Hormonal changes begin to show on the skin typically after the age of 40, when progesterone decreases and estrogen begins to fluctuate. Estrogen is one of the skin’s most important wellbeing hormones: it helps maintain moisture, elasticity, connective tissue flexibility, and cellular renewal.

In addition, cortisol levels often rise during menopause, which can increase low-grade inflammation and thereby accelerate skin laxity and heightened sensitivity (inflammageing).

The effects of estrogen extend deep into the skin’s structures. Around 5–10 years before menopause, progesterone levels decrease and estrogen begins to fluctuate. The sharp decline in estrogen production occurs at menopause.

In the skin, estrogen influences:

• The keratinization process
• Ceramide synthesis
• Collagen production
• Levels of hyaluronic acid
• Microcirculation
• Pigment formation
• Sebum production
• Skin renewal
• Immune response

The role of progesterone in the skin

(And why perimenopause often feels most intense on the skin)

Alongside estrogen, progesterone is another key hormone regulating skin wellbeing. Its effects are subtle but highly significant:

• Balances sebum production
• Calms the skin and, via the nervous system, reduces the skin’s stress response
• Reduces swelling and fluid retention
• Supports skin renewal
• Helps maintain tissue fluid balance and skin plumpness

A decrease in estrogen weakens the skin’s protective barrier and its ability to defend against free radical damage. In addition, connective tissues dry out and stiffen, and the skin’s oxygen and nutrient supply, as well as waste removal, becomes less efficient.

How does this show on the skin?

• The skin becomes thinner
• The skin loses elasticity
• Skin tone appears duller
• The skin becomes drier
• Fine lines form more easily

What happens when progesterone declines?

Progesterone begins to decline already during perimenopause, typically between the ages of 35 and 45. This is why many women experience their first skin symptoms well before actual menopause.

A decline in progesterone can cause:

• Increased skin sensitivity
• More redness and reactivity
• Activation of POD (perioral dermatitis) and rosacea
• Hormonal acne and breakouts
• Irregular sebum production
• Puffiness, especially around the eye area
• Uneven skin texture and dullness
• Slower skin renewal and roughness

Because progesterone also affects the nervous system, its decline can make the skin more sensitive to stress. This is especially evident during perimenopause as skin “variability”: one day dry and tight, the next oilier or more congested.

Cortisol and inflammageing during (peri)menopause

During (peri)menopause, cortisol levels typically rise. Elevated cortisol can accelerate so called inflammageing, ageing driven by chronic low-grade inflammation. As a result, the skin becomes laxer, drier, and more easily sensitized.

Yin Your Skin products are designed to support skin well-being from perimenopause to post-menopause:

• Salva Cleansing Balm preserves the skin's protective barrier while deeply cleansing, brightening, and calming the skin.
• Sumu Facial Mist binds the moisture on the skin's surface and provides the skin with abundant antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent glycation.
• Ihme Essence supports ceramide production, normalizes the shedding of dead skin cells, and strengthens the skin's protective barrier. It also deeply hydrates, smooths the skin, prevents pigmentation spots, and brightens the complexion.
• Elo Serum-Cream delivers ceramides to the skin, improves hydration, brightens the skin, smooths fine lines, firms the surface, and provides plenty of antioxidants.
• Aura Facial Elixir contains versatile omega fatty acids that strengthen cell membranes and the skin’s lipid barrier. It delivers abundant antioxidants, soothes inflammation, reduces redness, brightens the skin tone, and renews and smooths the skin.
• Sileä Facial Oil calms inflammation, irritation, and redness. It effectively softens and smooths dry skin while strengthening the skin's protective barrier.

Yin Your Skin is a trusted skincare partner for mature skin.