Skincare

Let me say this upfront—this isn’t just something I treat in my clinic.

It’s something I’m living through.

At 45, my own skin has started changing in ways that no amount of “drink more water” advice could fix. And if you’re reading this thinking, “What is happening to my face?”—you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not imagining it.

This is perimenopause. And your skin is one of the first places it shows up.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, where hormone levels—especially oestrogen—start fluctuating and declining.

Oestrogen is not just a reproductive hormone. It plays a critical role in skin function, including:

Collagen production

Skin thickness

Hydration levels

Elasticity

Barrier repair

Here’s the part most people don’t know:

Studies show that up to 30% of collagen is lost in the first 5 years after menopause, followed by an ongoing decline of about 2% per year.

That’s not a “bad skincare routine.” That’s a biological shift.

1. Dryness (That No Moisturiser Seems to Fix)

Oestrogen decline reduces oil production and weakens the skin barrier.

Result:

Tight, uncomfortable skin

Increased sensitivity

Products that used to work… suddenly don’t

2. Loss of Firmness & “That Slight Drop”

Collagen and elastin production slow down significantly.

Result:

Skin feels thinner

Jawline softens

Lines linger longer

3. Dullness & Loss of Glow

Cell turnover slows with age and hormonal changes.

Result:

Skin looks tired

Uneven texture

That “flat” appearance

4. Pigmentation Appearing Out of Nowhere

Hormones + cumulative sun exposure = visible damage.

Result:

Dark patches

Uneven tone

Sunspots becoming more prominent

5. Breakouts… At This Age?

Hormonal imbalance (relative androgen dominance) can trigger acne.

Result:

Jawline breakouts

Congestion

Skin confusion (dry and breaking out)

At my clinic, and on my own skin, I’ve had to shift from “active, aggressive skincare”… to intentional, strategic skincare.

1. Repair the Skin Barrier First (This Is Non-Negotiable)

If your barrier is compromised, everything else backfires.

Focus on:

Ceramides

Lipids

Gentle cleansing

Barrier-repair moisturisers

At Bella Essenza, this is often where we start—because without it, even the best treatments won’t deliver results.

2. Stimulate Collagen—But Smartly

This is not the time for over-exfoliation or harsh routines.

Instead:

Vitamin A (retinoids)

Peptides

Controlled resurfacing treatments

Clinic treatments we prioritise:

Signature rejuvenating peels

LHA peel (especially for problematic + pigmented skin)

Skin remodeling treatments

Consistency > intensity. Every time.

3. Hydration Needs to Be Layered

Not just a moisturiser.

Think:

Hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid)

Followed by barrier-sealing creams

This is one of the biggest shifts I’ve personally had to make.

4. Treat Pigmentation With Precision

Random product hopping won’t fix pigmentation.

Instead:

Vitamin C (daily antioxidant protection)

Niacinamide

Targeted exfoliation

Professional peels

And yes—SPF every single day. No exceptions.

5. Support Your Skin From Within

What you do internally now matters more than ever.

Adequate protein intake

Omega-3 fatty acids – avoid Omega 6 and 9

Antioxidants

Hydrolysed collagen (evidence supports improvements in elasticity and hydration over time, though results vary)

I used to believe that if you just used the “right” products, your skin would behave.

Now I know better.

Your skin evolves—and your strategy has to evolve with it.

What I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is this:

You don’t need more products.

You need the right approach for this phase of life.

Perimenopausal and menopausal skin isn’t “problem skin.”

It’s changing skin.

And when you understand what’s happening underneath, you stop fighting it—and start working with it.

That’s where real results begin.

If you’re unsure where to start, this is exactly what we assess at Bella Essenza Skin Clinic—your skin, your stage, and what will actually work for you now.