Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the hormonal changes that happen during perimenopause, menopause and beyond can have a noticeable effect on your skin. You may find that a skincare routine you've relied on for years suddenly doesn't feel quite right, or that your skin becomes drier, more sensitive or less firm than it once was.
While everyone's experience is different, understanding what is happening beneath the surface can help you adapt your routine and give your skin the nourishment, hydration and protection it needs.
How does menopause affect your skin?
As we move through perimenopause and menopause, levels of hormones including oestrogen begin to fluctuate and decline. Oestrogen plays an important role in several aspects of skin health, including collagen production, hydration and skin thickness.
As oestrogen levels fall, you may begin to notice:
- Drier skin - menopausal skin can become less effective at retaining water and may produce less natural oil, leaving it feeling dry, tight or itchy.
- Loss of firmness and elasticity - collagen provides structure and strength to the skin. As it reduces, fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness can become more noticeable.
- Increased sensitivity - skin can become thinner and more easily irritated during and after menopause. Existing skin concerns, including eczema and rosacea, may also become more noticeable.
- Changes in breakouts - although dryness is common, fluctuating hormones can also cause some people to experience blemishes or adult acne during perimenopause and menopause.
A hydrating skincare routine for menopausal skin
1. Cleanse gently
Cleansing is an essential first step, but menopausal skin can benefit from a gentler approach. Avoid over-cleansing or using products that leave the skin feeling stripped or tight. ishga Active Cleansing Lotion is a gentle, water-based cleanser designed to remove impurities while helping skin maintain its natural moisture balance. Using lukewarm rather than very hot water can also help, as prolonged exposure to hot water may exacerbate dryness.
2. Add a hydrating serum
Adding a targeted serum to your skincare routine can provide an extra layer of hydration and support. ishga Regenerating Face Serum is a lightweight, water-based formula containing Hebridean seaweed extract, mineral-rich Hebridean seawater and soothing aloe vera. The formula helps to hydrate and nourish while supporting smoother, firmer-looking skin, with aloe vera helping to calm and soothe when skin feels more sensitive.
3. Replenish lost moisture
As the skin's ability to retain moisture changes, hydration becomes increasingly important. Look for moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains water within the skin.
ishga Hydra+ Marine Cream combines multi-weight hyaluronic acid with antioxidant-rich Hebridean seaweed extract and nourishing prickly pear oil. Created to provide deep, long-lasting hydration, it is particularly suited to skin experiencing dryness and dehydration.
Its benefits for mature and dehydrated skin have received industry recognition. Hydra+ Marine Cream won GOLD in the Age Well Hydrating Heroes category at the Health & Wellbeing Awards!
4. Add a facial oil for extra nourishment
If your skin has become noticeably drier during menopause, introducing a facial oil can provide an additional layer of nourishment. Hydra+ Oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing face oil formulated to deeply hydrate, nourish and restore without leaving the skin feeling greasy. It combines multiple weights of hyaluronic acid with Hebridean seaweed extracts and a nourishing base of borage and rapeseed oils. Hydra+ Oil was awarded GOLD in the Age Well Serums & Oil Product of the Year category at the 2026 Health & Wellbeing Awards.
Tides of Change: supporting body and mind
Menopause can bring emotional and physical changes that go far beyond the skin, which is why we developed our Tides of Change spa treatment.
This 90-minute grounding ritual was thoughtfully created to support women experiencing times of hormonal and emotional change. Combining gentle lymphatic stimulation, soothing face and body massage and the natural properties of our Hebridean seaweed skincare, the treatment provides an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and restore a sense of balance.
