Is Your Skin Changing?
What to look for—and how to respond with care.
There’s no one moment when your skin taps you on the shoulder and says, “Hey, How’s it going? We’re in perimenopause now.” Instead, the changes tend to arrive quietly and then suddenly all at once.
You might wake up one morning and the reflection you see in the mirror looks like someone else. You realize your moisturizer isn’t sinking in the same way. Or that your go-to cleanser suddenly stings. Or that your foundation gets flaky and muddy. You have breakouts in new places, dryness where there was once oil, or texture that feels unfamiliar.
For many of us, this is how perimenopause first shows up - in the mirror or in the way our skin starts asking for something different
Common Signs of Hormonal Skin Shifts
These can start in your late 30s or early 40s, even before other menopause symptoms become noticeable:
Texture + Hydration
Dryness or tightness, especially after washing your face
Skin that feels thinner or more delicate (especially under eyes, on neck)
Flakiness or a rough, dull surface
Fine lines that deepen when skin is dehydrated
Sensitivity + Irritation
Products that used to feel fine now sting or cause redness
New reactivity to fragrance, essential oils, or active ingredients
More visible flushing or blotchiness
Breakouts + Oil Imbalance
Chin and jawline breakouts (even if you’ve never had adult acne)
Oiliness in some areas, dryness in others
Longer healing time for blemishes or irritation
Pigmentation + Tone
Sun spots or melasma becoming more visible
Uneven tone or loss of glow
Overall “tired” or washed-out appearance, even when rested
Body Skin
Itchy or flaky arms and legs
Roughness on upper arms or elbows
Crepey or loose texture on chest, neck, or hands
Bruising more easily than before
What to Do When You Notice Changes
The most important thing?
Don’t panic and don’t blame your skin.
These changes are real, and they’re not a flaw. They’re your body adapting to hormonal shifts and new internal rhythms.
Here are a few ways to start supporting your skin:
Be Gentle
Now’s the time to ease back and see if less is more. If something stings, skip it. If you’re not sure, patch test. If your routine feels overwhelming, simplify it.
Be Mindful
Notice what’s different. Which areas feel tight? Which products don’t feel right anymore? Which ones still feel comforting? Track what’s helping and what isn’t.
Educate Yourself
Not everything marketed to “aging skin” is necessary or helpful. Start with understanding your skin’s changing needs: more moisture, more barrier support, fewer harsh actives. Look for ingredients like ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and calming botanicals.
Explore Slowly
You don’t need to fix everything overnight. In fact, you don’t need to fix anything at all! Your goal is to support, not control. Add new products slowly. Give them time to work. Let your skin teach you what it needs now.
Trust Your Intuition
If something feels off (really off) check in with a dermatologist or your doctor. Whether it’s a persistent rash, a mole that’s changed, or just a “this doesn’t feel right” vibe, trust yourself. Early intervention is always a gift.
This season of life is full of change. But it’s also full of wisdom. The more we notice and listen, the more we can respond with compassion, to our skin and to ourselves.
You’re awesome and you’ve got this. Moisturize, breathe, hydrate, and be kind to your beautiful, evolving skin.
