Last Updated April 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Perimenopause is associated with symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and erratic periods, but many women also experience skin issues.

• Common skin concerns during this life stage include excessive dryness, sensitivity, a loss of plumpness and elasticity, and breakouts.

• Many natural ingredients can support the skin, even as it changes during perimenopause.

• The best approach is holistic and encompasses a gentle skincare routine in addition to restful sleep, good nutrition and staying properly hydrated.

As if the indignities of perimenopause aren’t enough—you know, the erratic periods, hot flashes, night sweats, wild mood swings, vaginal dryness, etc.—this is also a prime time for skin freakouts. Dryness, irritation, a noticeable lack of plumpness and even acne (sigh) are typical at this stage in a woman’s life, and you can place the blame squarely on hormonal changes. But it’s not all bad news! There are things you can do to wrest back some control over the state of your body’s largest, most exposed organ. Here’s how to support your skin through perimenopause and beyond.

How Perimenopause Affects The Skin

First things first—what the heck is going on? At this point in life, you probably feel like you have your skincare routine dialed. So where are all these issues coming from? Why are your favorite products suddenly, just, not working? Welcome to perimenopause, babe! And we know what you’re thinking: Hold up. I am way too young for menopause. That might be partly true. But if you’re anywhere from 45 to 55, you’re well within the typical range to begin the transition to menopause—which is known as perimenopause—and that can last years. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 52, according to the National Institute on Aging. You officially reach menopause when you haven’t had your period or any spotting for a full 12 months. In the run-up to the big day, however, your body is taking steps to shut down the ol’ baby factory, and there are all kinds of symptoms that go along with it.

But let’s focus specifically on how perimenopause is affecting your skin. Basically, your body is producing less estrogen. Among its many functions, estrogen helps keep your skin smooth, firm, plump and elastic because it helps stimulate collagen production. So when estrogen production slows down, you see it pretty quickly in your skin. You may notice fine lines, wrinkles, dryness or sagging in areas that used to be round (like those apple cheeks).

The collagen decline starts during perimenopause, and research finds that women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen in the first five years after officially reaching menopause. At the same time, other symptoms relating to perimenopause have their own effects on the skin. Hot flashes can cause flushing and redness, and those fluctuating hormone levels can lead to increased sebum production and clogged pores—the perfect recipe for breakouts.

Let’s get to the good news, shall we? Yes, your system is going a little haywire. But perimenopause and menopause are entirely normal (not that we’re saying it’s fun), and the experience is going to be personal to you. Doing what you can to manage the fallout to your skin can help you feel better about the process. Let’s get to it.

How To Support Your Skin Through Perimenopause (And Beyond)

When we’re looking to remedy freaked-out skin, most of us immediately search for products as a sort of panacea. We just want something we can rub all over ourselves to fix everything, immediately. Spoiler: Nothing works like that. Your skin, as we’ve mentioned, is the biggest organ you have, and it’s hardwired to your gut and your brain (our post on the connection between the gut and the skin is totally worth checking out). There are ripple effects across different systems in your body, which is why a holistic approach to skincare is so effective. It’s not enough just to use the right products. You also need to be getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water and generally taking care of your whole body and mind. And whatever you do, be diligent about applying a great SPF!

Now, about those products…

Here at Shimmer Chef, we’re big fans of giving your skin what it needs to be healthy, no matter what life stay you’re currently navigating. It’s why our raw, living plasters and balms are made entirely of nutrient-dense whole foods—it’s truly the best way to feed your skin barrier, acid mantle and microbiome. As it happens, many of the ingredients you’ll find in our products are exceptionally well suited to relieving perimenopausal skin symptoms, like excessive dryness, irritation, even loss of elasticity. Let’s review.

• Aloe vera. Soothing and hydrating, aloe vera is a hero ingredient for moisturizing dry, thirsty skin and calming irritation and inflammation at the same time. If your skin is feeling more sensitive than usual, aloe vera is a great product for gentle relief.

• Coconut oil. High in fatty acids, coconut oil is a natural occlusive. That means it helps lock in moisture to prevent dryness. Plus, it has antibacterial properties.

• Vitamin E. You’ll find vitamin E in almond and avocado oils. It’s a powerful antioxidant with healing and nourishing properties and it helps repair and protect against environmental damage. It can also ease dryness. Bonus: It plays really nicely with topical vitamin C.

• Evening primrose oil. This is a calming oil and a great source of gamma-linolenic acid, which helps regulate skin moisture levels and helps ease inflammation. It’s really great for dry, flaky skin.

• Rosehip oil. A standout for perimenopausal skin, rosehip oil is hydrating and brightening. Plus, it’s full of vitamin A, which is a gentler form of retinol, so it helps boost collagen, smooth fine lines and improve skin texture. You’ll also find fatty acids, great for hydrating and repairing the skin, and vitamin C. Bonus—rosehip oil is naturally lightweight and non-greasy, and it absorbs so nicely.

• Honey. This sweet ingredient is a natural humectant, so it draws moisture into the skin. It works particularly well in masks and cleansers because it has antibacterial properties, but it’s incredibly calming and soothing. It can help relieve redness (hello, hot flashes) and irritation.

• Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is an incredible dupe for the skin’s natural oils, so it does a great job of hydrating without clogging pores. That means it’s safe for use on your face and body, even if you’re struggling with breakouts.

• Pomegranate seed oil. This is another perimenopausal skin all-star! It supports collagen production for more elasticity, and it has punicic acid, which is great for promoting skin regeneration.

We’ll call out a few products that put some of these ingredients to good use. Shimmer Chef’s Sweet Almond Rosehip Brine Face & Body Polish is made with organic raw honey and organic almond and rosehip oils, along with an assortment of organic citrus fruits. It’s a rich combination of minerals and nutrients, including magnesium, omega 3s and vitamin E to help reduce inflammation and irritation. It works head to toe for softer, hydrated skin, and it’s a gentle form of exfoliation that won’t upset your skin’s natural pH.

We include rosehip oil, organic aloe vera and organic avocado oil in our Bergamot Beurre and organic coconut oil, organic avocado oil and organic aloe vera in our Grapefruit Glacé. The former is our bedtime balm, crafted with powerful superfoods and botanics to hydrate, protect and restore the skin by flooding it with nutrients for a happy, balanced barrier and microbiome. After gentle cleansing in the morning, use our Grapefruit Glacé as a melting morning balm. It’s loaded with vitamin C to strengthen and promote collagen growth, with nourishing ingredients to leave you hydrated and glowing—hot flashes or not!

We champion a less-is-more approach to great skin, and that philosophy works whether you’re dealing with your very first period or your very last. Our products are specifically crafted with ingredients you’ll recognize, and these superfoods and botanicals are as effective on your skin as they are in your body. The power of fermentation takes things a step further, creating beneficial probiotics that keep your skin’s microbiome flourishing. Plus, our Made Safe certification from the EWG speaks to the safety and sustainability of what we’re doing—a little peace of mind when you’re busy dealing with those wild mood swings!

The Bottom Line

Menopause is a reality for women, and skincare changes are just one more thing to navigate on this wild ride. Sometimes, simply knowing that it’s part of the process can be reassuring. In the meantime, having an action plan can be empowering. Remember to use gentle skincare products rich in natural ingredients, like aloe vera, rosehip oil and vitamin E, drink plenty of water, do your best to get the sleep you need and be mindful of eating a healthy diet. Then repeat after us: This too shall pass!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is perimenopausal skin?

Perimenopausal skin describes the period before menopause, when the skin undergoes changes like redness, dryness, sagging in some areas and breakouts. These are related to the hormonal changes that are part of the transition to menopause.

How can I calm perimenopausal skin?

Gentle products that support the skin barrier are a good choice. Look for hydrating, soothing and repairing natural ingredients, like rosehip oil, honey and aloe vera. Keep in mind that consistency is important, but skincare products alone won’t do the job. Make a point of staying hydrated, doing your best to get enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet.