Menopause and Your Skin Barrier:

Menopause can bring changes that are easy to recognise, others may be less expected. 

You might notice your skin feels drier, tighter or more reactive, even though your skincare routine has not changed. During perimenopause, hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, begin to fluctuate. ¹ 

At the same time, skin naturally changes with age. Oil production and hydration can decrease, while changes in the skin barrier may make dryness or irritation more noticeable. ²

This does not mean you need to completely overhaul your skincare. In fact, if your skin is feeling more reactive, a simpler and gentler approach may be a good place to start. ³

Why can your skin feel different around menopause?

There is not always one simple explanation for changing skin around menopause.

Hormonal changes happen during the menopause transition, while age, environment, lifestyle and skincare habits can also influence how skin behaves. ¹ 

You may start to notice:

• dryness or tightness
• rough or flaky areas
• increased sensitivity
• redness or irritation
• products feeling less comfortable than they once did
• greater sensitivity to environmental changes. ²

Everyone’s experience is different. Some people may notice significant changes, while others may find their skin feels much the same.

What does menopause have to do with the skin microbiome?

Your skin is home to a natural community of microorganisms known as the skin microbiome. These microorganisms form part of the skin’s natural defence system and help support the skin barrier. ⁴

The microbiome is not fixed throughout life. Hormonal changes are one of several factors that can influence how it functions as we age, alongside environmental exposure and lifestyle. ⁴

This connection matters because the microbiome and skin barrier work closely together. The microbiome helps support barrier function and moisture balance, while disruption can be associated with dryness, sensitivity or irritation. ⁴

What is your skin barrier and why does it matter?

Think of the skin barrier as part of your skin’s protective outer defence.

It helps the skin retain moisture and protect itself from everyday environmental stressors and irritants. The skin microbiome also supports this barrier and contributes to keeping skin hydrated, comfortable and resilient. ⁴

As skin ages, reduced natural oils, lower hydration and changes in barrier strength may leave it feeling less resilient. ²

Why might products I have always used suddenly feel uncomfortable?

Skin needs can change over time.

Mature skin may react more readily to friction, temperature changes, fragranced products or harsh cleansing ingredients. Some people find that products they previously tolerated comfortably begin to feel drying or irritating. ²

If your skin frequently feels tight, dry, red or uncomfortable after applying skincare, it may be worth looking at your routine rather than automatically adding more products.

You could consider whether you are:

• cleansing very frequently
• regularly using hot water
• using heavily fragranced products
• exfoliating frequently
• layering several active ingredients
• changing your skincare products regularly. ³

Sometimes, doing less can make it easier to understand what your changing skin actually needs.

Can over-cleansing affect your skin barrier?

Cleansing is an important part of skincare, but stronger does not necessarily mean better.

Harsh cleansers may strip away some of the natural oils that support the skin barrier and microbiome. Frequent cleansing, particularly with hot water or aggressive scrubbing, may also contribute to dryness, tightness or sensitivity. ³

If your skin has started to feel more sensitive around menopause, consider a gentler approach:

• Use lukewarm rather than very hot water 
• Avoid unnecessary scrubbing 
• Choose mild products suitable for sensitive skin 
• Avoid over-washing 
• Pay attention to how your skin feels afterwards. ³

The aim is for your skin to feel clean and comfortable, rather than stripped or tight.

Why does Moisturising Matter when your Skin is Changing?

One of the skin barrier’s jobs is helping to keep moisture in and irritants out. When skin becomes dry, barrier function may be affected, making it more difficult for skin to stay balanced and comfortable. ³

Regular moisturising can help reduce dryness and support softer, smoother-feeling skin. ³

You may find moisturising particularly helpful: 

• after cleansing 
• when skin feels tight 
• when dry patches appear 
• during colder weather 
• when environmental conditions leave your skin feeling uncomfortable. ³

Can Weather affect Skin more during Menopause? 

Environmental conditions can also influence how changing skin feels.

Mature skin may become more reactive to shifts in temperature, while cold air, wind and indoor heating may feel more drying or irritating. ²

That might mean the routine that feels comfortable in summer does not give your skin enough support in winter.

Instead of sticking rigidly to the same routine throughout the year, pay attention to changes such as:

• increased tightness after cleansing
• rougher or flaky areas
• more frequent sensitivity
• your usual moisturiser no longer feeling sufficient.

Your skin can change, and your routine can change with it.

When Should you Speak to a Healthcare Professional?

Not every skin change that happens around menopause is necessarily caused by menopause.

Age, skincare products, environmental exposure and lifestyle can also influence the way skin and its microbiome behave. ⁴

If you experience a significant, persistent or worrying skin change, speak to your GP, pharmacist, dermatologist or another appropriate healthcare professional. 

This is particularly important when symptoms do not improve with gentle care or you are unsure what is causing them.

Menopause is a time of hormonal change, and it often happens alongside a period when the skin itself is changing.

While hormones are one factor that can influence the skin microbiome, age, environment and lifestyle also play a part. ⁴ Mature skin may produce less oil, lose moisture more easily and become more sensitive to products or environmental changes. ²

Caring for your skin during menopause is not about trying to reverse ageing. It is about recognising that your skin's needs can evolve and giving it appropriate support as they do.

For more information on skin-barrier and microbiome care, explore the WaterWipes™ Skincare Hub.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Perimenopause: Symptoms and causes.
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666
2. Woo, Y. R. & Kim, H. S. Interaction between the microbiota and the skin barrier in aging skin: a comprehensive review. PubMed.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38312314/
3. Practical Dermatology. The Effect of Cleansers on the Skin Microbiome.
   https://practicaldermatology.com/youngmd-connect/resident-resource-center/the-effect-of-cleansers-on-the-skin-microbiome/23269/
4. National Library of Medicine / PubMed Central. The human skin microbiome.
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654002/