For many women, the first signs of perimenopause begin with subtle changes that seem to come out of nowhere. Maybe you're waking up more tired than usual. Your workouts don't feel the same. Your metabolism seems to have shifted. Especially, you've noticed your skin feels drier, looks less radiant or isn't responding to your favorite skincare products the way it once did. These changes are common, and they're connected.

As hormones fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, they affect nearly every system in the body and your skin.

Together with wellness expert Dr. Lindy Winkelbauer, we're taking a closer look at five common changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause, while sharing skincare tips and ingredients that can help support your skin through the transition.

Dr. Lindy Winkelbauer states:

"As estrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, collagen production drops sharply — some research suggests up to 30% in the first five years alone — leading to thinner, drier, less resilient skin that's more prone to fine lines and sagging. Estrogen also supports the skin's ability to retain moisture and maintain its barrier, so that decline often shows up as persistent dryness and dullness, even with the same skincare routine that used to work."

1. Hormones Change

Hormonal fluctuations are at the center of perimenopause. As estrogen levels begin to decline, they influence everything from mood and sleep to your skin's ability to stay hydrated and produce collagen. During menopause, estrogen levels decline even further.

What This Means for Your Skin: 

Estrogen helps maintain collagen production, skin elasticity, moisture retention and barrier function. When those levels decline (and quickly during menopause), skin may feel thinner, much more dry and less resilient.

The product we recommend: 15% Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C supports healthy collagen production while providing antioxidant protection to help defend against environmental stressors.  With daily use, the skin will appear brighter and firmer while improving the appearance of surface lines, resulting in an overall healthy glow. 

2. Energy Changes

Feeling more fatigued is one of the most common symptoms women report during perimenopause. When your body is under more physical stress and recovering differently, your skin can reflect those changes.

What This Means for Your Skin: 

Periods of fatigue and chronic stress may contribute to a dull complexion, tired-looking skin and slower skin renewal. Supporting your overall wellness helps create the conditions for healthier-looking skin.

3. Sleep Changes

Sleep is one of your skin's most important repair cycles. Interrupted sleep during perimenopause may reduce your skin's ability to recover from daily environmental stressors.

What This Means for Your Skin:

Poor sleep can contribute to dehydration, dullness, more noticeable fine lines and reduced radiance.

The product we recommend: Vitamin B-5 Hydrating Serum

Hydrated skin appears healthier, smoother and more plump. Our Vitamin B-5 Serum helps replenish moisture quickly and supports the skin's natural barrier.

4. Muscle Mass & Metabolism Change

Once estrogen begins to decline, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. While this is often discussed from a wellness perspective, these changes also influence healthy aging.

What This Means for Your Skin:

Healthy aging is about more than skincare alone. Supporting your body through movement, nutrition, hydration and stress management creates the foundation for healthier skin from within. Think of skincare as one piece of a much larger wellness picture.

5. Your Skin May Feel Less Firm

One of the most noticeable changes during perimenopause and menopause is a gradual loss of firmness and elasticity. Especially during menopause, when estrogen levels being to plumet faster, collagen and elastin production naturally slow down. Over time, skin may not feel as plump or resilient as it once did, and areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck can begin to show visible signs of reduced firmness and sagging.

While these changes are a normal part of the aging process, supporting your skin with targeted ingredients can help maintain a smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking complexion.

What This Means for Your Skin

You may notice skin feels less firm or supple, a decrease in elasticity, fine lines appear more pronounced and facial contours don't look as defined as they once did.

The product we recommend:  Stem+Pep Firming Cream

Our Stem+Pep Firming Cream is specifically formulated to support skin experiencing the visible effects of collagen decline. Featuring advanced peptides, botanical stem cell technology and deeply nourishing ingredients, it helps improve the appearance of firmness, smoothness and elasticity. 

TIP: This treatment cream has more of a matte finish, so simply add an additional moisturizer on top for added hydration throughout the day if needed.

Healthy skin starts with understanding the changes

Perimenopause and menopause is a natural stage of life, not something to "fix." By understanding what's changing inside the body, you can make thoughtful choices that support your overall well-being and help your skin adapt with confidence. And, choosing skincare that focuses on hydration, collagen support and barrier health are everyday small habits that contributes to healthier-looking skin.