Searches for “skincare for menopause” have skyrocketed by 480% over the past 90 days, reflecting a growing demand among women for solutions to address the skin changes triggered by hormonal shifts. As menopause alters oestrogen levels, many experience dryness, sensitivity, and a loss of elasticity, prompting a wave of interest in tailored skincare routines. To meet this need, Cult Beauty has partnered with Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy and Elizabeth Japal, skin expert and founder of The Derma Lab, to provide expert guidance on maintaining a radiant complexion during this life stage.

Dr Deborah Lee, a medical professional with extensive experience, emphasises the importance of adapting skincare as the body changes. “Menopausal skin requires a tailored approach, focusing on deep hydration, barrier protection, and collagen support,” she says. “Selecting the right ingredients can significantly improve skin health and luminosity.” Her advice underscores a key trend: women are no longer accepting these changes passively but are seeking proactive, science-backed strategies.

Elizabeth Japal, a respected figure in dermatology, complements this with practical tips honed from years of expertise. She notes that the drop in oestrogen during menopause can weaken the skin barrier, making it more prone to irritation and dullness. “The goal is to nourish and protect the skin while addressing specific concerns like dryness or breakouts,” Japal explains. Her recommendations blend accessibility with efficacy, offering women manageable ways to care for their skin.

Top strategies for menopausal skin

• Boost hydration. Menopausal skin tends to become drier, so a richer moisturiser is key. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to lock in moisture and keep skin feeling plump. Layering a hydrating serum beneath your moisturiser provides an extra hydration boost.
• Apply moisturiser to damp skin. Sealing in moisture is crucial. Applying your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp (after cleansing or misting) helps retain hydration and prevent dryness throughout the day.
• Strengthen the skin barrier. Hormonal changes can make skin more sensitive. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products with soothing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides to maintain a strong, healthy skin barrier.
• Support firmness and elasticity. As collagen levels decline, skin may lose its firmness. Retinol and peptides can help improve elasticity and smooth fine lines. For those with sensitive skin, bakuchiol offers a gentle, plant-based alternative with similar benefits.
• Manage hormonal breakouts. Menopause can trigger acne due to hormonal fluctuations. Gentle exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid help keep pores clear, while azelaic acid reduces redness and dark spots.
• Enhance radiance. Dullness can become more noticeable with age. Vitamin C brightens and evens out skin tone, while gentle exfoliation a few times a week removes dead skin cells for a healthy glow.
• Sleep smart with a silk pillowcase. Switching to a silk pillowcase helps minimise skin irritation and moisture loss overnight, reducing creases that can lead to wrinkles.
• Soothe hot flushes with a DIY ice roller. Cool down after a hot flush by keeping a spoon in the fridge or freezing a damp washcloth. Pressing it gently onto the skin reduces puffiness and inflammation. Jade or ice rollers also provide a cooling effect.
• Always wear SPF. Sun damage accelerates premature ageing, making daily SPF essential. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) with antioxidants for added protection.

The surge in searches, tracked over the past three months as of April 2025, highlights a broader cultural shift. Women are increasingly vocal about menopause, a topic once shrouded in silence, and are turning to brands like Cult Beauty for support. Dr. Lee and Japal’s collaboration reflects this demand, offering evidence-based advice that resonates with a generation unwilling to let hormonal changes dictate their confidence.