Understanding Pre-Perimenopause: Signs Your Skin is Changing

As women approach their 40s, many start to notice subtle changes in their bodies and skin, signalling the onset of pre-perimenopause. This stage, often overlooked, is a precursor to perimenopause and marks the beginning of hormonal fluctuations that can affect various aspects of health, including the skin.

What is Pre-Perimenopause?

Pre-perimenopause is the phase leading up to perimenopause, where hormonal changes begin to occur, but menstrual cycles are still regular. It typically starts in the late 30s to early 40s, though it can vary widely among women. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate, setting the stage for the more pronounced changes of perimenopause.

Understanding the early signs of pre-perimenopause can help women prepare for the changes ahead and adapt their skincare routines to maintain healthy, radiant skin.

Early Signs of Pre-Perimenopause

Dryness and Dehydration
One of the first signs many women notice is an increase in skin dryness. As estrogen levels begin to decline, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes. This can lead to a dry, rough texture and a dull complexion. Incorporating hydrating products, like face oils and moisturizers rich in hyaluronic acid, can help combat this dryness.

Increased Sensitivity
Hormonal fluctuations can also make the skin more sensitive. Women may experience redness, irritation, or an increased reaction to products they’ve used for years. This heightened sensitivity calls for a gentle skincare routine with soothing ingredients like lavender and calendula extract

Loss of Elasticity and Firmness
Estrogenic is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As its levels begin to drop, women might notice their skin losing its plumpness and becoming more prone to sagging. Incorporating products that boost collagen production, such as those containing vitamin C and retinoids, can help maintain skin firmness.

Breakouts and Acne
It’s not uncommon for women in pre-perimenopause to experience breakouts reminiscent of their teenage years. This is due to hormonal imbalances that increase oil production, leading to clogged pores and acne. A consistent cleansing routine with gentle exfoliation can help manage breakouts. Look for a salicylic acid serum and healing ingredients like calendula extract

Hyperpigmentation and Age Spots
With hormonal changes, some women may see an increase in hyperpigmentation or age spots. These dark patches result from an overproduction of melanin, often exacerbated by sun exposure. Using sunscreen daily and incorporating brightening agents like niacinamide and exfoliating with glycolic acid can help.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As collagen and elastin production decreases, fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent. These early signs of aging are often first noticed around the eyes and mouth. Incorporating anti-aging products, particularly those with peptides and antioxidants, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote smoother skin.

Adapting Your Skincare Routine

Understanding the skin changes that occur during pre-perimenopause allows women to tailor their skincare routines to address specific concerns. Here are some tips for adapting your skincare regimen:

• Hydrate and Moisturize: Use hydrating serums and rich moisturizers to combat dryness and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• Gentle Cleansing: Opt for gentle, non-irritating cleansers to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils (try our Fresh Face Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remover)
• Sun Protection: Always use sunscreen to protect against UV damage and prevent hyperpigmentation.
• Targeted Treatments: Incorporate treatments for specific concerns, such as retinoids for wrinkles, vitamin C for brightening and niacinamide for smoothing.
• Regular Exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation can help manage breakouts and improve skin texture.
• Oils: incorporating a face oil into your daily skin rituals will help really dry skin and prevent TEWL - check out our Radiant Face Oil for smooth, glowing skin 💛

In conclusion

Pre-perimenopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life that brings about subtle yet impactful changes to the skin. By recognizing these early signs and adapting skincare routines accordingly, women can maintain healthy, radiant skin through their 40s and beyond. Embrace these changes as part of your natural journey and prioritize self-care to navigate this transition with confidence and grace.

Lucy (she/her)
Skiin Days founder
xo

Disclaimer
All content within this blog is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Skiin Days is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health