We all know that menopause can cause hot flashes, mood swings, and hair loss, but few of us are ready for how it will affect our skin.
Dermatologist Whitney Hoven says that lower estrogen levels change how skin behaves and what it needs to stay healthy. They affect everything from collagen production and skin density to barrier strength and moisture retention.
This double board-certified dermatologist says that you don’t have to just accept or guess your way through these changes. She says the answer is as simple as “more intentional hydration and barrier-supportive care.” A few smart product swaps can make all the difference between dull, flaky skin and the hydrated glow we love.
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She tells us about the menopause skin care changes she suggests most to her patients, which are made up of cheap staples from CeraVe, Olay, Aquaphor, and other brands. Dr. Hovenic’s picks start at just $13, which is great because they can help you look your best before, during, and after menopause.
Recommended Skin Care for Menopausal Skin by a Dermatologist
| Product | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | $17 with coupon (was $20) | Helps your barrier |
| Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream | $25 (was $27) | Helps make collagen |
| La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser | $20 | Cleanses without stripping |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment | $13 (was $14) | Locks in moisture |
| Spooge Dew Me SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen | $34 | Sunscreen |
| Anti-aging eye cream | $20 | Must-have for skin care |
Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Moisturizing cream for dry skin on the body and face from CeraVe
When estrogen levels drop, the skin loses a hormone that helps keep it looking its best.
Dr. Hovenic says that “estrogen helps the skin barrier keep water in and supports natural oil production.” “Without it, the barrier doesn’t work as well, which makes the water loss worse.”
To help keep that moisture in, start by making your skin’s natural defenses stronger. She suggests CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which has ceramides and hyaluronic acid in it to help repair the skin barrier.
“It doesn’t have any scent, it doesn’t irritate the skin, and it’s good for sensitive skin, so it’s a good choice for long-lasting hydration that doesn’t break the bank,” she says. She says that the big tub is also a great deal for the money.
Add a moisturizer that fights aging.
The jar of Olay Regenerist microsculpting cream is red and has the brand name on it.
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Dr. Hovenic says that estrogen is very important for keeping the structure and elasticity of the skin. “As levels drop, the skin loses its ability to bounce back,” which makes it look older because it loses volume and firmness, especially around the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
She suggests Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream as “a great over-the-counter option that contains niacinamide and peptides to improve skin texture, boost hydration, and support collagen production” for a leg up on the visible signs of aging that come with perimenopause and menopause. She really likes that this Olay face cream is light, soaks in quickly, and shows results without costing a lot of money.
Change to a cleanser that hydrates
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Facial Cleanser That Hydrates
Dr. Hovenic says that a gentle, non-stripping cleanser will be your new best friend for delicate menopausal skin that is already dry and irritated. She is a big fan of La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser because it has ceramides and niacinamide in it, which calm and hydrate the skin while getting rid of dirt, makeup, and SPF. “It’s great for skin that is sensitive or getting older, and it helps keep the skin’s natural moisture balance,” she says. “Plus, it’s affordable and recommended by dermatologists, so it’s a great choice.”
Keep moisture in
The skin’s natural defenses also go down when estrogen levels go down. Dr. Hovenic says that Aquaphor Healing Ointment is “a must-have” for menopausal skin that is dry, flaky, and easily irritated.
“This product has many uses. It makes a barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in and speeds up healing,” she says, adding that it’s especially good for lips, hands, or any other dry or chapped skin. She says, “It’s a must-have for soothing and protecting menopausal skin because it’s cheap, versatile, and very effective.”
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Put on a sunscreen that is good for your skin.
Dermatologists all agree that you need to wear SPF every day, no matter what the weather is like. This is especially true during and after menopause, when dry, sensitive skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage. This tinted mineral sunscreen is her favorite product for protecting aging skin. It has hyaluronic acid “for deep hydration,” niacinamide “to even skin tone and calm irritation,” and iron oxides “to block blue light while giving a sheer, dewy tint.”
