Menopausal skin changes, from hormonal breakouts to flushing and sensitivity, can be tough to navigate. As oestrogen levels drop, the natural lipids in skin decrease, which can lead to drier, more easily irritated skin. That’s why it’s important to reassess your skincare routine. We asked consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible, Dr Anjali Mahto, for her expertise on tackling changing skin.

Look at your individual needs
“With skincare routines, it’s very important we adjust to life changes and don’t just stick to the same habits that we’ve had during the course of our life. Looking at your individual needs is incredibly important – make sure your skincare routine is optimised and that it provides enough hydration.”

Keep your serum in the fridge
“One of the most common complaints menopausal women have are hot flushes and skin with visible redness that appears more sensitive. Tackling that can be difficult, so one quick tip is keeping your serum in the fridge so that when you have a hot flush, you’ve got something cooling to apply to the skin.”

Tackling hormonal breakouts
“The second common thing I see is a breakout of spots for the first time. If you’re getting breakouts, it’s important to use products that are non-comedogenic and won’t block pores or cause breakouts.”

Pick your products wisely
“If redness and sensitivity are an issue, make sure your products are going to support – rather than disrupt – the skin barrier. You may want to reduce the number of layers you’re applying to your skin. Make smarter choices about products that will hydrate and nourish your skin without using products that cause irritation.”

Keep it simple
“In the morning, use a gentle cleanser, a hyaluronic acid-based serum and a moisturiser. At night, cleanse the skin thoroughly, then once again follow with a nourishing hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day is a vital part of making sure your skin stays resilient. It’ll also help prevent signs of premature skin ageing.”

Ease any tension
“Facial massage can be a really good way of helping to de-stress. A lot of us naturally carry tension around the masseter muscles (the muscles around the jaw) and temples. When you’re applying skincare, take the time to really ease out the tension in your face. This creates a little bit of relaxation and makes your self-care routine more fun.”