Facial Skin in Menopause: Tips and Anti-Aging Treatments

Menopause isn't a switch that suddenly flips; it's a journey. It's a phase of profound biological and personal transition that every woman experiences in her own unique way. As the body seeks a new balance, one of the organs that most clearly reflects this change is the skin: just look in the mirror and you'll notice that your face is changing in a short time.

After age 50, skin starts to feel tight, looks less firm, its complexion loses radiance, and creams you've used for years suddenly seem to stop working. It's not your imagination: it's biology.

During this time of transformation, skin isn't an enemy to fight, but a need to understand and support. At LeLang's laboratories, we develop formulas for changing skin because we believe menopause can be experienced as an age of self-awareness. So it's not just about anti-aging, but also well-being, protection, and radiance: with the right dermatological knowledge and functional ingredients, it's possible to support skin through this stage.

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The role of hormones: why skin changes

Before taking action, it's essential to understand what's happening beneath the surface. Skin quality during the reproductive years is closely linked to two hormones: estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen is skin's best ally. It supports collagen and elastin production, stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, and helps maintain a balanced skin barrier function and skin microbiome.

During perimenopause and as menopause begins, estrogen levels drop significantly. This hormonal deficiency triggers a series of chain reactions in the skin.

How skin changes during menopause

Dermatological research has identified four main issues associated with declining estrogen levels:

• Chronic dryness and a compromised skin barrier: reduced lipids and ceramides cause water to evaporate more quickly, leaving skin dry, rough, and fragile.
• Loss of firmness and more pronounced wrinkles: research indicates that collagen loss is particularly rapid in the first few years after menopause. Fibroblasts slow down, the skin thins and loses definition, making the eye area and nasolabial folds more pronounced.
• Dark spots and dull complexion: slower cell turnover leads to a buildup of dead skin cells, while hormonal imbalance alters melanocyte activity, contributing to skin discoloration.
• Adult acne: in some cases, declining estrogen levels leave androgens unchecked, encouraging hormonal acne around the chin and jaw.

One statistic worth putting into context: it is often said that around 30% of skin collagen is lost in the first five years of menopause. This estimate comes from studies conducted in the 1980s and 1990s and is widely cited, but individual variation is high and depends on genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle. The underlying point still holds (the loss is rapid and concentrated at the beginning), but don't expect your experience to match that figure.

A new routine: how to care for menopausal skin

Does your skin feel dry? Using more cream isn't enough: you need a different approach.

Cleansing: the gentle approach

Choose affinity cleansing with oils or cleansing milks. Cleansing Gentle Oil protects the microbiome and soothes itching and tightness.

If you suffer from adult acne, Cleansing Active Mousse cleanses pores while remaining gentle.

To stimulate cell renewal, use Mandelic Enzymatic Soft Peel once or twice a week to gently exfoliate and brighten dull skin.

Phytoestrogens and Kudzu

Cosmetic research has identified phytoestrogens as plant molecules with a structure similar to human estrogen, capable of interacting with the same skin receptors. We chose Kudzu as the star ingredient in Collagenetic Serum: it helps restore density to skin that tends to become thinner. Learn more about the mechanism in our article on isoflavones and puerarin.

Hydration and antioxidant protection

In the morning, protect your skin from oxidative stress with Ferulic + HA Serum, which combines vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid.

Then protect your skin with Spot Defence 50 SPF, for year-round use. During menopause, sun protection is twice as important: thinner skin with slower cell turnover accumulates UV damage more quickly.

At night, restore your skin barrier with 5 Complex Night, formulated with skin-compatible oils that help support skin elasticity.

More than skincare

Skin health also starts from within: a diet rich in omega-3, consistent hydration and, with your doctor’s approval, targeted supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid or silicon. For systemic menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes), your gynecologist is still the right person to consult: a cosmetic product affects the appearance and comfort of your skin, not your hormonal balance.

Menopause doesn’t mean giving up on beauty, but adopting a new approach to skincare. It’s time to treat yourself to a slow routine, comforting textures and ingredients that, day after day, help your face tell a story of confidence and radiance. You can also find our products at our partner pharmacies and health and beauty stores throughout Italy.