
The midlife hormonal shift of menopause can have a significant impact on a woman’s skin. Increased dryness is often one of the earliest symptoms, and it can creep in during perimenopause, which is the transitional phase when overall estrogen and progesterone levels decline. “Estrogen is a major regulator of skin physiology,” explains Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, a Toronto-based dermatologist and co-founder of the Canadian Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Centre.
“As estrogen falls, you see measurable functional and structural changes in the skin manifesting as dryness, thinning, decreased elasticity and increased fine lines,” she adds. You may also experience breakouts (an oily chin with dry cheeks is common) and increased irritation, including redness and stinging.

