So, your skin’s suddenly decided to behave like a teenager on one day and a dusty teabag the next? Welcome to your perimenopausal skin! Breakouts, dryness, redness, weird texture, sudden flare-ups – it’s all part of the hormonal joyride. And after years of trying everything from bargain basics to overpriced bottles, I’ve finally found a simple, effective perimenopause skincare routine that works perfectly for me – and doesn’t cost a fortune.
🧬 What Happens to Skin in Perimenopause?
Hormonal changes at this stage of life can lead to unexpected skin issues like rosacea, photosensitivity (especially if you’re using HRT), and accelerated signs of ageing. Let’s break down the three biggest skin changes you might notice (even if you’ve never had “problem skin” before):
1. Increased Sensitivity and Rosacea-like Symptoms
As oestrogen drops, your skin barrier gets weaker. That means you’re more prone to redness, burning, and irritation – especially around the cheeks and nose. You might even develop rosacea-like bumps or dry, itchy patches.
2. Photosensitivity (Especially if You’re Using HRT)
Did you know that HRT can make your skin more sensitive to the sun? Oestrogen replacement – particularly in gels or patches – may increase your risk of sun-induced pigmentation and UV sensitivity. This makes daily sunscreen absolutely essential.
3. Loss of Collagen and Skin Elasticity
Oestrogen plays a key role in collagen production, which supports your skin’s firmness and structure. During perimenopause, collagen levels can drop by up to 30%, leading to more visible fine lines, sagging, and a general loss of plumpness.
💬 Why trust me? I’m not a health professional – just a fellow 50-something navigating midlife and sharing the things that actually make a difference. No fluff, no guilt, just honest help.
🚨 These product suggestions are based on my personal circumstances and experience, and represent the perimenopause skincare regime that I find works for me. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, or thinking of trying any new supplement, treatment or health protocol, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare provider first.
A Simple Perimenopause-Friendly Skincare Routine
Here’s a gentle, budget-friendly routine that prioritises hydration, barrier support and calm – without 47 steps or a mortgage application.
👀 Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Quick Summary |
| Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser | Sensitive, reactive skin | p-H balanced jelly cleanser that gently cleanses without stripping |
| The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser | Makeup removal & dry skin | Oil-free balm, melts makeup while soothing dry, irritated skin |
| UpCircle Peptide Serum | Collagen & elasticity boost | Lightweight, natural serum with peptides and hyaluronic acid |
| Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Face Cream | Deep hydration + plumping | Lightweight gel-cream with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and protect. |
| The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% | Redness, texture, flare-ups | Brightens tone, calms rosacea-like bumps and pigmentation |
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+ | Daily sun protection | High-factor SPF made for sensitive skin, layers well under makeup |
| The Ordinary Retinol 1%in Squalane | Fine lines & firmness | A beginner-friendly retinol in a moisturising base. Use PM only with SPF the next day |
🧼 Step 1: Cleanse Gently
⭐ Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser
This low-foam, pH-balanced jelly cleanser is ideal for dry, reactive or rosacea-prone skin. It cleans without stripping and helps maintain your skin barrier. Fragrance and soap free, the best thing is, a little goes a long way. It’s my morning go-to and I’m never without a full-size bottle in the shower, and a travel size in my overnight bag!
⭐ The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
This is the product I reach for almost every evening to gently take away all traces of SPF, makeup and daily grime. It’s incredibly easy to apply, and feels like a balm to oil cleanser, even though it’s actually oil-free. I like to remove it with a face cloth dampened with hot water.
💡Instead of buying costly disposable face wipes, invest in a bumper pack of white face cloths that you can wash and reuse over and over and over again. Cheaper in the long run, and better for the planet. They look really bougie rolled up and displayed in a nice basket in your bathroom too!
Check out this bargain pack of face cloths from Amazon
💧 Step 2: Hydrate + Plump
⭐ UpCircle Peptide Serum
The serum that eeeeveryone is talking about – well, all my perimeni friends at least! Made with hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn and peptides, this lightweight, and hydrating serum is ideal for pepping-up dull or tired-looking skin.
🧴 Step 3: Moisturise + Soothe
⭐ Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser Face Cream
Now this is a bit pricier than I’d normally recommend – but it is just SO gorgeous to use, it feels amazing on the skin, smells divine and feels like you’re giving your skin a really quenching drink. And with all of the other products in my routine being so incredibly affordable, for me, this is the product to splash out on!
(Check out The INKEY List Omega Water Cream for a more wallet friendly alternative)
🌿 Step 4: Treat Redness + Texture (PM)
⭐ The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 1-%
Azelaic acid is your midlife skincare MVP: it reduces redness, calms bumps, evens out tone and helps with pigmentation. Start a few times a week and build up.
☀️ Step 5: SPF Every. Single. Day.
⭐ La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid, Non-Perfumed Sun screen for Sensitive Skin SPF50+
Ultra-light, non-perfumed and brilliant under makeup. If you’re using HRT or any actives (like azelaic acid or retinol), a daily SPF is non-negotiable.
⭐ Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Face Drops
And if you’re worried about looking pale, give these self tanning drops a try. The green bottle (medium shade) helps counteract redness – just mix a few drops into your moisturiser and wait for the magic to happen!
🌙 Optional PM Step: Smooth & Support with Retinol
⭐ The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
If you’re ready to dip your toe into retinol (and your skin is calm and well-hydrated), this one’s a great place to start. Retinol can help with fine lines, uneven tone and loss of firmness – all common in perimenopausal skin. The squalane base helps reduce irritation and adds a bit of nourishing moisture.
Start with once a week in the evening (on dry skin, after cleansing), and always follow with a moisturiser. Oh – and don’t even think about skipping SPF the next morning.
🤷 How to Choose What Works for You
There isn’t a one-size fits all regime for perimenopausal skincare – and what works for your best mate might be totally wrong for you. The key is to start small. If your skin’s feeling tight or reactive, focus on hydration and barrier support before you throw in anything fancy. Patch test new products (especially actives like azelaic acid), and give your skin time to adjust. If something stings, it’s not for you – no matter how good the reviews are. And remember: your skincare routine doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to be effective. Keep it simple, consistent, and kind.
I’m not a medical professional – just someone sharing what has personally helped me address the changes to my skin in recent years. These suggestions are not intended as medical advice, and changes in your skin can be an indication of other health conditions. Please speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms or considering starting a new supplement or health protocol.
🙋FAQs
Q: Should I stop using retinol or acids during perimenopause?
Not necessarily – but if your skin is flaring up, you might want to pause active ingredients like retinol and gradually reintroduce them later. Focus first on barrier repair and hydration.
Q: Is it normal to get acne in perimenopause?
Unfortunately, yes. Hormonal changes can trigger breakouts even if you’ve never had acne before. Adding products like azelaic acid, niacinamide and retinol to your perimenopause skincare routine can help improve spots and acne.
Q: Do I need to change everything in my routine?
Not at all. A few smart swaps – like adding a rich moisturiser, a calming serum, and daily SPF – can make a big difference, tailoring your perimenopause skincare routing to suit you.
Final Thoughts: Skincare That Works for Your 40s and 50s
Perimenopausal skin doesn’t have to be a mystery – or a money pit. With a few well-chosen, affordable products, you can calm sensitivity, reduce redness, and keep your skin healthy and supported during hormonal changes.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the advice out there? Take a breath. Your skin is still yours – just a little different. A simplified routine, tailored to your new needs, will more than do the job.
Because when it comes to skincare in midlife? That’ll Have to Do really can be enough.
👀 Liked this post? Why not check out Beating The Perimenopausal Brain Fog Without Losing Your Mind
This website contains affiliate links, including those from Amazon. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and keep content free.
Pingback: Beating the Perimenopausal Brain Fog (Without Losing Your Mind) - That'll Have To Do