LOOK WELL • SKIN

Skin suddenly feels different?
Make the routine gentler, not louder.

LAST REVIEWED: 2026-10-25 • By the LatelyWell editorial team • How we write & review

Around menopause, many women find that the products they have used for years suddenly sting, dry them out or stop working. The answer is rarely a ten-step routine. Here is a simple, evidence-based approach built around gentle cleansing, moisturising and daily sun protection, with guidance on adding extras safely.

What changes, and why your old routine may stop working

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes several skin changes around menopause:

• Dryness. Skin loses some of its ability to hold water.
• Thinning. As oestrogen falls, skin becomes thinner and bruises more easily.
• Sun damage showing up. Age spots and larger areas of darker skin can appear on the face, hands, neck, arms and chest, and skin cancer becomes more common with age.
• Hair changes, such as unwanted hair on the chin or upper lip and thinner hair on the scalp.

The NHS also lists dry and itchy skin among the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Put together, this means skin that used to cope with foaming cleansers, strong exfoliants and lots of layered products may now feel tight, red or irritated. For body skin and itching, see our separate guide to dry skin around menopause.

The core routine: three steps

1. Cleanse gently

The AAD recommends washing with a mild cleanser instead of soap, as soap can be too drying for mature skin. In practice:

• Use lukewarm water rather than hot.
• Choose a non-foaming or low-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Many people with dry skin only need a gentle cleanse once a day, usually in the evening to remove sunscreen and makeup, with just water in the morning. Do what feels comfortable for your skin.
• Pat dry rather than rubbing.

2. Moisturise

Apply moisturiser after washing and whenever skin feels dry. The AAD notes that moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin can be especially helpful in menopause. For very dry skin, the AAD's dry-skin guidance suggests creams or ointments rather than lotions, and fragrance-free products. Apply moisturiser while skin is still slightly damp to help hold in water.

You may want a lighter moisturiser in the morning, under sunscreen and makeup, and a richer one at night.

3. Protect from the sun, every day

Daily sun protection is the single most useful step for skin that is ageing. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all skin that clothing does not cover, every day, including in winter. It says sunscreen cannot thicken skin but can help prevent further thinning, and can help fade age spots, prevent new ones and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Sun advice differs a little between countries:

• UK: the NHS recommends sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection, and spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest.
• Australia: Cancer Council Australia recommends using several forms of protection together, such as clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses as well as sunscreen, and checking the daily UV index.
• US: the AAD recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, plus shade and protective clothing.

Apply enough sunscreen, and reapply when you are outdoors for long periods, after swimming or sweating, as the label directs.

Adding extras safely

Once the basics feel comfortable, you might want to add something for a specific concern. A few rules keep this safe:

• One new product at a time. Wait a couple of weeks before adding anything else, so you know what caused any reaction.
• Patch test a new product on a small area first.
• Start low and slow with anything strong, using it a few times a week at first.
• Be cautious with exfoliation. The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist before trying exfoliation or microdermabrasion, because thinner skin can be harmed by doing these at home.
• Ask about retinoids. The AAD says a retinoid cream can help some people with thinning skin, and a dermatologist can advise whether it suits you. Prescription-strength products and some over-the-counter ones can be irritating at first.
• Stop if skin stings, burns or stays red. Go back to the basic routine and let skin settle.

Dark spots: get them checked first

It is tempting to buy a product to fade age spots. The AAD advises seeing a dermatologist for a skin exam before treating dark spots, because skin cancer can sometimes look like an age spot, and fading it could delay diagnosis. Ask how often to check your own skin, and look out for any mole or spot that is new, changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding or not healing.

Facial hair

Unwanted hair on the chin, jawline or upper lip is common as hormone levels change. The AAD notes that waxing may become less suitable if skin gets too thin, as it can tear, and suggests a dermatologist can advise on options such as laser hair removal or prescription creams. Sudden or rapidly increasing hair growth, especially with other new symptoms, is worth mentioning to a doctor.

Redness and flushing

Hot flushes can make the face red and warm for a few minutes. Persistent redness, visible blood vessels or spots on the cheeks, nose and forehead may instead be rosacea, a long-term condition that the NHS says is more common in women. Rosacea has specific treatments, so it is worth getting a diagnosis. Our guide to hot flushes and night sweats covers flushes in more detail.

Makeup that works with drier skin

If foundation suddenly looks patchy or settles into lines, try moisturising first and letting it sink in, using thinner layers, and choosing hydrating or cream formulas. Remove makeup gently every evening. This is about comfort, not hiding your age.

Lifestyle and skin

General health habits support skin as well as everything else. NHS advice on menopause encourages not smoking, keeping alcohol within recommended limits, regular exercise and a balanced diet. Sleep matters too; see our guide to a better sleep environment.

A sample routine

• Morning: rinse with water or a gentle cleanser → light moisturiser → broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
• Evening: gentle cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup → richer moisturiser, applied to slightly damp skin.
• Optional, one at a time: a product for a specific concern, agreed with a pharmacist or dermatologist if you are unsure.

When to see a professional

Talk to a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist if:

• Your skin stays red, sore, itchy or flaky despite a gentle routine.
• You have a new rash, or itching all over your body.
• You notice a new, changing or unusual mole or spot.
• You suspect rosacea, eczema or another skin condition.
• Hair growth on your face or body changes quickly.

If skin changes are part of a wider set of menopause symptoms, mention them when you discuss treatment. Our guide on preparing for a menopause appointment can help.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best skincare routine for menopausal skin?

A simple one: a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a moisturiser applied while skin is slightly damp, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Add other products one at a time, only if you have a specific reason.

Should I stop using retinol during menopause?

Not necessarily. Some people with thinning skin benefit from a retinoid, according to the AAD, but skin may be more sensitive than before. Use it less often, apply moisturiser, and ask a pharmacist or dermatologist if your skin reacts.

Do I need special "menopause" skincare products?

No. Products marketed for menopause can be fine, but the ingredients that help, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and sunscreen filters, are in many ordinary products. Fragrance-free and gentle matter more than the label.

Is it ever too late to start wearing sunscreen?

No. The AAD says daily sunscreen can help prevent further skin thinning, help fade age spots and reduce your risk of skin cancer, whatever your age.

Where to find reliable information

If you want to read further, these organisations publish free, evidence-based information for the public:

• UK: the NHS menopause pages, the NICE menopause guideline and the Women's Health Concern factsheets from the British Menopause Society.
• US: The Menopause Society, ACOG and the National Institute on Aging.
• Australia: Jean Hailes for Women's Health and the Australasian Menopause Society.

Guidance differs a little between countries, and treatment names and availability vary, so check what applies where you live and talk to a clinician about your own situation.

The bottom line

Menopausal skin usually does better with less, not more. Cleanse gently, moisturise well and protect from the sun every day. Add extras slowly and stop if your skin complains. Get any new or changing spots checked, because they matter more than any cream.

Educational information only; not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek professional care for symptoms that are severe, persistent, worsening or concerning.