Once you hit menopause, or when you're in the midst of perimenopause, you might find your skin goes haywire. You've got your hormones to thank for that.
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Just like in puberty, pregnancy and postpartum, your hormone levels are all over the place during menopause, with the imbalance resulting in complexion upset. During menopause your skin can become dryer, duller more sensitive and thinner, while repair takes longer because your cells are multiplying slower – this means blemishes will take longer to heal, and marks left by breakouts will hang around longer.
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Luckily menopausal skincare is on hand to ease the issues. If you have dry skin in menopause, look for skincare with hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
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Lack of firmness? Go for retinol. And if fine lines are creeping in, go for peptide skincare. Salicylic acid skincare is the answer if you're experiencing menopausal breakouts, while dull skin can be tackled with an exfoliating acid toner.
Read on for our picks of the best skincare for menopause
Best menopause skincare solutions
Clarins Super Restorative range for menopause
Following innovative lab research into the key symptoms of perimenopause and menopause on the skin, Clarins has reformulated its bestselling Super Restorative range to harness the power of plants to nourish, treat and rejeuvenate the complexion.
The new formula combines organic gorse plant to improve tone and tackle slackening of the skin, and organic harungana extract, a plant-based alternative to retinol that helps to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. There are 3 day creams and 2 night creams to choose from, including variations for very dry skin.
Super Restorative Day Cream for All Skin Types, £77, Clarins
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BIOEFFECT skincare for menopause
Bioeffect is a longstanding skincare brand, which is said to have been a firm favourite with the late Karl Lagerfeld.
The range has been created using a protein titled Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which is similar to those found in your cells that produce collagen, made from natural resources found in Iceland. Not only does it reduce the appearance of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, but it hydrates the skin deep into the dermis.
BIOEFFECT EGF serum, £129, Selfridges
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Paula's Choice skincare for menopause
Paula’s Choice is one of our personal go-to skincare companies, as there is something to suit all skincare concerns.
The BHA is a firm favourite, but for those wanting an intense anti-ageing skincare essential, look to the Repair Moisturiser from the brand's Resist collection.
Resist Anti-Aging Intensive Repair Moisturiser, £29.60 (WAS £35), Paula's Choice
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Skincare designed for menopause
MegsMenopause is specifically targeted for those experiencing perimenopause and going through the menopause.
There are a variety of products, but the S.W.A.L.K. Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which is absorbed into the skin to absorb moisture, which can cause early signs of ageing.
MegsMenopause S.W.A.L.K Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £20.99, Amazon
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Olay skincare for menopause
Olay is a longstanding skincare brand famed for deeply moisturising and hydrating skincare products; from moisturisers to eye creams and SPF buys.
Mature skin is sensitive, and still as delicate, which is why having a moisturising cream, which targets your skin's concerns, as well as SPF to protect against harmful UV rays that cause brown spots and age the skin, is essential.
Olay Luminous Whip Light As Air Moisturiser For Glowing Skin SPF30, £19, Boots
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Vichy skincare for menopause
Vichy’s day creams and night creams, as well as the hydrating capsules, are a must-have. But so too is the Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum for Menopausal Skin, which has been designed for menopause skin in mind.
This creation is perfect for perimenopause and menopause, as it targets the impact of hormonal change, reduced collagen production, as well as lipid loss.
The formula contains active ingredients to combat dryness, dull skin, and uneven skin tone.
Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum for Menopausal Skin, £38.95, Vichy
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Faace face mask for menopause
Finding a face mask to suit menopausal skin can be challenging - clay masks can be drying, while masks with acid in can be too harsh for sensitised skin. Enter Faace.
The relatively new brand has created a face mask especially for the menopause to support natural collagen production and re-hydrate the skin, thanks to its vitamin-rich formula.
Faace Menopause Treatment Mask, £31, Lookfantastic
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Prai menopausal skincare range
Prai is loved by Lisa Snowdon, who champions awareness around the menopause. The brand recently created a range specifically for menopausal skin, and this is our pick from the collection.
The lightweight formula contains Prai's signature M Complex, which boosts hydration, plumps the skin and wrinkles, while rebalancing the skin.
MenoGlow Super Hydrating Sleep Creme, £29, Prai
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Gallinée skincare for menopause
Gallinée is a trusted French brand, founded by pharmacist Marie Drago. specialsing in products that contain pre and post-biotics, which promote good bacteria on your skin, helping to strengthen your skin barrier.
The Probiotic Youthful Serum is a lightweight water-based serum, which targets your skin’s luminosity and signs of ageing, as well as giving your skin a lift for a youthful complexion.
Gallinée Probiotic Youthful Serum, £36, Lookfantastic
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Balance Me Menopause Skincare Set
Balance Me has created this kit especially for menopausal skin, taking away the guess work of finding products that work together. It includes two mists, one soothing face oil and a bakuchiol serum, to minimise signs of ageing. Bakuciol is a natural alternative to retinol, so is a great ingredient to look for if your skin doesn't tolerate retinol, but you want to harness its anti-ageing powers.
Balance Me The Menopause Years Skincare Routine, £26.50, Balance Me
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