Menopause Journey
Menopause is a natural transition, but the changes to your skin, hair, and nails can feel sudden and challenging. Understanding what to expect — and how to care for yourself — helps you move through this stage with confidence and grace.
What to Expect
Perimenopause: The “run-up” to menopause, lasting up to a decade. Oestrogen fluctuations cause skin sensitivity, dullness, unexpected breakouts, and dryness. Collagen loss begins, reducing firmness and bounce.
Menopause: After 12 consecutive months without a period, oestrogen declines more steeply. This accelerates ageing: thinning skin, dryness, itchiness, and up to 30% collagen loss in the first five years. Wrinkles, sagging, slower healing, and age spots become more noticeable.
Skin Concerns & Support
Dryness & Itchiness: Hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid (Profhilo), squalane, jojoba oil, urea, and glycolic acid.
Loss of Firmness & Collagen: Retinoids, Vitamin C (Ever Active C&E), peptides.
Breakouts & Redness: Niacinamide, azelaic acid, gentle cleansers.
Keratosis Pilaris: Lactic acid-based moisturisers.
Overall Sensitivity: Protect and repair with ceramides and lipids.
Hair & Nail Changes
Hair: Thinning, shedding, slower growth, or texture changes due to falling oestrogen. Some may also notice increased facial hair. Expert assessment is advised if changes are significant.
Nails: Brittle, weaker, breaking easily, or with ridges. Causes include reduced circulation, inflammation, and slower growth. Support with moisturising, massaging nail beds, and protection in cold weather.
Treatment & Lifestyle Support
Targeted Skincare: Retinol, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides.
Sun Protection: Daily UVA/UVB sunscreen — the most important step at this stage.
Cooling Solutions: Hydrating mists or cryo balls for hot flushes.
Body Care: Rich moisturisers with urea and glycolic acid, chafe sticks for irritation.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Systemic or topical, improving skin hydration, suppleness, and reducing wrinkles — best discussed with our Women’s Health GP or Hormone Health Nurse.
Nutritional Support: Vitamin C & Zinc (collagen support), Omega fatty acids (skin health), Vitamin D & Calcium (bone health), Iron (fatigue/nails if needed), Probiotics (gut-skin link), Magnesium (sleep), B Vitamins (hormonal regulation).
Lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, hydration, exercise (especially resistance training), quality sleep, and stress management.