There are some changes we expect with menopause (we're looking at you, hot flashes)—but you may not realize your skin can undergo a transformation, too.
5 Ways Menopause Changes Your Skin (with Solutions!), from a Cosmetic Surgeon
Currently, there are 27 million people in the US experiencing menopause, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Signs of menopause vary, inside and out, from hot flashes to mood swings, fatigue, and more…but if your skin has been changing too, that could be thanks to menopause, as well.
As a nationally-recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon (known as “America’s Holistic Plastic Surgeon” to 10 million followers on TikTok), I shared with The Healthy @Reader’s Digest five major changes your skin can undergo during menopause—and how I suggest treating them.
Easy bruising
If you’ve noticed more bruises appearing on your body, you’re not imagining things. The skin loses 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, causing the skin to become thinner and more prone to showing bruises.
To help treat this, I suggests taking a collagen supplement. Studies show hydrolyzed collagen supplements can thicken the collagen of the skin.
Age spots
These spots can begin to show up more and more—and are a likely consequence of UV damage from long ago. Use a brightening cream containing niacinamide or kojic acid, and combine with a good sunblock each day.
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Sagging skin of the face and neck
Sagging skin on your face or neck can be another consequence of losing collagen as you go through menopause. To help treat this, incorporate a retinol cream into your nightly skincare routine. Studies show it can thicken the dermis of the skin.
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Dry skin
Due to the hormonal changes that come with menopause you may notice your skin getting drier. This is perfectly normal! I recommend moisturizing in the morning and at night to keep your skin hydrated. After bathing, apply moisturizer within two minutes of getting out of the shower to lock the moisture in.
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Thinning hair
Thinning hair can happen because of lost estrogen during menopause. I suggest taking a supplement for thinning hair, using low light laser therapy, and applying minoxidil for women or topical rosemary oil onto the scalp to help thicken the hair.
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