Is This Perimenopause? Your Skin May Know Before You Do

By Dr. Chelsea Fidai

When perimenopause begins, you may think that symptoms like hot flashes, changes in your mood, or irregular periods will let you know. But your body may already be alerting you to hormonal changes through your skin way before you experience any of those other symptoms. If you notice your skin looks duller, drier, or just different, it may not be your skincare routine. 

More noticeable fine lines and a lack of “glow” could be a sign that you’re experiencing perimenopause. 

At The Center for Laser and Skin Surgery in Hermosa Beach, CA, we want to provide our patients with effective and personalized skin care treatment options. Educating people about the signs and symptoms to watch for in perimenopause is one way we can help you find the care you need.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a transitional phase that the body undergoes that leads up to menopause. Women typically experience perimenopause in their early 40s, but some may experience it during their late 30s. During this phase, the body gradually produces less of the hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This causes fluctuations in hormone levels that can cause symptoms like:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Irritability

How Hormones Affect the Skin

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, radiant skin. It stimulates the production of structural proteins like collagen and elastin in the skin, which are essential for providing the skin with strength, elasticity, and thickness. Estrogen also supports the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, which your skin needs to maintain moisture and stay hydrated. During perimenopause, the body also produces less progesterone and lipids, which can make the skin more sensitive and fragile. Some of the most common skin issues that perimenopause can cause include:

• Increased skin dryness
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Fine lines
• Wrinkle
• Thinner skin
• Dull-looking skin
• Uneven skin tone
• Increased sensitivity and chance of irritation

Why Perimenopausal Skin Changes Feel So Personal

For many women, the skin changes caused by perimenopause can hit so much harder because they may already be going through other life changes as they age. Waking up only to feel like the person staring back at you in the mirror looks older, more fatigued, or just less vibrant is tough. What is even more frustrating is that you may feel like you are doing everything right with your skincare routine, only to experience these changes. 

If you are struggling with your skin’s appearance, our team at The Center for Laser and Skin Surgery in Hermosa Beach, CA, can help. We offer a variety of skin treatments that can address issues caused by collagen and hyaluronic acid loss and restore your skin’s natural beauty.

Effective Treatment Options

When it comes to effectively treating your skin, the first step is understanding the underlying causes so they can be addressed. Thanks to advancements in aesthetic medicine, our team can now effectively treat hormonal skin changes for better overall results.

Topical Estrogen for Aging Skin

Topical estrogen treatments have gained significant attention, resulting in more effective and safer serums and creams that address hormonal aging skin. The increase in estrogen helps to:

• Improve collagen production for stronger and thicker skin
• Increase hyaluronic acid levels for better moisture retention
• Restore skin elasticity for more resilient skin

These products come in a variety of formulations that may contain different estrogenic compounds. Some products are milder than others, while others may require medical supervision. Some common compounds include:

• Estradiol: primarily used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help relieve symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
• Estriol: Commonly used to treat vaginal health issues. Estriol can be found in some face creams for collagen stimulation.
• Phytoestrogens: Derived from natural ingredients like soy and flaxseed, phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors and can help boost collagen and improve hydration.
• Methylestradiol Propanoate (MEP): a type of synthetic estrogen specifically developed for use in cosmetic skincare.

Sculptra

Sculptra is an injectable treatment that stimulates collagen production in the skin. Unlike other fillers that add volume right away, Sculptra treats your skin at a foundational level to provide additional structure and strength for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a great option for treating a variety of hormonal skin changes. Concentrated beams of light penetrate the layers of skin to boost collagen production, improving the skin’s strength and elasticity. At the same time, damaged skin and other issues are removed from the surface, revealing healthy, glowing, radiant new skin. A great option for treating:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Dull skin

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM)

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) is a unique but effective procedure that uses growth factors and platelets derived from your own blood to stimulate collagen production and trigger your skin’s natural healing response. Blood is drawn and then separated into its different components using a centrifuge, and then processed into PRFM, which can be injected into the skin to:

• Soften fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improve skin elasticity
• Reduce acne scars
• Enhance skin tone and texture

Listen To Your Skin. Schedule a Consultation Today

To learn more about your options for treating perimenopause-related skin issues, contact The Center for Laser and Skin Surgery today to schedule a consultation at our Hermosa Beach, CA, office. Dr. Chelsea Fidai is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic surgeon who specializes in laser and cosmetic surgery. She can provide you with the personalized skincare you need.