Perimenopause Skin Changes: Why Your Skin Is Shifting—and What You Can Do About It

Let’s be honest—perimenopause is a journey all its own. Hormones are fluctuating, emotions may feel like a rollercoaster, and suddenly one day, you glance in the mirror and think, Wait, what happened to my skin? Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

For many women in their late 30s to early 50s, skin changes are among the first signs of perimenopause—long before their periods stop for good. This stage of life brings a lot of surprises, and perimenopausal skin changes are one of the most misunderstood (but totally manageable) shifts we go through.

Let’s explore what’s really happening to your skin during perimenopause, why it’s happening, and the most effective ways to treat it—featuring a few of my favorite products from No. 901 Beauty, a brand specifically created to support hormonal skin.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to decline. It can last for just a few months—or stretch out for 10 years or more. While hot flashes and mood swings tend to steal the spotlight, the effects on your skin can be just as dramatic.

Common Perimenopause Skin Changes and How to Treat Them

1. Dryness and Dehydration

Falling estrogen levels reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leaving your face feeling tight, flaky, or rough.

Try This: An Estriol Cream can help. It supports skin elasticity and hydration while also addressing other symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats—making it a multitasking must-have.

2. Increased Sensitivity

Your skin barrier becomes more fragile, which can cause redness, irritation, or sensitivity to products that never used to bother you.

Try This: Streamline your routine with gentle, soothing products that calm rather than overwhelm.

3. Hormonal Breakouts

Yes, adult acne is a thing. Hormonal fluctuations, especially around estrogen and androgen levels, can increase oil production—often causing breakouts on the chin and jawline.

Try This: The No. 901 Beauty Sulfur Masque is a game changer. Made with sulfur, clay, and glycerin, it detoxifies, dries up blemishes, and supports hormonal skin without stripping it.

4. Loss of Firmness and Elasticity

With declining collagen and elastin production, skin may begin to sag or appear dull.

Try This: Ask your doctor about incorporating Retinol (such as Tretinoin) a few nights a week to help improve firmness and texture.

5. Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Tone

Changing hormones can intensify sun damage, melasma, and age spots.

Try This: The No. 901 Beauty Brightening Vitamin C Serum is a morning must. It fades dark spots and brightens dull skin over time.

Why Your Skincare Routine Needs a Perimenopausal Upgrade

Skin is a hormone-sensitive organ, which means that what worked in your 20s or even early 30s may not cut it anymore. During perimenopause, your skin might feel dry one day and oily the next—requiring more personalized care.

That’s where No. 901 Beauty comes in. Each formula is created with hormone-driven skin in mind, tackling everything from breakouts and dryness to dullness and sensitivity. It’s clean, targeted skincare made for middle-aged women who want results—without the harshness.

Lifestyle Tweaks to Support Glowing Skin

Great skincare is essential—but so are healthy habits. A few lifestyle shifts can make a big difference:

• Hydrate Well: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to plump and hydrate skin.
• Get Enough Sleep: Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Target 7–9 hours nightly.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can increase inflammation and worsen breakouts. Try yoga, deep breathing, or journaling.
• Eat for Skin Health: Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-3s.
• Use Sunscreen Daily: Perimenopausal skin is more prone to sun damage, so SPF is non-negotiable—even on cloudy days.

Glowing Skin Is Possible—At Any Age

Just because your hormones are shifting doesn’t mean your glow has to fade. With the right approach and hormone-conscious skincare like No. 901 Beauty, this stage of life can be one of radiance and confidence.

Remember, you’re not just reacting to changes—you’re taking control of them. Whether you’re battling dryness, dullness, acne, or sensitivity, every product in the No. 901 Beauty lineup is designed to support your skin from the inside out.

Let’s glow through perimenopause, together. Follow @No901Beauty on Instagram for more skincare tips for women in their 40s and beyond.

Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.  

Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.