Midlife SKIN
What to expect, and how to adapt.
“Consistency in my skincare routine is the secret for me. I don’t tend to swap and change my products that much, I just ensure I am consistent with the ones that work for me & provide me the results I am looking for. I am obsessed with having clear, dewy skin and I feel so good when my skin looks and feels good. I am also very aware now, that it’s not just about what I put on my skin, it’s about nutrition, hydration, wellbeing.”
creator of maison 1973, Nic Tierney
The MISSING Chapter in Skincare: Menopause & Your Skin
For decades, the beauty industry has been obsessed with ‘anti-aging’—yet when it comes to menopausal skin, there’s been a glaring silence. We hear all about wrinkles and fine lines, but what about the real, science-backed changes happening beneath the surface?
If you’ve noticed your skin feeling drier, more reactive, or just different, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause have a direct impact on collagen, hydration, and elasticity—yet so many women are left navigating these changes alone.
The maison 1973 woman deserves better. This isn’t about ‘fixing’ anything—it’s about understanding what’s actually happening to our skin. We know how overwhelming it can be, so we’ve done the research and broken it down into what truly matters. This is just the beginning. Menopausal skin is a conversation that’s long overdue, and we’re making it a priority—because knowledge is power, and your skin deserves nothing less.
So what’s actually happening, and how can we support it in ways that make sense.
What HAPPENS To Skin During Menopause?
The most significant shift in menopausal skin? Estrogen levels drop, and with them, so does collagen, hydration, and skin barrier strength. The result?
Drier, thinner skin – Less oil production leads to tightness, flakiness, and dehydration.
Increased sensitivity – Skin may become more reactive, even if it never was before.
Loss of elasticity – Collagen production slows down, making skin less firm.
Slower cell turnover – Skin takes longer to renew, which can lead to dullness and uneven texture.
More pronounced fine lines and wrinkles – Due to decreased collagen and hydration.
So what does this mean? This isn’t about ‘fixing’ your skin—it’s about understanding and supporting it through this evolution. For a lot of us, our skin can become irritated and more sensitive than ever before. It’s important we seek out solutions that work best for us. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to skin care during this time.
The m’73 Insight: We talk about menopause in our homes, with our closest friends—but why not in beauty marketing? This is part of our reality, and our skin deserves just as much attention now as it did in our 20s and 30s. Let’s change the conversation.
“Our skin is part of the reflection we see as we look in the mirror, and isn’t excluded from menopausal changes.”
Dr. Kellie Reed, board-certified dermatologist. Source: healthline.com
The Skincare ROUTINE That Works for Menopausal Skin
What worked in our 30s may not work now. The key?
- Supporting, not stripping.
- Hydrating, not overloading.
- Strengthening, not stressing.
Everyone is unique, so try different methods to find what works for you. Don’t hesitate to ask professionals for advice and always do a patch test on products to check for skin compatibility and reactions. It’s important we protect and nourish our skin now more than ever. Here are some considerations:
Gentle Cleansing
We prefer to ditch the foaming cleansers and have opted for cream, oil, or balm-based formulas that cleanse without stripping moisture. Brands to take a look at: Augustinus Bader, Biologique Recherche
Deep Hydration
Layering is key. Use hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and polyglutamic acid under your moisturiser. Brands to take a look at: Medik8, Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, Vichy Minéral 89.
Barrier Repair
Menopausal skin needs extra barrier support. Look for ceramides, fatty acids, and niacinamide to strengthen and lock in moisture. Brands to take a look at: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Stratia Liquid Gold.
Retinoids, But Smarter
Retinol is still our friend, but menopausal skin often prefers gentler, encapsulated, or retinaldehyde versions. Brands to take a look at: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil
SPF, Always
With thinner skin, sun protection is more crucial than ever. Go for broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 with added hydration. Brands to take a look at: Ultra Violette Queen Screen, Mother.
So what does this mean? We need to ask, “Does my skincare routine meet my skin’s needs now?” It’s important to review what we’re applying to our skin and do a beauty cabinet ‘audit’ regularly. We usually do this with the seasons, but for some, it might be twice a year. Find what works for you. The golden rule we follow: keep it simple.
The m’73 Insight: Other brands we’ve found addressing this issue include Pause Well-Aging, Stripes by Naomi Watts, and Emepelle. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Your skincare should evolve with you—not work against you. What if we thought of our beauty routines the way we think about our wardrobe essentials?
Less about what’s trendy, more about what truly fits.
Treatments & Ingredients That Make a DIFFERENCE
Beyond daily skincare, some science-backed treatments can improve menopausal skin. Here are a few you may want to explore. Always consult a professional first to ensure they’re right for you:
LED Light Therapy – Boosts collagen, reduces inflammation, and supports skin healing.
Microneedling – Encourages skin regeneration and smooths texture.
Exosomes & Growth Factors – Cutting-edge treatments that help with skin renewal.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Skin – Some dermatologists recommend topical or systemic estrogen to support skin health (always speak to a medical professional first!).
Supplements for Skin – Collagen peptides, omega-3s, and vitamin D all play a role in skin hydration and resilience.
The m’73 Insight: It’s not about doing everything—it’s about finding what actually works for you. Again, also seek out the best professional help and don’t be afraid to ask the questions.
The Role of NUTRITION, Gut Health & Hydration in SKIN Health
While topical skincare plays a role, what we put inside our bodies is just as important as what we put on our skin. Menopausal skin isn’t just reacting to hormonal shifts—it’s also influenced by diet, gut health, hydration, and overall lifestyle.
Collagen from Within – We were staggered to learn through our research, that collagen levels drop by about 30% in the first five years of menopause (Source: The Beauty Chef) While topical treatments can help, supplementing with collagen peptides, vitamin C, and amino acids has been shown to support skin elasticity and hydration.
Gut-Skin Connection – A balanced gut microbiome influences skin inflammation, hydration, and barrier function. Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi) and prebiotic fibres (asparagus, garlic, onions) support skin from the inside out.
Essential Fats & Omegas – Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) help combat dryness and maintain the skin’s lipid barrier.
Hydration Matters More Than Ever – Menopausal skin is more prone to dehydration. Drinking water is essential, but so is eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens. Adding electrolytes can also help retain moisture more effectively.
The m’73 Insight: we like to think of skincare like a holistic ritual. What you eat, drink, and how you manage stress all impact your glow just as much as any serum. We are constantly asking ourselves “Am I nourishing my skin from the inside out, or relying only on topical solutions?” It really is all about balance and finding what works best for you right now.
The EMOTIONAL Side of Menopausal Skin
It’s not just about skincare—it’s about how we feel in our skin.
Some of us embrace our evolving skin and see it as part of the journey. Others may struggle with the changes, feeling invisible in an industry that still glorifies youth. Most of us fall somewhere in between—grateful for where we are, but also wanting to take care of ourselves in a way that feels good.
The m’73 Insight: No one tells us how to feel when our skin changes—so we’re deciding for ourselves. Let’s normalise the conversation, share what actually works, and remind each other that beauty evolves, but it never disappears.
THE maison 1973 Takeaway
We’re done being left out of the conversation. Menopausal skin is real, it’s normal, and it deserves just as much attention as any other stage of life.
This isn’t about ‘fighting’ aging—it’s about understanding it, working with it, and owning every year with confidence.
Beauty doesn’t stop at 50, 60, or beyond. It evolves. And so do we.
