It’s safe to say that every woman knows what menopause is. It’s the natural process that indicates the end of your menstrual cycle and brings with it quite a few hormonal changes. (Hello, hot flashes!) But what about the awkward stage that precedes it?
If you didn’t know, there’s a transitional period called perimenopause that can occur when a woman’s estrogen levels start to drop. According to Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG and bestselling author of "The Hormone Fix," perimenopause is all the symptomatic ups and downs that precede menopause. “It is a natural process of aging and a decrease in our hormone productions. It can be exacerbated or precipitated by stress, birth control pills, [or] hormone disruption.”
Among other things — like insomnia, brain fog and mood swings — the hormonal stage can also wreak havoc on your skin. Below, we asked Cabeco, aesthetician Amy L. Meier and three board-certified dermatologists, to give us the low-down on how perimenopause can affect the skin as well as products they suggest using to combat the symptoms.
Keep scrolling to find the best expert-recommended skin care products to shop from top brands like Garnier, SkinCeuticals and more — starting at $9.
How does perimenopause affect the skin?
In 25 years of giving facials and training other aestheticians, Meier has met thousands of women. Most have no clue perimenopause could be causing the extreme skin changes they start to experience in their early 30s. “Perimenopause is a fluctuation and changes to our hormone levels as we age,” says Meier. “Many women are unaware this can start in our early to mid 30s. I wish someone would have told me this and talked to me about all the things that can happen!”
According to Cabeca, as our skin produces less collagen and thins out, we can start to develop wrinkles. “Perimenopause really starts with the decline in DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is one of our adrenal hormones associated with longevity, bone strength, breast health, memory/brain health and integrity of our skin and collagen production.”
The hormonal imbalance that comes with perimenopause also causes acne. “As a skin practitioner, [I] tend to see breakouts around the jaw and neckline. They do tend to be cystic and take longer to heal,” explains Meier. She also says that the healing process becomes more difficult as we age, which can include more scarring and post inflammatory spots.
Skin care to use during the perimenopause phase
When it comes to clearing and restoring the skin during perimenopause, Meier looks at the ingredients first before product lines. “Products that contain [vitamins] C and E, ferulic [acid], niacinamide, [and] arbutin can all help with post-inflammatory healing,” she explains.
Meier also recommends using an antioxidant serum during the day and a pigment regulator at night to encourage cell turnover in the skin. “If we think about our pigment skin cells as ‘little squid,’ when they are over stimulated, like an octopus or squid, they ink when they are scared. We want to give them sunglasses during the day (antioxidants) and a chill pill at night (pigment regulators). This will protect against further damage and help repair past damage.”
Of course, much like there are topical treatments that help with skin during menopause, there are also topical treatments that help for skin conditions associated with perimenopause. Below, you’ll find 13 great products that are packed with key ingredients to help heal the skin.
Expert-recommended perimenopausal skincare products
Most budget-friendly: Cliganic Premium Cotton Rounds
- Sturdy
- Very soft
- May be thin
Size: 300 count | Material: Cotton
Sure, you can buy makeup removal wipes, but Meier prefers to buy a big bottle of micellar water and cotton rounds to make her own. It’s easy — and it’s a lot cheaper. Cliganic’s Premium Cotton Rounds are Amazon’s No. 1 bestsellers in Cotton Pads & Rounds and a nearly perfect five-star average rating from more than 49,000 reviews.
Great for most skin types: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
- Gentle on skin
- Easy to apply
- May be greasy
Size: 13.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin
When asked which cleanser is the best for most skin types going through perimenopause, Meier doesn’t hesitate. “I always recommend micellar cleansing water, which is gentle on the skin, removes makeup and doubles as a toner.” Garnier’s SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, one of Shop TODAY’s favorite affordable drugstore products, has a very impressive rating on Amazon from over 49,000 reviews.
Affordable and gentle: Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturizer
- Moisturizing
- Not greasy
- Smooth texture
- Some users say lid may crack
Size: 20.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide
"Moisturizing your body is essential, as the hormonal changes can lead to skin dryness," says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "This gentle formula is suitable for all skin types and is fragrance free so it shouldn’t cause any irritation. I recommend applying this right out of the shower for the best absorption."
Say hello to brighter skin: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%
- Brightens skin
- Smooth on skin
- May be sticky
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide
Meier calls it a must. That’s because niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, helps with the appearance of enlarged pores. It also helps to create a stronger lipid skin barrier, so any moisturizing products you apply get locked in and last longer. For maximum hydration, stock up on Naturium’s niacinamide serum, which also contains hyaluronic acid.
Say goodbye to sun spots: Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2%
- Not greasy
- Helps clear skin
- May cause irritation
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Alpha-arbutin, niacinamide
If your goal is to fade sun spots as fast as possible, Meier recommends picking up a product that contains arbutin. Arbutin is an extract of the bearberry plant and can help to brighten the skin. This Alpha Arbutin Serum has a safe level of 2% arbutin (too much arbutin can be dangerous), and an impressive 70% of Amazon users have given it a perfect five-star review.
Editor favorite: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face
- Brightens skin
- Softens skin
- Reduces dark spots
- No scent
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C
For skin that’s already inflamed, Meier says to lay on the vitamin C. It’s an antioxidant that helps to get rid of unwanted extras like free radicals that can exacerbate inflammation. It’s also helpful in increasing collagen production. This TruSkin vitamin C serum is Amazon’s No. 1 bestseller in Facial Serums and has been tried and loved by Shop TODAY contributors.
Infused with hyaluronic acid: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen
- Very absorbent
- Great for sensitive skin
- Gentle on skin
- Can leave film on skin
Size: 1.69 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane
"Made with zinc oxide, this mineral-based daily SPF 46 sunscreen is formulated with a green tint to neutralize background redness," says Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. "It also contains hyaluronic acid to improve hydration and Cica to calm inflammation."
Helps fight aging: RejuveNaturals 100% Pure & Natural Vitamin E Oil
- Good for dry skin
- May be heavy
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another post-inflammation ingredient Meier recommends. Like vitamin C, it’s a powerful antioxidant. However, it has a thicker consistency and is more effective at fighting signs of aging and sun damage.
“As we age, our skin does not heal as easily and without scarring,” notes Meier. “This means there can be more post inflammatory spots that can make it look worse than it is.” This particular Vitamin E oil claims to be the most potent on Amazon. It works to moisturize the skin and reduce the appearance of scarring.
For firmer skin: Olay Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer
- Feels smooth on skin
- Brightens skin
- May be greasy
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, retinol
"Collagen levels in our skin drop as we age, and hormonal changes in perimenopause can further contribute to this dip," explains Camp. "Lower levels of collagen lead to the formation of fine line, wrinkles, and skin laxity. To address this, retinol and peptides found in this nighttime moisturizer encourage collagen production to improve skin firmness."
Bedtime go-to formula: Obagi Medical Hydrate Facial Moisturizer
- Makes skin soft
- Very moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hydromanil, shea, avocado and mango butter
Meier also suggests using a nighttime moisturizer from Obagi Medical — the celeb-loved Japanese skin care brand. This Obagi Medical moisturizer is packed with skin-loving ingredients like hydromanil, shea butter and avocado, which lock in moisture so your skin doesn’t dry out overnight.
Formulated with vitamin C:Youth to the People 15% Vitamin C + Caffeine Energy Face Serum
- Brightens skin
- Smells good
- May cause irritation
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, -Yerba mate and guayusa extracts, passion and dragon fruit extracts
"Vitamin C, as well as botanicals featured in this serum, protect skin from the effects of free oxygen radicals," states Camp. "Free radicals damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids and proteins, which contributes to premature aging. Vitamin C serums like this one are also popular because they help reduce the appearance of sun spots and blemishes."
Helps get rid of fine lines: SkinCeuticals Retinol Refining Night Cream
- Smooth on skin
- Absorbs easily
- Diminishes fine lines
- May cause redness
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol
Meier swears by nighttime retinol treatments because they speed up cell turnover. In other words, they help shed dead skin that can clog pores. This makes room for new, healthier skin. Meier likes SkinCeuticals’ Retinol Refining Night Cream, and she’s not alone. The majority of reviewers on Dermstore have given this product a five-star rating.
Splurge option: Emepelle Night Cream
- Makes skin feel soft
- Moisturizing
- Pricey for amount of product
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide
Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this moisturizing night cream from Emepelle to help combat perimenopausal skin care changes. “Formulated specifically for estrogen deficient skin, it works to hydrate, smooth and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles using a proprietary ingredient in addition to retinol, niacinamide and peptides,” he explains.
Frequently asked questions
On average, perimenopause can last between four and eight years, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, some women may only experience it for a few months prior to entering menopause.
Yes, it is possible to ovulate during perimenopause, although periods can be irregular due to hormonal changes that are taking place, per the Cleveland Clinic.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best products for perimenopause by enlisting the recommendations of three board-certified dermatologists, a gynecologist and a medical aesthetician. We asked for their expertise so we could share their tried-and-true favorite formulas to help fight skin care changes related to perimenopause.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG, is bestselling author of The Hormone Fix.
- Amy L. Meier is a medical aesthetician.
- Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
