These Are the Skin Care Ingredients You Need if You’re in Menopause or Perimenopause

Once menopause arrives—actually long before, when perimenopause hits—many women find themselves needing to rethink their entire skincare routine. You may have used the same moisturizer and creams your whole life, only to realize the best lotion for menopausal dry skin may be something totally different.

That’s because at this stage of life, which typically begins around 40 with perimenopause, the body undergoes so many hormonal and physiological changes that the skin can be affected as a result. (Not to mention everything else going on with your body and mental health.) While this is a normal part of the process, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the right skincare products to help mitigate the damage.

Of course, it’s important to note that exercise and a good diet can also influence the quality of your skin. That said, it doesn’t hurt to be consistent in your skincare routine! Here are a few ways to address some of the most common perimenopause and menopause skin concerns.

How the skin changes during menopause and perimenopause

Dry skin is one of the most common (and noticeable) changes that women cite during this period. It’s caused by a decrease in estrogen and a reduced production of sebum, the oily substance that helps hydrate the skin.

Dr. Tiziana Iabichella, of the Ferraro Clinic, describes it as thus: “The loss of collagen and elastin, fundamental proteins for skin firmness, lead to the appearance of wrinkles and deeper expression lines.” You might also see a loss of elasticity and more blemishes on the skin. “Age spots are more frequent due to increased melanin production in some areas of the skin as well as a loss of luminosity.”

What active ingredients are best for menopausal skin?

While changing your skincare routine can’t totally stop some of these side effects of menopause and perimenopause from happening, there is value in finding the right products for this time of life. The best lotion for menopausal dry skin can, at the very least, help prevent itching, flaking, and other issues. The key is to look for the kind of active ingredients the skin needs.

For dry skin: deep moisturizers

Look for products with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceremides.

To combat dryness, highly moisturizing active ingredients will be your best allies. “You need moisturizing active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts water to the skin,” says Mireia Fernandez, director of dermo-cosmetics at Perricone MD. Fernandez also suggests oil-rich products that will provide a protective layer for the skin.

“Ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and ceramides are also key to maintaining hydration and reinforcing the barrier function,” adds Raquel Gonzalez, a cosmetologist and the technical manager of Byoode.

For age spots: cell regeneration

Look for products with vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic and hydroxy acids.

Treating hyperpigmentation with cosmetics is not easy but not impossible. As Fernandez explains, “It’s essential to use active ingredients that promote regeneration and reduce melanin production, such as vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, and hydroxy acids.”

To restore firmness: stimulate collagen production

Look for products with retinol or peptides