Skincare Mistakes to Avoid During Menopause
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Time to read 2 min
Menopause is a time of profound change—not just hormonally, but for your skin too. As estrogen levels decline, your skin may become thinner, drier, more sensitive, and less firm . While these shifts are natural, many women unknowingly continue using skincare routines that no longer serve their skin’s evolving needs.
If you’ve noticed your go-to products aren’t working like they used to, you’re not alone. Here are the most common skincare mistakes to avoid during menopause —and how to make smart changes for healthy, glowing skin at any age.
❌ Mistake #1: Using the Same Routine You Had in Your 30s
What worked for your pre-menopausal skin likely won’t cut it now. Menopausal skin needs:
More hydration
Gentle stimulation of collagen
Barrier repair support
What to do instead:
Reassess your entire regime. Incorporate hydrating serums , ceramide-rich moisturisers , and consider starting a gentle retinoid.
❌ Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliating too often or using strong acids can strip already fragile, dry skin—leading to redness, irritation, and more pronounced wrinkles.
What to do instead:
Switch to gentle exfoliants like lactic acid, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), or enzyme-based products. Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week .
❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Skin Barrier
With less estrogen, your skin produces less oil and natural moisture, leading to a weakened barrier. A compromised barrier means increased sensitivity, redness, and dehydration.
What to do instead:
Layer products that rebuild and protect the barrier . Look for ingredients like:
Ceramides
Niacinamide
Squalane
Fatty acids
❌ Mistake #4: Skipping SPF or Only Wearing It Outdoors
Post-menopausal skin is thinner and more UV-sensitive . Sun exposure worsens pigmentation, dryness, and collagen breakdown.
What to do instead:
Wear SPF every single day , even indoors. Opt for physical (mineral) sunscreens if your skin has become more reactive.
❌ Mistake #5: Avoiding Retinoids Out of Fear
Many women worry that retinol is “too strong” for their menopausal skin. But when used correctly, retinoids are one of the best tools for improving skin texture, firmness, and tone.
What to do instead:
Start low and slow. Choose a buffered or encapsulated form like retinaldehyde , and layer it over a hydrating serum or under your moisturiser.
❌ Mistake #6: Not Seeking Professional Advice
Menopause is the perfect time to get personalised skin guidance. Guesswork can lead to overspending, irritation, or simply not getting results.
What to do instead:
Book a Skin Discovery Session to have your skin properly assessed and your routine professionally curated for this phase of life.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Your skin in menopause deserves just as much care and attention as it did in your 20s—but with a different approach. By avoiding these common mistakes and making thoughtful swaps, you can restore hydration, firmness, and a healthy glow .
Need help building your perfect menopausal skincare plan? We’re here to help—book a Skin Health Discovery Session.
