During menopause, falling oestrogen speeds up changes in the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that skin loses around 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause. Many women notice drier, thinner or more sensitive skin, and some experience breakouts.
For an overview of this stage of life, see our complete guide to perimenopause.
Why the skin changes
- Collagen: oestrogen supports the cells that produce collagen; as it falls, collagen production slows, contributing to thinner skin and wrinkles.
- Elasticity and firmness: changes in collagen and elastin fibres mean the skin recovers less easily after stretching.
- Dryness and itching: the skin holds less water and its barrier becomes more fragile. Dry weather, harsh soaps and hot showers can make this worse.
- Intimate dryness: lower oestrogen also affects intimate skin. If you notice persistent dryness, itching or discomfort, speak to your GP – the British Menopause Society explains the options available.
A skincare routine for this stage of life
- Daily sun protection: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, all year round, on face, neck and hands.
- Gentle cleansing: swap conventional soap for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Moisturise often: after bathing and whenever skin feels dry; glycerine and hyaluronic acid help skin retain water.
- Go gently: avoid intensive exfoliation or aggressive treatments without professional advice.
- Healthy habits: regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking and good sleep.
Intimate care
- Wash with water or a soap substitute and pat dry.
- Avoid douches, intimate sprays and fragranced products.
- Wear cotton underwear and change out of wet swimwear or sportswear promptly.
Our Hifas-INTIMA GEL is a cosmetic moisturising gel for the external intimate area, formulated with Lion's Mane extract and Bioecolia® to help keep the skin feeling comfortable and moisturised.
Nourishing skin from within
. Zinc, biotin and vitamin A contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. Our Optimum formula contains vitamin C and zinc, and Hifas-Menopause contains zinc.
Hifas-Menopause
Hifas-Menopause is a hormone-free food supplement that combines organic Reishi, Lion's Mane and Cordyceps sinensis with Ashwagandha root extract, green tea extract, live cultures, vitamins B6 and D and zinc. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and to normal psychological function. Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, and zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Take two capsules a day as directed on the label.
If you are taking any medication, are under medical supervision or have a hormone-sensitive condition, please speak to your doctor before taking any food supplement. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.