Menopause brings a natural decline in estrogen and a period of hormonal changes that affect the skin and hair. Estrogen protects both: its decline reduces SHBG (the proteins that bind sex hormones) and, as free androgens increase, seborrhea and hair loss appear. The result is skin that loses elasticity and becomes dry, while the hair becomes thinner.
Skin and dermis, which are rich in estrogen receptors, may develop hyperpigmentation, hyperhidrosis and reduced elasticity; hair, on the other hand, enters a prolonged telogen phase, with the follicular cycle slowing down.
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Menopause and low estrogen: effects on skin and hair
If you want to understand in detail the hormonal mechanism behind these changes, read the in-depth article on how to improve facial skin during menopause. This page focuses on what happens when estrogen levels decline, affecting the skin and hair.
Effects of low estrogen on the skin
Low estrogen leads to lower production of collagen and elastin. For the skin, this means increased dryness, deeper wrinkles and thinning. Water loss makes the skin less hydrated and more fragile, and increases the barrier’s sensitivity to the sun.
The most surprising fact concerns the timing. Research on skin aging during menopause — particularly the work of Brincat and colleagues — indicates that collagen loss is not distributed evenly over the years: a significant proportion occurs in the first five years after menopause, then slows down. This is why prevention is most effective during this phase.
The impact on hair
The decline in estrogen weakens the follicles and leads to finer, drier, more fragile and thinning hair. The relative increase in androgens promotes female pattern hair loss, with volume loss mainly along the central parting.
It is important to be clear: androgenetic hair thinning is a dermatological condition, not a cosmetic imperfection, and no cosmetic product can treat it. Effective treatments are available, but they must be prescribed by a dermatologist, and the sooner treatment begins, the better the response.
Cosmetic support for declining estrogen levels
Cosmetics can do a great deal for the appearance of the skin during this phase: there are active ingredients that support hydration and firmness without causing irritation. Applying non-comedogenic products daily is a practical way to help preserve tone and radiance.
Hair can also benefit from formulas containing niacinamide, zinc and biotin, which strengthen the hair fiber and reduce breakage.
How to counteract the effects on facial skin
Look for formulas rich in peptides, retinoids and hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, which provide hydration at multiple levels. The aim is to support firmness without causing irritation, an important factor when the hormonal changes themselves already place the skin under considerable stress.
Phytoestrogens: what they are and what they are not
Phytoestrogens are plant-based molecules with a structure resembling that of estrogen, which is why they interact with estrogen receptors. The most extensively studied phytoestrogen in cosmetics is Kudzu.
However, one important clarification is needed: when applied to the skin, phytoestrogens do not replace hormone therapy and do not affect the body’s hormonal balance. Their contribution is cosmetic and local, improving the appearance and comfort of the skin. Anyone considering hormone replacement therapy should discuss it with their gynecologist: these are two different approaches that do not overlap.
Alongside phytoestrogens, ceramides work on a more practical front: they are lipids that form part of the skin barrier’s structure, and applying them topically helps limit transepidermal water loss, which increases during this phase.
Collagen in skincare formulas
Collagen is a structural component of the dermis and determines its firmness and elasticity. When it is lacking, the skin loses volume, becomes dry and wrinkles become more visible.
Collagenetic Serum is a facial serum designed for skin that has lost firmness. It works with a complex of biomimetic peptides, Kudzu and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
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Useful creams and serums during menopause
Serums rich in vitamin C and resveratrol can be added alongside creams to help neutralize free radicals; vitamin A, in the form of retinol or its derivatives, also works as an anti-aging ingredient.
Daily sun protection is an essential step: it blocks UV rays that damage the remaining collagen and prevents photoaging and dark spots, which may become more pronounced due to the increased sensitivity of the skin during menopause.
For particularly dry skin, you can add Alba cream, which works on density and firmness.
SUNRISE Firming, toning face cream collagen stimulator. Rassoda in two weeks (instrumental effectiveness test) Improves even... Discover SUNRISE
In conclusion
If you want a practical step-by-step guide on which active ingredients to choose and in what order to apply them, you will find everything in the skincare routine for skin after age 50.
Frequently asked questions about menopause, skin and hair
When do skin changes begin?
Often before menopause itself, during perimenopause, when estrogen levels begin to fluctuate. Many women notice dryness and reduced firmness years before their last menstrual period and do not connect the two.
Are phytoestrogens in creams safe?
Yes, at cosmetic concentrations: they act locally and do not alter hormonal balance. However, anyone with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer should speak with their oncologist or gynecologist before using them, even topically.
Does drinking collagen work for the skin?
Available studies on oral collagen peptides show encouraging results for hydration and elasticity, but they are often funded by manufacturers and involve small sample sizes. They do not replace sun protection and retinoids, which remain the interventions supported by the strongest evidence.
Why do spots appear during menopause, as they did in your twenties?
Because the ratio between hormones matters, not their absolute levels. When estrogen declines, androgens remain relatively higher and stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to late-onset acne, which typically appears on the chin and jawline.
Does hair grow back after menopause?
Androgenetic hair thinning tends to progress if left untreated, and follicles that have been miniaturized for a long time are unlikely to recover. This is why seeing a dermatologist early can make a real difference.
Do I need to change my entire routine?
No, and changing everything at once can actually be counterproductive: the skin is more reactive during this phase. Start with hydration and sun protection, then add one active ingredient at a time, leaving three or four weeks between additions.
