How Hormonal Changes Affect Your Skin (And What Actually Helps)

Your Skin Is Changing—And It’s Not Just “Ageing”

Somewhere around your mid-forties—sometimes earlier, sometimes later—you may notice your skin behaving differently. Products that worked for years suddenly feel inadequate. Your skin seems drier despite drinking plenty of water. Fine lines appear to deepen almost overnight. Your complexion looks dull even after a good night’s sleep.

If this sounds familiar, it’s not your imagination, and it’s not simply “ageing.” What’s happening is hormonal—specifically, the decline in oestrogen that occurs during perimenopause and menopause. And understanding this process is the first step toward addressing it effectively.

What Oestrogen Does for Your Skin

Oestrogen plays a far more significant role in skin health than most people realise. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy. It promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural moisture magnet. It supports sebum production, keeping the skin naturally lubricated. And it helps maintain the thickness and integrity of the epidermis.

In short, oestrogen is responsible for many of the qualities we associate with “youthful” skin. When levels begin to decline, the effects ripple across virtually every aspect of skin health.

The Timeline of Hormonal Skin Changes

Perimenopause (typically mid-40s to early 50s)

Oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate unpredictably. You might notice increased dryness, occasional breakouts (thanks to shifting androgen ratios), and early signs of sensitivity. The skin’s moisture barrier starts to weaken, and products that once felt hydrating may no longer feel like enough. This is often the stage where women first notice that their existing skincare routine isn’t keeping up.

Menopause (typically early 50s)

Oestrogen levels drop more significantly. Collagen loss accelerates—research shows women can lose up to 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years post-menopause. Skin becomes noticeably drier, thinner, and less elastic. Wrinkles deepen. Healing slows. The moisture barrier becomes increasingly compromised, leading to a cycle of dehydration and sensitivity.

Post-Menopause

Oestrogen stabilises at a lower level. While the rapid collagen loss slows, the cumulative effects are now visible: sagging, deeper wrinkles, persistent dryness, and increased fragility. The skin’s ability to repair itself continues to decline, making protective and nourishing skincare more important than ever.

What the Research Says About Ingredients That Help

While nothing can fully replace the skin benefits of oestrogen, research has identified several ingredients that can meaningfully address the specific changes caused by hormonal decline.

Omega fatty acids: Essential fatty acids—particularly omega-3, 6, and 7—help replenish the lipid barrier that oestrogen decline thins. Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is particularly relevant because it’s a component of the skin’s own lipid structure and declines with age. Sea buckthorn is one of the few botanical sources rich in all four omega groups.

Hyaluronic acid: As the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production drops, topical application helps compensate. It draws water into the epidermis and creates a plumping effect that temporarily reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Vitamin C: Supports the collagen synthesis that oestrogen once stimulated. Best delivered through stable formulations or whole-plant sources that include complementary antioxidants.

Peptides: Signal peptides can partially compensate for reduced collagen production by directly communicating with fibroblasts to increase output. They achieve this without the irritation associated with retinoids—an important consideration for skin that’s already compromised.

Ceramides and lipid-rich oils: Ingredients that mirror the skin’s natural lipid composition help rebuild the moisture barrier from the outside in. Squalane, jojoba oil, and sea buckthorn oil all fall into this category.

Building a Hormonally-Aware Skincare Routine

The key principle for menopausal skincare is this: protect what you have, replenish what’s been lost, and avoid anything that further compromises the barrier.

In practical terms, this means switching to a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip your already-depleted lipids. Layering hydration: applying hyaluronic acid to damp skin, following with a peptide-rich moisturiser, and sealing with a nourishing oil. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily—collagen-depleted skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. And being willing to simplify. A focused three-step routine used consistently will always outperform an elaborate eight-step routine used intermittently.

The Gut-Skin Connection During Menopause

Emerging research highlights another dimension of hormonal skin changes: the gut microbiome. Oestrogen helps regulate gut bacteria, and when levels decline, the balance can shift in ways that increase systemic inflammation—which then manifests in the skin as increased sensitivity, redness, or breakouts.

This is why a holistic approach to menopausal skin health—one that considers internal wellness alongside topical skincare—often produces better results than addressing the skin alone. Gut health supplements, an anti-inflammatory diet, and stress management all play supporting roles in maintaining skin health during hormonal transitions.

The Bottom Line

Hormonal skin changes can feel frustrating and disorienting, especially when products that worked for decades suddenly stop performing. But understanding the “why” behind these changes empowers you to respond effectively. Your skin hasn’t turned against you—it’s adapting to a new hormonal reality, and with the right support, it can still look and feel healthy, hydrated, and radiant.

Mud Organics takes a holistic approach to menopausal skin: omega-rich Sea Buckthorn Serum for barrier repair and nourishment, Peptide Collagen Moisturiser for hydration and collagen support, and a 30-Day Gut Health Supplement to support inner wellness. Explore at mudorganics.com.au