Menopause Skin Care: Menopause Face Changes and the Ingredients With Evidence

Start with our pillar guide: What Is the Skin Barrier? The Science of Hydration, Ceramides and Occlusives, or browse all Skincare Fundamentals articles.

Menopause skin care starts with knowing what changes: research links falling estrogen to thinner, drier, less elastic skin, and older studies measured skin collagen dropping about 1–2% a year after menopause. The best-supported daily step, sunscreen, isn't menopause-specific, and most menopause-marketed ingredients have only small, indirect or negative studies.

Evidence: Limited.

Skincare for menopausal skin builds on the same basics as any routine, which our hydration and skin barrier guide covers in depth. This hub explains the menopause skin changes you can measure and see, grades each ingredient by its evidence, and points to the deeper guides in this series.

Key takeaways

• A 1987 cross-sectional study found skin collagen, skin thickness and bone measures each fell about 1–2% a year after menopause; the abstract doesn't report how many women took part (PMID 3120067).
• A 2022 review in Climacteric states that skin aging signs are "almost exclusively" caused by environmental factors, especially sun, and that hormone replacement therapy isn't indicated for skin and hair symptoms alone (PMID 35377827).
• A 4.5-year randomized trial of 903 adults under 55 found 24% less skin aging with daily sunscreen than with discretionary use (PMID 23732711).
• A 2023 meta-analysis of 15 studies (1,589 women aged 45–55) found menopausal hormone therapy raised skin elasticity, thickness and collagen, but its effect on dryness was not significant (PMID 38230593).
• A 6-month randomized trial of 56 postmenopausal women aged 60–93 found no significant benefit from oral, topical or combined collagen on forearm skin (PMID 36547800); 2 other small menopause trials reported gains, one vs placebo over 4 weeks (PMID 32009486) and one vs baseline only (PMID 41002783).

What are the main menopause skin changes?

Research links menopause to thinner skin, less collagen, lower elasticity and more dryness, mostly through falling estrogen. Most of the numbers come from small, older observational studies, so read them as estimates rather than settled rates.

The best-known figure comes from a 1987 cross-sectional study at a London menopause clinic. Skin collagen content, skin thickness and 2 bone measures each declined by about 1–2% a year after menopause, and all 4 tracked years since menopause. The abstract doesn't report how many women took part, and it lists non-US-government support without naming the funder (PMID 3120067).

A second 1987 study from the same group measured thigh-skin collagen in 69 untreated postmenopausal women and 37 on long-term hormone replacement. In untreated women, collagen fell with years since menopause, and the authors described the decline as "preventable" in treated women. It was observational, so it can't show cause (PMID 3828252).

Elasticity follows a similar pattern. In a 2004 cross-sectional study of 38 Japanese postmenopausal women, forearm skin elasticity fell with age (r=-0.57) and with years since menopause (r=-0.51), and rose with bone density; funding not stated in PubMed (PMID 15118265). An r value is a correlation from -1 to 1, where values further from 0 mean a stronger link.

Reviews add the dryness side. A 2022 literature review reports evidence that estrogen is implicated in transepidermal water loss, meaning water escaping through the skin, and in loss of dermal collagen; the authors declare no conflicts (PMID 35727900). A single-author 2013 review links estrogen deficiency to thinner skin, less collagen, less elasticity, more wrinkling and more dryness (PMID 24194966). A 2022 review also lists poor wound healing and reduced blood vessel supply (PMID 35377827).

These studies measured postmenopausal women. In the abstracts we reviewed, none tracked when the changes begin during perimenopause, the years of irregular cycles before periods stop.

Evidence: Limited for measured changes (small, older observational studies); Expert opinion for mechanisms from reviews.

What does "menopause face" look like?

"Menopause face" usually means visible wrinkles, sagging and thinner-looking skin. Reviews list these as menopausal skin symptoms, but one review states that skin aging signs are "almost exclusively" caused by environmental factors, especially sun, not hormones alone (PMID 35377827).

That distinction matters for what you can change. Hormone shifts may affect collagen and thickness, while years of sun exposure shape most of the lines and spots you see. The same 2022 review lists wrinkles, sagging, thinning and atrophy (a shrinking of skin tissue) among menopausal skin symptoms; funding isn't stated in PubMed, and one author's affiliation is a private dermatology clinic in Madrid, another's is Laboratoires Vichy.

A 2021 review describes the mechanism as loss of collagen, elastin and fibroblast function, with higher activity of matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes that break down the skin's support structure. It notes that women often seek treatment for these changes on exposed areas: face, neck and hands. The lead author is an inventor on equol patents, and equol is one of the 2 ingredients the review highlights; the co-author is affiliated with e-Bio Corp. (PMID 33242128).

Neck changes are covered separately in our guide to neck lines.

Evidence: Expert opinion (narrative reviews).

What are the most common perimenopause skin problems?

The problems most often linked to menopause are dryness and itch, with acne, rosacea and psoriasis following less predictable patterns. A 2026 systematic review of 40 studies found that acne and rosacea generally improved after menopause, which runs against much of what you'll read online (PMID 41331233).

Dryness and itch. Reviews list dryness and pruritus (itch) among the core menopausal skin symptoms (PMID 35377827), and a 2022 review links menopause with xerosis (clinically dry skin) and pruritus (PMID 35727900). Our menopause itchy skin guide covers dry skin and eczema in detail.

Acne. In the 2026 systematic review, acne generally improved after menopause (PMID 41331233). That finding is about postmenopause, and the abstracts we reviewed give no perimenopause-specific acne data. Our perimenopause acne guide covers breakouts in depth.

Rosacea and flushing. The same review found rosacea generally improved after menopause, though menopausal hormone therapy was linked to an increased risk of rosacea. Psoriasis often persisted or worsened, and melasma (patchy brown pigment) showed mixed results. One author discloses that she chairs the AAD Menopause and Women's Health in Dermatology Quality Improvement Workgroup; the others report no conflicts. Our rosacea in perimenopause guide (coming soon) will cover flushing.

Evidence: Moderate for associations (systematic review); Expert opinion for dryness and itch (reviews).

How does menopause affect hair?

Hair loss has the strongest link to menopause of any skin-related condition in the 2026 systematic review. Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a hair loss along the front hairline, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) mostly presented after menopause, and earlier or surgical menopause carried greater risk (PMID 41331233).

A 2022 review also lists reduced scalp hair density, changes in hair quality and more unwanted facial hair (PMID 35377827). Our menopause hair loss guide covers this, including hormone therapy and hair.

Evidence: Moderate for associations.

Which ingredients have evidence in menopause skin care?

Daily sunscreen has the strongest evidence, and retinoids have trial support, but neither was tested specifically in menopausal women. The ingredients marketed for menopause, such as peptides, phytoestrogens and collagen, have small, indirect or negative studies. That is the honest answer to "best skincare for menopausal skin": rank by evidence, not by label.

Sunscreen. In a community-based randomized trial in Australia, 903 adults under 55 used sunscreen daily or at their own discretion. After 4.5 years, the daily group showed no detectable increase in skin aging and 24% less aging than the discretionary group (relative odds 0.76). The abstract names the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia as the primary funder (PMID 23732711). For texture and irritation, see our guide to sunscreen for sensitive skin.

Retinoids. In a 6-month randomized trial in Vietnam, 58 women with moderate skin aging used adapalene 0.1% cream or no treatment, with everyone using sunscreen, moisturizer and cleanser. The Skin Ageing Score improved with adapalene (mean difference -5.40, p<0.001), but a dermoscopic photoaging score didn't differ significantly. Stinging (64.3%) and xerosis (25%) were the most common side effects and mostly improved after 2 months, which matters for already-dry skin; funding not stated in PubMed (PMID 40990960). Compare options in peptides vs retinol, which now has a section on peptides vs retinol for menopausal skin.

Peptides. In the abstracts we reviewed, no trial has tested a topical peptide in menopausal women. The closest is a 12-week double-blind split-face trial of 93 women aged 35–55, where a moisturizer with palmitoyl pentapeptide (pal-KTTKS) improved wrinkles and fine lines vs the same moisturizer without it. All authors were from Procter & Gamble, and the women weren't selected for menopause (PMID 18492182). Learn more in what peptides do for your skin and our peptides for menopause guide.

Moisturizers. In the abstracts we reviewed, no trial tested a moisturizer for menopausal dryness specifically. Reviews link menopause to water loss and dryness, so moisturizing is a sensible step, but it rests on expert opinion. See our hydration and skin barrier guide.

Glycolic acid. In a 6-month double-blind split-face trial of 65 postmenopausal women split across 3 cream groups (estradiol, glycolic acid, and the combination), glycolic acid cream raised epidermal thickness by 27% vs vehicle on biopsy. That is a tissue measurement, not appearance; funding not stated in PubMed (PMID 12839261).

Phytoestrogen creams. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that act on estrogen receptors. In a 24-week double-blind trial of 30 postmenopausal women aged 45–55, both genistein (a soy isoflavone) and estradiol creams raised type I and III facial collagen, estradiol more so; there was no placebo group, and funding isn't stated in PubMed (PMID 28508697). The authors note it's unclear whether long-term genistein use has systemic effects. The 2021 review that discusses phytoestrogen cosmeceuticals has a co-author affiliated with e-Bio Corp. (PMID 33242128).

Collagen. In a 6-month double-blind factorial trial of 56 postmenopausal women aged 60–93 with dermatoporosis (fragile, thinning forearm skin), an oral collagen supplement, a topical collagen serum or both showed no significant benefit on any outcome; funding statements conflict (see ref 18) (PMID 36547800). Two other small oral-collagen trials in menopausal women reported gains: cheek elasticity improved vs placebo after 4 weeks in 36 women, with funding not stated in PubMed (PMID 32009486), and hydration and elasticity rose vs baseline only over 6 months in a 4-arm trial of 79 women, in a trial funded by a Thai government grant (PMID 41002783). See collagen supplements and our collagen for menopause guide.

Evidence: Strong for sunscreen (not menopause-specific); Limited for retinoids, peptides, glycolic acid, phytoestrogens and collagen; Expert opinion for moisturizers.

Can hormones or estrogen creams help menopausal skin?

Studies have measured skin effects from hormone therapy, but reviews say it isn't indicated, or supported by guidelines, for skin alone. This section describes the research only. Decisions about hormones are personal, so ask your clinician.

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 15 studies of 1,589 women aged 45–55 comparing oral or transdermal menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with placebo or other treatment. MHT raised skin elasticity, thickness and collagen content, but the change in dryness was not significant (P=0.14). The authors reported no conflicts and called for better-conducted trials (PMID 38230593). The standardized mean difference (SMD) below compares groups on a common scale, where larger numbers mean bigger differences.

Reviews temper this. A 2022 review states HRT is not indicated for skin and hair symptoms alone because of the risk-benefit balance, though skin effects can be part of a wider discussion with your clinician (PMID 35377827). A 2025 narrative review found most studies linked HRT with improved skin aging but with inconsistent findings, and said guidelines don't support HRT solely for skin because robust skin-specific trials are lacking. Its authors declare no conflicts; the review was funded by Merz Aesthetics, an aesthetics company, and one author is in private aesthetic practice (PMID 40847905). A 2021 review adds that the skin effects of today's low-dose systemic treatments are "not well established" (PMID 33242128). The 2026 systematic review linked MHT with increased risk of FFA and rosacea (PMID 41331233).

Topical hormones have small trials. In the 6-month split-face trial of 65 postmenopausal women split across 3 cream groups (estradiol, glycolic acid, and the combination), estradiol cream raised epidermal thickness 23% and the estradiol-glycolic combination 38%, but the extra effect of combining them wasn't significant (P=.1) (PMID 12839261). In a 16-week double-blind vehicle-controlled trial of 40 peri- and postmenopausal women, progesterone cream improved elasticity and firmness, while hydration and skin surface lipids didn't change in either group; progesterone was absorbed into the blood, and funding isn't stated in PubMed (PMID 16120154). A 2026 systematic review titled "Topical estrogen for skin aging: A systematic review of safety and efficacy" has no abstract in PubMed; one author discloses that she chairs the AAD Menopause and Women's Health in Dermatology Quality Improvement Workgroup; the others report no conflicts (PMID 40854497).

For the detail on topical estrogen, see our guide to estrogen cream for the face, which now also covers what systemic HRT studies show for skin.

Evidence: Moderate for measured effects of systemic hormone therapy (heterogeneous small trials); Limited for topical hormone creams.

What does a simple menopause skin care routine look like?

A simple routine is a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer and daily sunscreen in the morning, and a moisturizer with an optional retinoid introduced slowly at night. Only daily sunscreen has strong trial support, and that trial wasn't menopause-specific; every other step is expert opinion.

In prose: sunscreen every morning is the step with the best evidence (PMID 23732711), and the rest is clinic convention. Starting a retinoid a few nights a week is a common expert approach, not a tested schedule; the adapalene trial reported stinging and xerosis as the main side effects (PMID 40990960). For layering and barrier care, use our hydration and skin barrier guide.

Evidence: Strong for daily sunscreen; Expert opinion for all other steps.

When should menopause skin care include a dermatologist?

See a dermatologist or clinician for sudden or severe itch, a new rash, spots that bleed or don't heal, or hair loss along the front hairline. This list is expert opinion; the abstracts we reviewed didn't test screening rules.

• Severe or sudden itch, or a spreading rash: Reviews link menopause with pruritus, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, a painful skin condition, and these need diagnosis (PMID 35727900).
• Spots that bleed, change or don't heal: A 2022 review notes premalignant and malignant skin lesions are mostly driven by sun, and lists poor wound healing among menopausal changes (PMID 35377827).
• Hair loss along the front hairline: FFA had one of the strongest postmenopausal associations in the 2026 systematic review (PMID 41331233).
• Worsening psoriasis: Psoriasis often persisted or worsened after menopause in the same review.

Evidence: Expert opinion.

The menopause skin care series: what does each guide cover?

This hub links to every guide in the series. Guides marked "coming soon" are still being written.

• Perimenopause acne: breakouts before and after periods stop.
• Menopause itchy skin: dry skin, itch and eczema.
• Rosacea in perimenopause (coming soon) : flushing and rosacea.
• Menopause hair loss: thinning, FFA and hormone therapy research.
• Peptides for menopause: what peptide studies can and can't tell you.
• Collagen for menopause: supplements and serums after menopause.

Related guides already live:

• Estrogen cream for the face: topical estrogen research.
• Peptides vs retinol: how the 2 compare.
• What peptides do for your skin: peptide types and evidence.
• Collagen supplements: general collagen evidence.
• Neck lines: causes and options for the neck.
• Sunscreen for sensitive skin: choosing a daily sunscreen.
• Hydration and skin barrier guide: the Skincare Fundamentals pillar.

Where the evidence stops

All of these limits apply to the abstracts we reviewed.

• Collagen-loss figures: The 1–2% a year figure comes from a 1987 study whose abstract doesn't give its sample size.
• Perimenopause timing: No study tracked when skin changes start before periods stop.
• Topical peptides: No trial tested one in menopausal women.
• Moisturizers: No trial tested one for menopausal dryness.
• Sunscreen and retinoids: Their trials didn't select menopausal women.
• Hormones: Pooled trials were small and varied, and reviews say robust skin-specific trials are lacking.

FAQ

References

1. Roster, et al. Menopause and Common Dermatoses: A Systematic Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2026. Systematic review (PRISMA), 40 studies to September 2024; authors state no funding was received; one author discloses that she chairs the AAD Menopause and Women's Health in Dermatology Quality Improvement Workgroup; the others report no conflicts. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41331233/
2. Zouboulis, et al. Skin, hair and beyond: the impact of menopause. Climacteric. 2022. Narrative review; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed; affiliations include a private dermatology clinic (Madrid) and Laboratoires Vichy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35377827/
3. Kamp, et al. Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022. Literature review; authors declare no conflict of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35727900/
4. Thornton. Estrogens and aging skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2013. Narrative review, 1 author; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24194966/
5. Lephart, et al. Menopause and the Skin: Old Favorites and New Innovations in Cosmeceuticals for Estrogen-Deficient Skin. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021. Narrative review, 2 authors; lead author is an inventor on equol patents, and equol is one of the 2 ingredients the review highlights; co-author affiliated with e-Bio Corp.; funded in part by Brigham Young University's technology transfer office. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33242128/
6. Viscomi, et al. Managing Menopausal Skin Changes: A Narrative Review of Skin Quality Changes, Their Aesthetic Impact, and the Actual Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Improvement. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025. Narrative review; authors declare no conflicts; funded by Merz Aesthetics, an aesthetics company; one author is in private aesthetic practice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40847905/
7. Farkas, et al. Topical estrogen for skin aging: A systematic review of safety and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2026. Systematic review; no abstract in PubMed; one author discloses that she chairs the AAD Menopause and Women's Health in Dermatology Quality Improvement Workgroup; the others report no conflicts. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40854497/
8. Pivazyan, et al. Skin Rejuvenation in Women using Menopausal Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Menopausal Med. 2023. Systematic review and meta-analysis, 15 studies, n=1,589 women aged 45–55; no potential conflict reported. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38230593/
9. Brincat, et al. A study of the decrease of skin collagen content, skin thickness, and bone mass in the postmenopausal woman. Obstet Gynecol. 1987. Cross-sectional study, n not reported in abstract; non-US-government support, funder not named. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3120067/
10. Brincat, et al. Decline in skin collagen content and metacarpal index after the menopause and its prevention with sex hormone replacement. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1987. Cross-sectional comparison, n=106 (69 untreated, 37 treated); non-US-government support, funder not named. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3828252/
11. Sumino, et al. Effects of aging and postmenopausal hypoestrogenism on skin elasticity and bone mineral density in Japanese women. Endocr J. 2004. Cross-sectional study, n=38; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15118265/
12. Silva, et al. Collagen concentration on the facial skin of postmenopausal women after topical treatment with estradiol and genistein: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2017. Double-blind randomized trial, n=30, 24 weeks, no placebo; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28508697/
13. Fuchs, et al. The effects of an estrogen and glycolic acid cream on the facial skin of postmenopausal women: a randomized histologic study. Cutis. 2003. Double-blind randomized split-face trial, n=65, 6 months; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12839261/
14. Holzer, et al. Effects and side-effects of 2% progesterone cream on the skin of peri- and postmenopausal women: results from a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study. Br J Dermatol. 2005. Double-blind vehicle-controlled randomized trial, n=40, 16 weeks; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16120154/
15. Robinson, et al. Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2005. Double-blind split-face randomized trial, n=93 women aged 35–55, 12 weeks, not menopause-selected; all authors Procter & Gamble. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492182/
16. Tran, et al. Effectiveness and tolerability of adapalene cream 0.1% in the treatment of female skin ageing: A randomised controlled trial. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2025. Randomized trial, n=58 completers, 6 months, not menopause-selected; funding and conflicts not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40990960/
17. Hughes, et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013. Community-based randomized trial, n=903 adults under 55, 4.5 years, not menopause-specific; primary funding National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (per abstract). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/
18. Guadanhim, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Topical or Oral Hydrolyzed Collagen in Women with Dermatoporosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Factorial Design Study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023. Double-blind placebo-controlled factorial randomized trial, n=56 women aged 60–93, 6 months; funding statements conflict: one says none, another names a university support foundation (FAP-UNIFESP); no company funding reported; authors declare no competing interests. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36547800/
19. Sangsuwan W, Asawanonda P. Four-weeks daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate results in improved skin elasticity, especially in sun-exposed areas: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2021. Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT, 5 g oral marine collagen hydrolysate, n=36 postmenopausal women, 4 weeks plus 4 weeks follow-up; funding not stated in PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32009486/
20. Duangjai, et al. Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation with and Without Collagen on Bone Density and Skin Elasticity in Menopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Clin Pract. 2025. 4-arm randomized controlled trial, 80 recruited, 79 completed, 6 months; skin results vs baseline only; Thai government PMUC grant (C02F660120); authors declare no conflicts of interest. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41002783/

Disclosure: This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice. Peptide Skincare has no affiliate links in this article and received no payment from any manufacturer mentioned. Menopause and hormone decisions are personal. Ask your clinician about hormone therapy, prescription creams or any new skin symptom.

For educational purposes only; not medical advice. See our disclaimer and research method.