Perimenopause: what are the effects on the skin?

Perimenopause is a period of hormonal transition that precedes menopause. It can begin several years before the final cessation of periods and is accompanied by significant hormonal fluctuations, notably a progressive decrease in estrogen. These variations have direct consequences on the skin. Dryness, loss of firmness, increased sensitivity, more pronounced wrinkles, as well as the appearance or return of blemishes: the skin changes and may present needs that sometimes seem contradictory.

Estrogen and progesterone levels become erratic, leading to the onset of perimenopause symptoms: irregular and/or heavy periods, hot flashes, night sweats, genitourinary disorders (vulvovaginal dryness, urinary tract infections), a feeling of fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, or even a sense of brain fog.

Menopause: a taboo to demystify for women's health

To understand these transformations, we must return to their origin: hormones play a major role in skin function.

Why does perimenopause change the skin?

Estrogens do not just regulate the female cycle. They also intervene in numerous skin mechanisms. The skin has estrogen receptors, which are particularly present in the face. These hormones contribute in particular to the maintenance of collagen, elasticity, hydration, and barrier function. As menopause approaches, their progressive decrease disrupts this balance.

“The drop in estrogen levels has a major impact on the skin. Estrogen receptors are found throughout the skin, with a maximum density on the face.”
Dr. Sylvie Peres, dermatologist and co-founder of Alaena

What are the symptoms of perimenopause on the skin?

Drier and more uncomfortable skin

The drop in estrogen gradually affects barrier function and increases transepidermal water loss. The skin retains its hydration less effectively and can become drier, more sensitive, and prone to tightness. At this stage, the goal is to support the barrier function.

The Alaena Sensitive Skin Moisturizer is particularly suitable when the skin becomes more reactive and uncomfortable. When loss of firmness and signs of aging become more prominent, the Alaena Anti-Aging Moisturizer combines hydration with addressing the needs of mature skin.

A progressive loss of firmness

Estrogens also play a role in maintaining the fibrillar matrix of the dermis, particularly collagen and elastin. When their concentration decreases, the skin's support structure changes. After menopause, this phenomenon accelerates with a significant loss of collagen over the first few years.

Visually, the skin may appear thinner, less firm, and less elastic. Wrinkles become more marked and facial contours change. This is when the routine can incorporate treatments that target these mechanisms more, while maintaining a sufficient level of hydration.

The Alaena Longevity Complex integrates into this comprehensive approach to skin aging, complementing a suitable cosmetic routine.

Why can one have breakouts during perimenopause?

This is one of the most confusing phenomena: the skin can become drier while still developing blemishes. The explanation is hormonal because as estrogens decrease, androgens become proportionally more present. This is called relative hyperandrogenism. Since androgens can stimulate sebaceous glands and sebum production, this hormonal imbalance can promote the appearance or reappearance of blemishes.

Some women who experienced acne when younger may thus see a recurrence as menopause approaches. Unlike adolescent acne, these blemishes are frequently concentrated on the lower face: chin, around the mouth, and sometimes the neck.

How can one have dry skin and blemishes at the same time?

Because skin dryness and sebum production are two distinct phenomena.

With perimenopause, the barrier function can be impaired and the skin can lose more water. At the same time, the new balance between estrogens and androgens can promote sebaceous gland activity. The same skin can therefore present dry areas, discomfort, or increased sensitivity while developing comedones or inflammatory lesions. This specific trait completely changes how to treat blemishes. Classic anti-acne routines are often designed for adolescent skin, which is oilier and thicker. On adult skin that has become more fragile, an approach that is too harsh can accentuate dryness and irritation.

Which Alaena routine should be adopted during perimenopause?

During this period, the goal is twofold: preserve the barrier function and take targeted action on the observed changes.

Step 1: Cleanse without stripping

In the evening, Dr. Sylvie Peres recommends a gentle double cleanse.

The Alaena Cleansing Oil constitutes the first step to remove makeup, sunscreens, and lipophilic impurities without harshness to the skin.

It can be followed by the Dermatological Soap, cold-saponified and essential oil-free, to finalize the cleansing.

Conversely, repeated cleansing and overly frequent mechanical exfoliation should be avoided when the skin becomes dry or sensitive.

Step 2: Treat blemishes without drying

When hormonal blemishes appear, the priority is to target them without further weakening the skin barrier.

The Alaena Anti-Blemish Solution, formulated by Dr. Sylvie Peres, contains plant-derived bio-retinoids. It allows for the integration of targeted action on blemishes into a routine designed for adult skin.

This approach is particularly relevant during perimenopause: it is no longer about systematically trying to suppress sebum, but rather about treating the blemish while preserving skin balance and stimulating regeneration.

Step 3: Support skin renewal

With age, keratinocyte renewal slows down and the skin can progressively lose radiance and uniformity.

The Alaena Fruit Acid Peel allows for the integration of chemical exfoliation into the routine. Fruit acids promote the elimination of dead cells on the surface and contribute to improving skin texture.

The frequency of use must nevertheless always be adapted to the skin's tolerance, particularly when it becomes more sensitive.

Step 4: Hydrate according to the skin's condition

Hydration becomes central when the decrease in estrogen gradually weakens the barrier function.

For skin that has become sensitive, dry, or uncomfortable, prefer the Alaena Sensitive Skin Moisturizer.

When signs of skin aging become more present, the Alaena Anti-Aging Moisturizer allows you to adapt the routine to the needs of mature skin.

The goal is not to choose your cream solely according to your age, but according to the actual physiological state of the skin.

Step 5: Also act on the foundation

The skin changes of perimenopause are not limited to the surface of the skin.

It is with this logic that the Alaena Longevity Complex can complement the cosmetic routine. It is part of a more comprehensive management of mechanisms associated with aging. While it strengthens the skin as a whole, it also has a beneficial action on joints and brain functions. Its powerful antioxidants maintain mitochondria and cellular repair functions.

In the presence of blemishes, the Alaena Anti-Blemish Dietary Supplement provides zinc in particular and has been formulated to complement the cosmetic management of blemish-prone skin.

The Fruit Acid Peel can be integrated occasionally depending on skin tolerance.

Perimenopause: observe your skin rather than your age

There is no single "perimenopausal skin."

For some women, dryness dominates. For others, it is blemishes, sensitivity, loss of firmness, or changes in texture that become more visible. Several of these manifestations can also coexist.

This is why Dr. Sylvie Peres favors an individualized approach: understanding the mechanisms behind skin changes to provide the skin with what it truly needs.

In the case of persistent inflammatory acne, deep or painful lesions, scarring, or significant skin changes, a dermatological consultation allows for a precise diagnosis and adaptation of care.

Perimenopause therefore does not necessarily call for a more complex routine. Above all, it requires a more precise routine, capable of simultaneously supporting barrier function, skin renewal, signs of aging, and, when they appear, blemishes.