At some point, we will all go through perimenopause in the run-up to menopause and all that it entails. Recently, Spice Girl Mel B opened up about her own symptoms of the menopause and how it felt to navigate this big life change.
But while the menopause chat is out there about symptoms and treatments, not much is mentioned about skin and the concerns it raises.
We spoke to a few skin experts to find out what to expect and what can be done for ageing signs caused by perimenopause.
Perimenopause Skin Concerns – Skin Thinning
Mel B has opened up about menopause. Pic: WireImage
It’s no surprise that skin thinning and an impaired skin barrier are among the signs of perimenopause: correcting them is one of the biggest beauty trends in 2026. Dr Emma Goulding says, ‘One of the earliest facial changes I see in perimenopause is skin thinning. Oestrogen plays a significant role in collagen production and barrier function, so as levels begin to fluctuate, women often notice their skin becoming drier, more reactive and less resilient almost overnight. It can feel like your usual skincare routine suddenly stops working.’
‘In these cases, I focus on strengthening the skin before doing anything else. Gentle collagen stimulation and barrier-repair treatments are key,’ she adds. ‘I often recommend biorevitalising injectables such as polynucleotides or skin boosters to improve hydration and elasticity from within. When the skin is supported structurally, it looks calmer, thicker and more luminous – rather than fragile.’
Loss of Radiance & Poor Texture
Collagen-boosting therapy Pic: Getty
Dullness and poor skin texture are something else to expect. To counteract these signs, we would immediately ramp up our vitamin C and retinol regimen, but there are faster options available. ‘Perimenopause frequently presents as a loss of glow,’ says Dr Richard Devine. ‘Patients describe their skin as dull, uneven or suddenly textured. Hormonal fluctuations slow cellular turnover and reduce collagen density, which impacts clarity and firmness.’
‘Laser resurfacing treatments such as BBL and Moxi are particularly effective at this stage because they improve pigmentation, stimulate collagen and refine texture without dramatically altering the face. For more advanced concerns, fractional CO2 can further strengthen the skin’s structure. The aim isn’t to change someone’s features – it’s to restore vibrancy and skin quality.’
Early Skin Laxity
Radiofrequency microneedling treatment Pic: Getty
A softening jawline and skin that looks less than taut and fresh are other signs to watch for in the early stages of perimenopause. Founder of the Alta Clinic, Anastasia Koles, says, ‘One of the most common perimenopausal complaints is subtle jawline softening. As collagen declines and fat distribution shifts, the lower face can lose definition. It’s rarely dramatic, but women feel it.’
‘Rather than adding heavy filler, I prefer tightening treatments such as Morpheus8, a radiofrequency microneedling treatment that boosts collagen and tightens sagging skin. Another option is Forma, a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten tissue. Strengthening the skin’s internal support often restores its natural contour. When necessary, very small amounts of structural filler can refine proportion – but the priority is tightening, not volumising.’