Spring isn't just about flowers and warmer weather; it's also the perfect time to update your skincare routine for the hormonal changes happening in your body. If your skin has been acting differently during menopause, you're not alone. A spring skincare refresh might be exactly what you need.
Why Spring Skincare Matters During Menopause
Understanding Hormonal Skin Changes
When estrogen levels drop during menopause, your skin changes too. Research shows that reduced estrogen leads to decreased collagen, reduced elasticity, and increased dryness (Kamp et al., 2022). Menopause also affects the skin’s natural oils and barrier lipids, making moisture harder to retain.
During this time, your skin becomes more prone to:
- Breakouts and hormonal acne
- Sun damage and faster ageing
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps for Spring
Lighter Hydration
As the weather warms up, it’s time to swap heavy winter moisturisers for lighter formulas that still support hydration. Spring essentials include:
- Hyaluronic acid serums for lightweight moisture
- Niacinamide to reduce redness and strengthen the skin barrier
- Ceramides to reinforce and repair the skin’s natural barrier
Botanical Boosters
Plant extracts are particularly beneficial for mature skin, providing antioxidant protection, hydration, and calming effects.
- Green tea extract: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Soy extract: Shown to improve hyperpigmentation and offer antioxidant support for post-menopausal skin (Michalak et al., 2023)
- Chamomile and aloe vera: Gentle botanicals that soothe irritation
Sun Protection for Sensitive Skin
Why It’s Critical Now
During menopause, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage due to reduced natural protection. Up to 90% of early ageing signs such as fine lines, age spots, and uneven tone are caused by sun exposure (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.).
Spring Sun Safety
Choose your sunscreen carefully:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for sensitive skin
- Tinted formulas to protect against visible light
- Fragrance-free options for irritation-prone skin
How to apply:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors
- Don’t forget neck, chest, and hands
- Seek shade between 10am–3pm
Addressing Spring Breakouts
Why Hormonal Acne Appears
Menopausal acne occurs when declining estrogen leaves testosterone relatively higher, leading to increased oil production and inflammation. Breakouts tend to be deeper and more painful, typically appearing around the jawline, chin, and mouth (Khunger & Mehrotra, 2019).
Gentle Treatment Approach
Mature skin needs a gentler strategy:
Cleansing:
Use a mild cleanser with up to 2% salicylic acid to reduce oil and unclog pores without over-drying.
Treatments:
- Azelaic acid (15–20%) for inflammation and uneven texture
- Retinol (start gradually) for cell turnover
- Spot treatments for isolated blemishes
Hydration:
Choose non-comedogenic moisturisers to maintain your skin barrier.
What to Avoid
- Harsh scrubs or over-exfoliating
- Washing excessively (1–2 times daily is enough)
- Heavy or pore-clogging products
Building Your Spring Routine
Morning Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid)
- Antioxidant treatment (vitamin C or plant extract)
- Ceramide-based moisturiser
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Evening Routine
- Gentle cleanser or micellar water
- Treatment serum (retinol or azelaic acid, 2–3 nights a week)
- Hydrating essence with botanicals
- Richer night moisturiser for repair
Making It Personal
Listen to Your Skin
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to hormonal changes.
- For sensitivity: Choose fragrance-free and barrier-strengthening ingredients.
- For breakouts: Introduce actives slowly and avoid mixing too many at once.
- For dryness: Layer hydrating products and consider adding facial oil.
- For sun sensitivity: Use mineral sunscreen daily and reapply consistently.
Lifestyle Support
- Diet: Prioritise antioxidants and omega-3s; limit sugar and processed foods.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain moisture balance.
- Stress: Practice relaxation techniques, stress can worsen sensitivity and breakouts.
- Sleep: Skin repairs itself at night, so aim for consistent, restful sleep.
Conclusion
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine and support your skin through the changes brought by menopause. By switching to lighter textures, incorporating botanicals, prioritising sun protection, and treating breakouts gently, you can help your skin stay healthy, calm, and radiant. Stick with your routine, observe how your skin responds, and adjust as needed through your menopause journey.
How Emsee Can Help
Managing skin changes during menopause is easier with expert help designed for you.
Want support on your menopause journey? Book a consultation with one of our experienced healthcare providers today. The first consultation with a doctor is gap-free and bulk-billed, which means no out of pocket cost to you. Choose a time that suits you via our booking portal here or call 1300 412 422 to speak to a member of our team.
Alternatively, answer a few questions about your health and lifestyle to get a free assessment report on your situation and discover if Emsee is the perfect match for you.
References
- Kamp, E., Ashraf, M., Musbahi, E., & DeGiovanni, C. (2022). Menopause, skin and common dermatoses. Part 2: skin disorders. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 47(12), 2117–2122.
- Kendall, A. C., Pilkington, S. M., Wray, J. R., Newton, V. L., Griffiths, C. E. M., Bell, M., Watson, R. E. B., & Nicolaou, A. (2022). Menopause induces changes to the stratum corneum ceramide profile which are prevented by hormone replacement therapy. Scientific Reports, 12, 21633.
- Michalak, M. (2023). Plant extracts as skin care and therapeutic agents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(20), 15444.
- Stallings, A. F., & Lupo, M. P. (2009). Practical uses of botanicals in skin care. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 8(12), 1114–1120.
- Khunger, N., & Mehrotra, K. (2019). Menopausal acne – Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Women’s Health, 11, 555–567.
- Guan, L. L., Lim, H. W., & Mohammad, T. F. (2021). Sunscreens and photoaging: A review of current literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 22(6), 819–828.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.