Perimenopause & Skin: What’s Really Happening and How to Support It Naturally

Marion Christian
Jun 25
2 min read

✨ As your body shifts, so does your skin.

Perimenopause is a natural and powerful transition — and while it’s a time of emotional and hormonal change, it can also leave your skin feeling unfamiliar.

Dryness where you once had glow. Sensitivity where you once felt smooth. A sudden lack of balance. These shifts are common, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating.

The good news? You don’t have to fight your skin — you can support it, gently and naturally.

Let’s explore what’s happening beneath the surface, and how you can care for your skin in a way that honours this beautiful stage of life.

💫 What Happens to Skin During Perimenopause?

As hormone levels, particularly estrogen, begin to fluctuate, you may notice changes such as:

Dryness or dehydration Estrogen helps maintain hydration and collagen production. As it declines, the skin may feel tight, flaky, or dull.
Increased sensitivity or redness Your skin barrier can weaken, making it more reactive to products or environmental stressors.
Loss of elasticity & fine lines Collagen production decreases, leading to sagging, craping , or the emergence of lines.
Uneven tone or hyperpigmentation Hormonal fluctuations may trigger pigmentation or make existing spots more pronounced.
Oil imbalance or breakouts Skin may swing between dry and oily as hormone levels shift.

🌿 How to Support Your Skin – Naturally

You don’t need synthetic actives or harsh treatments. Thoughtfully chosen natural ingredients can help your skin feel nourished, strong, and radiant again.

1. Hydrate & Repair the Skin Barrier

Look for plant oils and butters that mimic your skin’s natural sebum and help prevent water loss.✨ We love: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Squalane.

2. Boost Collagen, Gently

Nature provides powerful collagen allies without irritation.✨ We love: Collagen Peptides (bioavailable and skin-friendly), Kangaroo Paw Flower and Rice Bran Protein.

3. Balance & Calm Sensitive Skin

Choose ingredients that calm inflammation and restore equilibrium.✨ We love: Lemon Myrtle, Lavender, Australian Sandalwood, and Calendula.

4. Brighten & Even Tone Naturally

Support cell turnover and lighten pigmentation with antioxidant-rich botanicals.✨ We love: Natural Vitamin C (like Kakadu Plum) and Retinol plant-based alternatives like Bakuchiol.

5. Adopt a Gentle Ritual

Instead of a 10-step routine, simplify. Choose a few intentional steps:

Cleanse with a creamy, non-stripping cleanser
Apply a botanical-rich serum
Moisturise deeply with a barrier-supporting balm or cream
Strengthen the skin barrier with an oil based elixir

💛 The Ethical Essence Way

At Ethical Essence, we create intentional skincare that understands and respects the changing needs of women’s skin after 40.

From our Creamy Clay Cleanser to our Glow Facial Elixir, every blend is handcrafted to support perimenopausal skin — without disrupting its natural balance.

And because we believe beauty should make a difference, every purchase helps support women in remote communities through fair trade and sustainable sourcing.