Menopause, Skin, and Hair: What’s Really Happening (and How a Dermatologist Can Help)

Perimenopause and menopause is a major biological transition where woman may notice some drastic differences in their skin and hair. This can include drier skin, decreased laxity, hair loss, and acne.

Let’s break down why menopause affects skin and hair and what might actually help.

Why Menopause Impacts Skin and Hair

The primary driver is a decline in estrogen, a hormone that plays a key role in skin and hair health.

Estrogen helps:

• Stimulate collagen and elastin production

• Maintain skin thickness and hydration

• Support hair growth cycles

• Regulate oil production and inflammation

  
  

As estrogen levels fall, the skin and hair respond in noticeable ways.

Common Skin Changes During Menopause

During menopause, skin quickly looses collagen. This can lead to wrinkling, skin thinning, and loss of volume. It is reported that woman lose 30% of their skin's collagen during the first five years after menopause. The loss thereafter is more gradual; losing about 2% of their collagen every year. 

1. Dryness and Dehydration

Many women experience sudden dryness, tightness, or flaking; even if they’ve always had oily or balanced skin.

Why it happens: Estrogen helps the skin retain moisture and maintain a strong barrier. With less estrogen, the skin loses water more easily.

What helps:

• Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers

• Apply ceramide-rich moisturizers twice daily

• Add humectants like hyaluronic acid

• Avoid long, hot showers (they worsen dryness)

  
  

2. Increased Sensitivity and Redness

Skin may react to products you’ve used for years, or conditions like rosacea or eczema may flare. Hot flashes produces vascular flaring, which can lead to worsening of rosacea or cause intense itching. 

Why it happens: As women age, we lack the ability to produce as much oil and have a more weakened skin barrier. This can lead to more eczema flares. Hormonal shifts and vascular flaring can intensify redness of rosacea. 

What helps:

• Simplify routines—less is more

• Wear an SPF 30 or higher 

• Avoid fragrance and harsh exfoliants

• Look for barrier-repair ingredients (niacinamide, ceramides)

• See a dermatologist if redness or burning persists

  
  

3. Adult Acne (Yes, Really)

Some women develop acne along the jawline and chin during menopause. After menopause estrogen levels rapidly decrease, testosterone diminishes gradually, leaving an excess of androgen. This can lead to hormonal acne for many women. 

Why it happens:Hormonal shifts change the balance between estrogen and androgens, which can increase oil production.

What helps:

• Non-comedogenic skincare

• Use water-based cosmetics

• Prescription medications like spironolactone may be useful 

4. Hair Thinning and Shedding

• Hair may feel finer, shed more, or lose volume—especially at the crown.

Why it happens: Estrogen helps keep hair in the growth (anagen) phase longer. With less estrogen, hair follicles shrink and growth cycles shorten

5. Change in Hair Texture

Hair can become drier, more brittle, or wiry.

Why it happens: Reduced oil production affects scalp and hair shaft lubrication.

What helps:

• Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners

• Scalp care (hydration matters here too)

• Occasional deep conditioning masks

  
  

6. Facial Hair Growth

Some women notice increased facial hair on the chin or upper lip.

Why it happens: Relative androgen dominance after estrogen declines.

What helps:

• Prescription topical treatments to slow hair growth

• Laser hair reduction or electrolysis

We understand that during perimenopause and menopause there are a lot of changes that may be occurring. We are here to help!

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with any of our providers to discuss and issues you may be having.