Menopausal Skin Changes: How to Treat Dryness, Pigmentation & Sagging in Your 40s, 50s & beyond

If you’re over 40 and noticing dry, sagging skin, dark spots, or new wrinkles, menopause could be the reason—and the right skincare and treatments can help. Many women in southern New Hampshire experience these changes as estrogen levels decline, affecting the skin’s ability to retain moisture, produce collagen, and maintain an even tone.

The good news? You don’t have to just accept these changes—there are plenty of ways to support your skin and keep it looking vibrant and healthy. Let’s break down what’s happening, what adjustments to make in your skincare routine, and which in-office treatments can help.

How Menopause Affects Your Skin

Estrogen plays a key role in keeping skin plump, hydrated, and resilient. As levels decline, you might notice:

• Dryness & Sensitivity – Your skin produces less oil, making it feel drier and sometimes more reactive.
• Pigmentation Changes – Brown spots (hyperpigmentation) may become more pronounced.
• Sagging & Loss of Elasticity – Collagen production drops, leading to thinner, looser skin.
• Crepey Texture – Fine lines and a “crepey” appearance develop, especially on the neck and around the eyes.
• Acne or Rosacea – Yes, acne can appear for the first time in midlife, along with increased redness from rosacea.

The Best Skincare Routine for Menopausal Skin (40s & 50s)

Your skincare needs to evolve as your skin does. Here are some simple but impactful changes to make:

✅ Switch to an Oil-Based Cleanser
Foaming cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils, making dryness worse. An oil-based or hydrating cleanser will gently remove impurities without over-drying.

✅ Use Daily SPF (It’s Never Too Late!)
Even if you’ve never been a daily sunscreen wearer, now is the time to start. UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and worsens pigmentation, so SPF 30+ should be part of your morning routine.

✅ Incorporate Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol helps stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines, and even out skin tone. If your skin is sensitive, start with a lower strength and work your way up.

✅ Address New Skin Concerns as They Arise
Menopausal skin isn’t one-size-fits-all—some women develop acne, while others deal with dark spots or redness. Adjust your skincare accordingly with spot treatments or calming products.

Best Anti-Aging Treatments for Menopausal Skin in Southern New Hampshire

While a good skincare routine is essential, professional treatments can take your results to the next level. Here are three highly effective options:

1. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of skin, reducing pigmentation, smoothing crepey texture, and stimulating collagen production. This is a great option if you’re dealing with both dark spots and fine lines. Click here to learn more.

2. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, triggering natural collagen production. When combined with PRP (derived from your own blood), the healing response is amplified, improving texture, elasticity, and even rosacea-related redness. Many women appreciate that this treatment uses only their body’s natural components—no foreign substances. Learn more about PRP here.

3. CO2 Laser Treatments

CO2 laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal skin. It can be customized to your needs—lighter treatments have minimal downtime, while deeper treatments (with 5-7 days of recovery) deliver dramatic improvements in pigmentation, fine lines, and skin firmness. Find out more here.

Lifestyle Shifts for Healthier Skin

Your skin reflects what’s going on inside your body, so consider making small, manageable changes:

💧 Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep skin cells hydrated.
🍗 Protein & Fiber: Support collagen production and overall health with a nutrient-rich diet.
🍷 Minimize Alcohol: Excess alcohol can dehydrate the skin and exacerbate redness.
😴 Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for cell regeneration and skin repair.

It’s Never Too Late to Invest in Your Skin

One of my favorite patient stories involves a woman who came in at the urging of her daughters. She felt like it was “too late” to do anything about her skin and worried that if she tried treatments, she’d look overdone. After our consultation, she decided to upgrade her skincare routine and try a little Botox in her frown lines. The results were subtle, but she was thrilled. She told me, “I had no idea how much difference a subtle treatment could make. I don’t look that different, but I notice—and I feel so much more confident.” Now she’s considering CO2 laser treatments to “age gracefully” on her own terms.

If you’re in southern New Hampshire and looking for expert guidance on skincare and treatments for menopausal skin, let’s chat! Whether you want to improve hydration, smooth wrinkles, or lift pigmentation, we can create a plan that works for you.