Skin problems during menopause: causes and solutions

Are you dealing with skin issues on your face during menopause? You’re definitely not alone! The hormonal changes your body goes through have a big impact on your skin. Where you may have once enjoyed a glowing, supple complexion, you might now be facing dryness, wrinkles, acne, or sensitivity. Frustrating, especially when your trusted skincare routine suddenly stops working like it used to.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes of menopausal skin issues and share practical tips to get your skin back on track. From dryness and wrinkles to unexpected acne flare-ups—keep reading to find out how you can support your skin during this important life phase!

Menopause brings a cascade of hormonal changes that directly affect your skin. Understanding what’s happening can help you better manage the skin problems that come with it.

The main culprit? A sharp drop in estrogen. This female hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. During menopause, estrogen production drops significantly, leading to a yearly decline in collagen of about 2.1%. On top of that, skin thickness decreases by approximately 1.1% each year. The result? You lose about 0.55% of your skin’s elasticity annually, which leads to more wrinkles, sagging, and a thinner, more translucent appearance.

In addition to reduced collagen and elastin, the production of moisture-binding substances like hyaluronic acid also declines. This weakens the skin barrier and reduces sebum production, making your skin drier and more prone to irritation. Many women experience itchy skin during menopause, directly related to increased dryness and sensitivity.

Another common issue: hormonal acne. The relative increase in androgens (male hormones like testosterone) can lead to breakouts and enlarged pores, especially on the face, chest, and back. This hormonal imbalance can also trigger unwanted facial hair growth—another frustrating change for many women.

Menopause also affects fat distribution, often resulting in more abdominal fat. This is partly due to a slower metabolism caused by declining estrogen levels. All these factors combined mean your skin may look and feel different than before, sparking a search for new skincare routines and products.

Menopause-related hormonal changes can cause a variety of skin problems. Let’s break down the most common ones—and how to recognize them.

One of the most reported issues is dry, itchy skin during menopause. Skin that was once normal or even oily can suddenly feel flaky and tight. This dryness often causes persistent itching—especially at night. Some women describe it as “ants crawling under the skin.” A clear sign of what’s known as menopausal itch.

With a weakened skin barrier, your skin becomes more reactive to external factors like sun, wind, and pollution. This can cause burning sensations, redness, and general discomfort. Products you once used without issue may now cause irritation.

Less collagen and elastin mean more visible signs of aging. Fine lines deepen into wrinkles, and your skin loses firmness and elasticity—especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Cheeks and jawlines may also sag, altering your facial contours.

Surprisingly, menopausal women often experience acne again—this time due to hormonal fluctuations. Breakouts tend to occur around the chin, jawline, and neck. Unlike teenage acne, these pimples are deeper, more painful, and more stubborn.

Hormonal shifts can also cause pigmentation changes, like dark spots or melasma. Sun exposure often worsens these spots, making good sun protection essential.

As you age and your hormones change, your skin heals more slowly. Small cuts, scratches, or breakouts may take longer to disappear, increasing the risk of scarring.

Recognizing these specific symptoms is the first step toward an effective skincare approach. Next up: how to adjust your skincare routine to better support your skin during this challenging period.

Now that you know what to expect, let’s explore solutions. The right skincare during menopause can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.

For dry, itchy skin, intense hydration is essential. Look for richer creams and moisturizers with ingredients like:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – to restore the skin barrier
• Ceramides – to replenish your skin’s natural lipids
• Cholesterol – to support skin structure
• Hyaluronic acid – to attract and retain moisture

These ingredients not only hydrate, but also strengthen the skin barrier, reducing irritation and itchiness. For burning sensations, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, or niacinamide are especially effective.

Products rich in antioxidants—like vitamin C and astaxanthin—are excellent for combating oxidative stress and supporting overall skin health. These ingredients help:

• Protect the skin from free radicals
• Stimulate collagen production
• Reduce pigmentation
• Boost your skin’s natural glow
  

A vitamin C serum in the morning, under your SPF, can do wonders for dull, aging skin.

Daily sun protection (SPF) is a must to prevent further skin damage and worsening of wrinkles and pigmentation. Choose SPF 30 or higher, and apply it every single day—rain or shine. If you're wondering “What’s good for menopausal skin?”, SPF is your top priority.

Regular exfoliation with glycolic or salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and increase moisture retention. Keep in mind:

• Choose chemical exfoliants over physical scrubs to avoid irritation
• Start with a low concentration and gradually build up
• Don’t exfoliate more than 2–3 times a week
  

For hormonal acne, salicylic acid is especially effective—it penetrates deep into the pores to remove excess oil and impurities.

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a powerful anti-aging ingredient. It boosts collagen, speeds up cell turnover, and improves skin tone. Wondering what cream works best during menopause? Look for products with retinol or retinoids.

Usually, retinol requires a slow build-up—but not with LOOkX. Our skincare line uses encapsulated retinol: powerful results, gentle on your skin. Thanks to smart time-release technology, the retinol is gradually released and penetrates deeply without triggering irritation.

If you're struggling with facial skin problems during menopause, you're likely looking for products that are truly tailored to your needs. LOOkX understands the unique challenges your skin faces during this life stage—and offers solutions that really work.

LOOkX is the expert in innovative skincare. Using advanced skin science and plant stem cells, we create products that give your skin exactly what it needs. Whether it’s dryness, loss of elasticity, or hormonal imbalance—our formulas target the most common menopausal skin concerns effectively.

Need more firmness? Our products are packed with powerful ingredients that boost collagen and improve skin structure. The hydrating formulas provide instant relief for itchy skin, while targeted treatments tackle redness and irritation.

What sets us apart? Our commitment to clean beauty. No harmful ingredients, always cruelty-free, and trusted by over 1,500 skincare professionals. LOOkX is the go-to choice for women seeking safe and effective skincare during menopause.

Whether you’re dealing with burning sensations, hormonal acne, or just looking for products that truly support your skin in this phase—LOOkX has the answer. Our extensive range is specially developed to nourish, protect, and restore your skin, so you can look radiant and feel confident—no matter what hormonal changes you’re going through.

Curious how LOOkX can help? Try it for yourself and discover why so many women swear by our products for glowing, healthy skin during menopause.
Because as we always say: #ProofLooksBetter!