“Menopause isn’t a decline; it’s a physiological transition. With the right support, women can navigate symptoms, protect long-term health, and feel fully in control of their bodies during this new phase of life.”

Menopause & skin health in Singapore

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, yet it often arrives with confusing symptoms and unexpected shifts in physical, emotional, and skin health.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and preventative care, you can take control of your skin and your health during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Understanding menopause and the skin

Women typically enter perimenopause between ages 45 and 55, experiencing fluctuations in hormones and irregular menstrual cycles. Once you’ve gone a full year without a period, you’re officially in menopause.

This hormonal shift, especially the decline of estrogen and progesterone, can affect nearly every part of the body - including the skin. Estrogen supports collagen production, skin hydration, elasticity, and its thickness. As levels drop, many women will notice a significant number of changes.

Common skin changes during menopause

  • Loss of firmness and elasticity: Lower collagen and elastin levels can lead to sagging skin and deeper lines.
  • Dryness and itching: A drop in natural oil production can leave skin dehydrated and sensitive.
  • Thinning skin: Skin may feel more fragile, and bruising becomes more common.
  • Increased sensitivity: Changes in the skin’s pH can trigger rosacea, eczema, general sensitivity and irritation.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Age spots and uneven skin tone often increase, especially in sun-exposed areas.

How to manage menopausal skin

The goal isn’t to fight the aging process – it is to optimize how your body adapts through medical advice and proactive care. Here are the top strategies to maintain healthy, vibrant skin throughout menopause:

  • Hydrate your skin daily: Use moisturizers rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin to replenish hydration and support the skin barrier.
  • Stimulate collagen production: Add retinoids, peptides, and Vitamin C to your skincare routine. These ingredients improve firmness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
  • Wear sunscreen all year round: UV damage accelerates aging. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30++ daily - even in rainy or cloudy weather - to protect against wrinkles and pigmentation.
  • Use gentle cleansers: Skip soap-based or drying cleansers. Choose instead mild, pH-balanced products, and use lukewarm water to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.
  • Eat for skin health: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E. Incorporate foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
  • Drink more water: Stay hydrated from the inside out. Water intake supports overall skin function and elasticity.
  • Consider professional treatments: Explore in-office treatments like chemical peels, laser and light therapy, microneedling and microdermabrasion for targeted rejuvenation and tone correction.
  • Evaluate hormone replacement therapy (bio-identical HRT): If you’re experiencing significant symptoms, HRT may offer skin and systemic benefits. Speak with your ob-gyn doctor to explore if this is a safe option for you.
  • Manage stress for better skin: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which worsens inflammatory skin issues and accelerates aging. Try mindfulness, exercise like Pilates and yoga, or time in nature to restore balance.

Skincare routine for the menopausal skin

Here’s a balanced regimen I recommend to my patients navigating mid-life skin changes:

Morning routine:

Night routine:

Menopause is a new and exciting chapter

Menopause need not be feared. It is a wonderful opportunity to reinvest in your wellness and well-being. With personalised support and a proactive skin health plan, you can look and feel your best well into your 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Key takeaways

  • Read up on what to expect
  • Support your body, inside and out
  • Consult with a wellness provider for a tailored treatment plan

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Illuminate Medispa, here in Dempsey Singapore, we help women optimise aging naturally and beautifully through hormonal support, advanced skincare and in-clinic treatments, together with holistic lifestyle coaching.