From Surviving Perimenopausal Skin Shifts to Thriving in 6 Steps

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As I hit my 40s, I started noticing that my skin wasn’t quite the same. It felt rougher, drier, and looked a bit duller than it used to. After a bit of research, I realized these changes were all part of perimenopause. My skin needed extra care, a new routine, and a deeper, more thoughtful approach to hydration.

Why Perimenopause Causes Dry Skin

Perimenopause brings a drop in estrogen, the hormone that plays a big role in keeping skin plump and hydrated. With less estrogen, our skin produces fewer natural oils and less collagen, leading to increased dryness, more noticeable lines, and a duller complexion. Add in the fact that our skin doesn’t turn over cells as quickly, and you’ve got the perfect setup for dryness and sensitivity.

How I Keep My Skin Hydrated Through Perimenopause

As my skin’s needs have shifted, I’ve discovered a few things that can help with perimenopausal skin, bringing back hydration, resilience, and that natural glow. Here are some simple, natural ways to keep your skin looking and feeling its best:

1. Moisturize Deeply

Switching to a richer moisturizer has been essential. Tallow-based creams are my top choice because tallow mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing deep, lasting hydration. It’s packed with vitamins and essential fats that strengthen the skin’s barrier, which helps lock in moisture and keeps dryness away. It’s been the perfect fix for my skin’s newfound thirst.

(I use the ember tallow whip. Ultra hydrating with essential oils like frankincense and vetiver , it fabulous for peri-skin.)

2. Add Hero Ingredients like Natural Oils

Alongside tallow, I’ve incorporated a mix of natural oils not only for hydration but also for cleansing. Using oil as a cleanser has been a gentle, effective way to lift away impurities without stripping my skin of its natural moisture. These oils absorb beautifully, providing deep hydration while keeping my skin clean & balanced. This dual approach of using oils for both cleansing and moisturizing has made a noticeable difference in keeping my skin soft, and refreshed.

(Try our new Sweet Citrus oil cleanser. Gently lifts dirt and make up while keeping your skin’s moisture intact.)

3. Hormone Therapy to Boost Collagen

Hormone therapy, particularly estrogen replacement, can benefit perimenopausal skin by addressing the decline in estrogen that affects texture and resilience. Estrogen plays a key role in collagen production, which maintains skin’s elasticity, thickness, and hydration. As levels drop, skin can lose collagen, becoming thinner, drier, and less firm. Restoring some estrogen through hormone therapy may help stimulate collagen production and improve hydration, leading to firmer, more resilient skin with a healthier appearance. To find out if this could be an option for you, speak with your health care provider.

(I love these Happy Mammoth supplements. Great for all the side effects of perimenopause including skin issues.)

4. Try LED Light Therapy to increase Firmness

LED light therapy has become a go-to treatment for gently improving hydration, stimulating collagen, and reducing inflammation. Different wavelengths target specific concerns: red light for hydration and collagen production, blue light for balancing oil production and soothing irritation. Using an LED light mask a few times a week has helped me keep my skin smooth and resilient, which is especially helpful as it adjusts to hormonal changes. It’s like a mini at-home spa treatment that works wonders for hydration and firmness.

(I love the Project E Beauty light therapy mask. I use it 3x a week for 15-20 mins at a time.)

5. Focus on Humidity Levels in Your Home

One trick that’s been surprisingly effective is adjusting the humidity levels in my home. As we age, our skin holds less moisture naturally, and dry air can make this even worse, especially in colder months. Using a humidifier, especially at night, adds moisture back into the air and helps my skin retain hydration. This small change has made a big difference, keeping my skin from feeling so parched and helping all my moisturizers work even better.

(I keep my LEVOIT humidifier on at night to help keep my skin hydrated and happy while I sleep.)

6. Daily SPF with Tallow Sun Balm for Protection

I never skip SPF. Menopausal skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, which can make dryness and lines worse. My go-to is our Tallow Sun Balm, which offers natural sun protection while nourishing the skin. It combines our nutrient-rich tallow with sun-protective ingredients to shield my skin from harmful rays and keep it hydrated and protected throughout the day.

Embracing These Changes

Perimenopause is a big adjustment, and our skin reflects that. But with the right tweaks, it’s possible to keep it soft, glowing, and comfortable. Adapting my skincare routine has made a huge difference, and it’s a reminder that taking care of my skin is just another way to feel good through every stage of life.

If you’re experiencing the same changes, know you’re not alone – and there’s plenty you can do to keep your skin happy and healthy through this journey.