Fragility – Collagen loss can make skin feel more delicate, almost papery to the touch.
3. Loss of Elasticity – Decreased elastin means less “bounce back,” leading to visible sagging.
4. Reduced Plumpness – Skin may lose firmness, contributing to a tired appearance.
5. Diminished Radiance – Hormonal changes can dull the complexion’s natural glow.
6. Sebum Fluctuations – Oil levels may swing unpredictably, from dryness to unexpected shine.
7. Adult Acne – Hormonal imbalance can trigger breakouts.
8. Flares in Skin Conditions – Sensitivity and conditions such as eczema may intensify.

These changes can make the skin appear older than it truly is - but with the right approach, comfort, strength, and luminosity can be restored.

Skincare Strategies for Radiance at Every Stage

1. Commit to a Consistent Routine
   Opt for formulations rich in hyaluronic acid for hydration, peptides for firmness, and antioxidants to protect against environmental stress.
2. Hydrate Inside and Out
   Drink enough water and pair it with a barrier-strengthening moisturiser to keep skin cells plump.
3. Protect Daily with SPF
   UV damage accelerates ageing. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day - even when it’s overcast.
4. Incorporate Active Ingredients
   Introduce retinoids to boost collagen and vitamin C for brightness and a more even tone.
5. Nourish with a Skin-Friendly Diet
   Incorporate omega-3-rich foods, vibrant vegetables, and berries to give your skin the nutrients it needs.
6. Explore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
   For some women, replenishing oestrogen through HRT can enhance skin vitality. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks.

Menopause is a natural milestone, not a marker of decline. By understanding the changes happening in your body and making thoughtful choices for your skin, you can maintain its health, strength, and glow well into the years ahead.

About Dr Shahzadi Harper

A trailblazer in women’s mid-life health, Dr Shahzadi Harper is a doctor, entrepreneur, public speaker, and influencer who has dedicated her career to empowering women during midlife. As the founder of The Harper Clinic, London’s leading centre for menopause and women’s health, she brings over 30 years of medical expertise and a passion for helping women from all backgrounds embrace menopause and perimenopause with confidence. 

At The Harper Clinic, menopause is seen not just as a phase to manage but as an opportunity to redefine and embrace your strongest, most confident self. Under Dr Harper’s dynamic leadership, the clinic takes a holistic, empathetic approach, offering care that helps women feel seen, supported, and inspired to thrive. 

A recognised authority in women’s health, Dr Harper has been featured in Vogue, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and The Telegraph, among others. She has shared her expertise on popular podcasts such as Boots Podcast Presents Taboo Talks, The Telegraph’s Meno Talks, Real Menopause Talk, and Gabby Logan’s Midpoint. She is also a sought-after speaker at public events.