Ageing skin isn’t just about time passing, it’s about a quiet biological takeover happening beneath the surface. Long before deep lines appear or firmness fades, hormones such as oestrogen progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA begin, to shift, slow, and withdraw, subtly rewriting how skin functions, repairs, and protects itself. This silent hormonal change causes skin to ‘slow down’ and cell turnover declines whilst collagen production, hydration levels, pigmentation control, and barrier strength are altered transforming skin from resilient and plump to thinner, drier, and more vulnerable. Often unnoticed until the effects are visible, hormonal ageing - particularly through menopause - is the unseen force driving many of the changes we associate with getting older. Understanding this shift is key to understanding the skin itself.

What are the structural changes driven by hormonal decline?

Cell turnover declines

One of the earliest and most impactful changes in ageing and menopausal skin is the decline in cell turnover. In youthful skin, new cells are produced rapidly and pushed to the surface, where eventually they are shed efficiently. This renewal cycle keeps the complexion smooth, bright, and resilient. As hormone levels (particularly oestrogen) fall, this process slows dramatically.

·        Dead skin cells linger on the surface, creating a thickened, uneven layer that dulls radiance.

·        Fresh cells take longer to form, meaning repair is delayed, texture becomes rougher, and fine lines appear deeper.

·        The skin starts to look tired, flat, and lacklustre.

Reduced Fibroblast Activity

Fibroblasts are specialised cells within the dermis responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. With hormonal decline:

  • Fibroblasts become less active.
  • Collagen and elastin production decreases
  • The skin’s support structure weakens.

Collagen Loss

Collagen types I and III are essential for skin strength, firmness, and resilience. In healthy skin, they’re both present. Think of Type I as the ‘steel rods and Type III as the ‘springs’ in the skin’s framework. Young skin has higher Type III relative to Type I: and as skin ages, the proportion shifts, and overall collagen declines. Within the first five years of menopause, skin can lose up to 30% of its collagen.

  • Reduced collagen leads to wrinkle formation and deepening of existing lines.
  • The skin becomes thinner and more fragile.
  • Loss of structural support causes sagging and loss of definition
  • Skin becomes less resistant to external aggressors such as pollution, UV exposure, and temperature changes.

This weakening of the dermal matrix often results in skin that appears tired, dull, and less vibrant.

Loss of Hyaluronic Acid & Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is responsible for retaining moisture within the skin.

  • Hormonal ageing significantly reduces natural hyaluronic acid levels.
  • The skin loses its ability to hold water effectively.
  • Dehydration causes skin to appear flat, tight, and rough.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles become more visible due to lack of plumpness.

Sebum Reduction & Skin Dryness

Sebum production is regulated by hormones, particularly testosterone.

  • With age, sebaceous glands produce less oil.
  • The skin’s protective lipid barrier weakens.
  • Moisture loss increases, leading to dryness and sensitivity.
  • Skin may feel uncomfortable, itchy, or rough in texture.

Pigmentation & Uneven Skin Tone

Hormonal changes disrupt the regulation of melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour.

  • Melanocytes become irregular in their activity.
  • Pigment is produced unevenly.
  • Dark spots, age spots, and hyperpigmentation become more common.
  • Skin tone may appear uneven, blotchy, or dull.

Sun exposure can worsen these effects, as ageing skin has a reduced ability to protect and repair itself from UV damage.

Summary

 

Menopausal skin faces unique and serious challenges, and our Age Benefit™ range is designed to support skin throughout this stage, making it a game-changer for stronger, smoother, more radiant skin. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on this range, and to help navigate this tough period, the Age Benefit™ Multi-Acid Peel - a salon-grade treatment that brings professional science into your home - is featured as QVC’s Supersize of the Month in February, exclusive to QVC. The Age Benefit™ Multi-Acid Peel is a transformative once-a-week treatment that doesn’t just improve how your skin looks, it changes how it behaves, reactivating renewal, boosting collagen, and restoring radiance. And not only that, we’re also showcasing our Age Benefit™ Day & Night Cream duo in a chic Parisian-style coffret, the perfect way to complete your skincare ritual and regain stronger, smoother radiant skin.

 

To discover the full science and see why these formulas are so incredible, read my next blog, where we dive deeper into how they work and why they are game changers for menopausal skin.

 

Lucy x