Let’s talk about the P-word… perimenopause (aka the prequel to menopause).
This transition is something many women (and people assigned female at birth) go through, typically starting in your late 30s through to your 50s. And because the convo around it is still stuck in hush-hush mode, many of us have no clue why our skin’s suddenly acting like it’s going through a second puberty.
So we’re here to break it down for you.
The Science-y Bit
Perimenopause is when your oestrogen and progesterone start doing the cha-cha: up, down, all around. These hormonal shifts can affect your skin’s oil production, collagen levels, hydration and barrier function. These changes can look like:
1. Acne
Yep. You thought you broke up with pimples in the 90s, but here they are… back for one last hurrah. Cue: internal screaming.
What’s happening: Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can rev up oil production, clogging pores. A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism mentions that this hormonal seesaw as a big reason perimenopausal breakouts happen.
What to do:
- Switch to a gentle and balancing cleanser that won’t strip the skin and is free from harsh foaming agents.
- Hydrate lightly so your skin doesn’t go “oh no, I’m dry!” and pump out more oil.
Woohoo Recs:
- Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm (cleanses, purifies, balances)
- This Is Me Enzyme Exfoliator (exfoliates, clears, renews)
- Perfectly Happy Light Vitamin C Cream (protects, repairs, light moisturises)
2. Sensitivity — Your Skin’s New Diva Phase
Perimenopausal skin can suddenly become reactive to fragrances, essential oils or ingredients it might have previously loved. Think redness, itchiness and skin that feels so darn tingly.
What’s happening: Lower estrogen and fewer barrier ceramides can lead to more irritants sneaking in. One report found that perimenopausal women lose key ceramides, which leads to water loss and frazzled skin defences.
What to do:
- Strip your routine back to soothing, barrier-repairing basics.
- Avoid potential irritants like strong fragrance or high concentrations of actives (at least until your skin chills out).
Woohoo Recs:
- Over the Moon Rich Repair Cream (restores, softens, deeply hydrates)
- Laugh Out Loud Nourishing Facial Oil (calms, repairs, soothes)
- TLC Intensive Repair Oil (rejuvenates, protects, strengthens)
3. Dryness & Dullness
Collagen and natural oil production slow down, leaving your skin feeling tighter, flakier and looking a bit dull.
What’s happening: Estrogen plays a starring role in helping the skin hold onto hydration. A cross-sectional study of women aged 45–55 found that those with more intense menopausal symptoms had higher skin dryness and transepidermal water loss (aka that thirsty-skin feeling).
What to do:
- Use hydrating toners and mists to drench your skin.
- Follow with oils or richer creams to lock in that goodness.
Woohoo Recs:
- Raindrops Hydrating Face Mist (hydrates, calms, revives)
- Serenity Hyaluronic Body Serum (nourishes, strengthens, replenishes)
- Sweet Dreams Ultra Rich Beauty Cream (smooths, moisturises, restores)
4. Hyperpigmentation
Hormonal changes can send melanin production into overdrive, leading to dark patches or sun spots that weren’t there before.
What’s happening: Perimenopause hormones can amp up melanin production. A study in Science Direct links estrogen and progesterone imbalance to pigmentation flares. Add UV exposure and it's game on for spots.
What to do:
- SPF. Every. Single. Day. Even if you’re mostly indoors or it’s cloudy.
- Pair it with a brightening product to help even tone.
Woohoo Recs:
- FG Serum 01 (hydrates, brightens, smooths)
- Good Vibes Brightening Facial Oil (nourishes, balances, supports barrier lipids)
5. The Emotional Side (Yes, It’s Connected to Skin)
Stress, mood swings and disrupted sleep (all common in perimenopause) can worsen skin issues.
What’s happening: Cortisol (the stress hormone) increases inflammation. This study found that sleepless skin takes longer to heal and fortify barrier function.
What to do:
- Build in relaxing wind-down rituals into your everyday.
- Aromatherapy can help balance mood and stress.
Woohoo Recs:
- Do some light stretching or yoga before bed.
- Sniff something soothing (even if it’s just your cuppa chamomile). While most of our skincare is now essential oil–free to keep things gentle, your wind-down routine can still feel like a mini spa moment.
Perimenopause doesn’t mean your skin’s given up. It just needs a little extra love, patience and barrier-boosting care. Think gentle, hydrating, and protective 🙂 Which is what we do best!
