What's Menopause Got to Do with It? Skin, Hormones, and the Midlife Glow-Up

By Dr. Tomi Mitchell Family Physician | Founder, Bonsai Medical Aesthetics | CEO, Holistic Wellness Strategies

Let's Talk Menopause (Before Your Skin Betrays You)

Here’s the truth, straight from a physician who’s sat with thousands of women at every stage of life:

When you say “menopause,” most women visibly react. Shoulders tense. Faces shift. Eyes either widen or roll. Some whisper, “Ugh,” under their breath. It’s as if the word carries a dark cloud of dread.

And honestly,  I understand why.

Menopause is often reduced to a montage of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and a general feeling that your body is spiralling out of your control. But what doesn’t get enough airtime is how profoundly menopause affects our skin. It’s not always the first symptom women talk about, but it’s often the one that sneaks up and chips away at confidence.

As a family physician and wellness strategist, I’ve had countless women sit across from me, confused by sudden skin changes. “Is it just aging?” they ask. “Is it stress? Maybe I’m just not drinking enough water?” All are valid theories, but more often than not, it’s hormonal.

So, let’s clear the fog. Let’s talk about what’s happening beneath the surface—and how you can reclaim that glow, one smart step at a time.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause isn’t a failure of your body. It’s not a diagnosis. It’s a natural, biological transition—a rite of passage that marks the end of your reproductive years and the beginning of something new.

Clinically, menopause is defined as twelve consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. For most women, it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. But let’s not forget the lead-up—perimenopause—the years where your hormones begin to shift, sometimes gradually, sometimes with an uninvited jolt.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Perimenopause: This rollercoaster ride can start in your early 40s. Periods become irregular, moods fluctuate, and skin starts behaving like it’s going through puberty again—breakouts, oiliness, dryness, or all three in one week.

  
  

• Menopause: The twelve-month milestone where periods stop for good. Estrogen and progesterone levels plummet, and symptoms can intensify.

  
  

• Postmenopause: The years that follow. Hormones remain lower, and symptoms either taper off or linger with new quirks.

  
  

Why does this matter for your skin? Because estrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone—it’s your skin’s backstage crew: hydrating, plumping, smoothing, and fortifying. When it exits the stage, the spotlight shifts—and your skin feels the shift deeply.

What Happens to Your Skin During Menopause?

Estrogen has long been your skin’s best friend. It boosts collagen production, maintains elasticity, supports moisture retention, and strengthens the skin barrier. So when it takes a nosedive, the changes can be dramatic and frustrating.

Here’s what you might notice:

1. Dryness and Dehydration

You used to skip moisturizer some days, but you still felt fine. Now, your skin feels tight, itchy, or flaky by noon. Estrogen helps skin retain natural oils—without it, your skin loses that dewy resilience.

2. Thinner Skin and Loss of Elasticity

Within five years of menopause, you can lose up to 30% of your collagen. That’s not just a number—it’s why skin begins to sag, fine lines deepen, and once-supple bounce starts to vanish.

3. Increased Sensitivity

Products you’ve loved for years might suddenly burn or sting. That’s due to a weakened skin barrier, making your skin more reactive and less tolerant to environmental and chemical stressors.

4. Slower Wound Healing

Scrapes, breakouts, and even tiny cuts take longer to fade or heal. As a result, the skin becomes more vulnerable to damage and less efficient at repairing itself.

5. Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots

Uneven tone, sunspots, and melasma may become more pronounced, especially if you’ve skipped sunscreen in the past (no shame, just facts!).

These changes aren’t superficial. They affect how women feel in their skin, literally and emotionally. Your outer self may not match the strength and clarity you’ve built internally. That mismatch? It’s unsettling.

So, What Can You Do About It?

First, take a breath. Yes, menopause changes your skin. But no, you’re not helpless.

You can do a lot—practically, holistically, and compassionately—to support your skin through this transition.

Step 1: Start with Skincare

It’s time to evolve your routine, not abandon it.

• Cleanser: Choose creamy, non-stripping cleansers that maintain your skin’s protective barrier.

• Moisturizer: Go for formulas rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. These ingredients lock in hydration and support collagen.

• Serums: Use Vitamin C in the morning to fight dullness and pigmentation. At night, gentle retinoids can help with cell turnover. Add niacinamide for barrier support and redness.

• Sunscreen: Every day. No exceptions. SPF isn’t optional—it’s your best defence against accelerated aging and pigmentation.

  
  

Step 2: Consider Professional Treatments

This is where my team at Bonsai Medical Aesthetics comes in. We specialize in personalized care that understands hormonal skin, because not all treatments are created equal.

• Microneedling: Improves texture and stimulates natural collagen.

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Uses your body’s growth factors to restore elasticity and tone.

• Laser Resurfacing: Reduces pigmentation, boosts clarity, and refines texture.

• Customized Facials: There is no “one-size-fits-all” here. We assess, adapt, and create facials targeting your skin’s needs.

  
  

These treatments aren’t about erasing age. They’re about helping you look like you, only more vibrant and aligned with how you feel inside.

Step 3: Nourish From Within

You can’t out-serum a lifestyle that’s working against you.

• Healthy Fats: For soft and supple skin, include omega-3s from fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and avocados.

• Hydration: Drink water, and eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens.

• Hormone Balance: Adaptogens and targeted supplements can sometimes help, but always consult a professional before taking them.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress wrecks skin. Carve out time for mindfulness, movement, sleep, and connection—your nervous system matters.

  
  

The Inner Work That Makes a Difference

Most skincare brands don’t discuss this: menopause isn’t just a hormone shift. It’s a shift in identity.

You’ve gained wisdom, strength, and clarity—but sometimes the mirror doesn’t reflect that growth. That disconnect can be painful.

At Bonsai, we treat more than skin. We support the whole person. Our goal isn’t perfection—it’s alignment. We want your outer glow to match your inner fire.

You’re not fading. You’re evolving. And you deserve to feel seen, supported, and radiant.

If You're Already There, It's Not Too Late

Maybe you’re reading this thinking, "Dr. Mitchell, I’m already in full-blown menopause. My skin has changed, and I don’t love what I see."

Friend, it is never too late.

It’s never too late to begin caring for your skin in new, thoughtful ways or to walk into a space where you’re heard and cared for without judgment.

See us. We’ll meet you where you are. Whether you want to explore treatments or need guidance on your skincare routine, we’re here with expertise, compassion, and zero pressure.

Conclusion: Aging Is Inevitable. Withering Is Optional.

Let’s be real—none of us is staying 29 forever. But aging doesn’t have to mean shrinking, hiding, or accepting discomfort.

Menopause isn’t an ending. It’s a portal.

It invites you to reevaluate, rediscover, and reclaim. And yes, that includes your skin.

So, if your reflection feels unfamiliar, don’t despair. Find your new glow. Let us walk alongside you.

Because at Bonsai, we’re not just treating fine lines.

We’re helping women rise into their next season—with grace, confidence, and radiance.

Educate. Empower. Transform.

That’s not just our mission.

That’s my promise to you.

👉 Book an appointment here.

With love and expertise,

Dr. Tomi Mitchell