For many women, perimenopause brings a wave of unexpected changes. not just to energy, mood, or sleep, but to the skin we’ve known our whole lives. For Helen, those shifts started quietly in her 40s: a little more dryness here, a little less firmness there. What once felt simple suddenly required a gentler touch and a deeper understanding.
As her skin evolved, so did her mindset. Helen learned that perimenopause isn’t just a phase to get through. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, slow down, and care for your body in new ways. From swapping foaming cleansers for hydrating creams to embracing nourishing treatments like Sonophoresis and Hydradermabrasion, Helen has found balance in listening to what her skin really needs.
Today, she’s sharing her experience. the surprises, the self-discovery, and the small rituals that have helped her embrace this stage of life with confidence and compassion.
Q + A:
Caci: When did you first start noticing changes in your skin related to menopause or perimenopause?
Helen: I started noticing changes in my skin when I hit my 40’s. It became drier and didn’t feel as firm or smooth as it used to.
I’ve always had an oily skin type, and I still do, but as I’ve aged, I’ve noticed it’s become a bit drier. My skin is less forgiving these days - if life gets busy or my sleep is interrupted, it really shows. I’ve also noticed a slight loss of volume and that my skin feels more delicate now, so I’ve adjusted my skincare routine to suit these changes.
Caci: What has been the biggest shift in your skin during this stage of life? Dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, or something else?
Helen: The biggest change I’ve experienced is that my skin has become noticeably drier and more sensitive. It needs a lot more hydration and is prone to redness or flare-ups if I’m not gentle with it.
Caci: How have these skin changes made you feel about yourself, and has it impacted your confidence?
Helen: It really made me appreciate the process of ageing and the importance of self-care and good skincare. I’ve found that as I’ve entered perimenopause, the changes have happened quite quickly, which caught me off guard at first. Initially, it did knock my confidence a bit - there’s a lot happening all at once - but with learning and understanding more about what’s going on, I’m starting to embrace this phase of life.
Caci: Did you need to change your skincare routine as you entered menopause? What products or treatments have made the most difference?
Helen: As I’ve entered perimenopause, I’ve had to take a gentler “less is more” approach with my skincare. I’ve swapped out foaming cleaners for cream cleansers, and gel moisturiser for richer, more hydrating moisturisers as I’ve found that my skin responds best to hydrating, nourishing products. Eye creams have become an essential part of my routine, and I love using overnight hydrating masks to give my skin a boost.
I also rely on gentle chemical exfoliants and, of course, sunscreen, every single day, 365 days a year! It’s such an important step that makes a huge difference.
Caci: Was there anything about menopause and skin that surprised you or that you wish you had known earlier?
Helen: I think what surprised me the most about perimenopause was just how quickly things can change; it really caught me off guard! Looking back, I wish I’d known earlier that it’s completely normal for your skin to change in texture, sensitivity, and hydration during this stage of life.
Caci: Which professional skin treatments are your go-to during menopause (like hydrating facials, peels, or skin-strengthening treatments)?
Helen: I absolutely love Sonophoresis, it’s gentle on my skin, deeply hydrating, and really helps to calm any redness or flare-ups. I’m also a big fan of Hydradermabrasion for that deep cleanse; it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and refreshed. And red-light therapy is one of my absolute favourites, it just helps to calm everything down and gives my skin a healthy glow.
Caci: Beyond skincare, have you noticed lifestyle factors (diet, stress, sleep, exercise) that have a big impact on your skin during this stage?
Helen: Yes! Sleep is a big one, I really notice the difference in my skin when my sleep is disrupted. The stress of juggling day-to-day life also tends to show up on my skin. I’ve found it’s more important than ever to take small pockets of time for myself, getting some fresh air, going for a quick walk around the block, or having a cup of tea outside during a break. Those little moments help me reset and keep things from feeling too overwhelming.
Caci: What advice would you give to women just starting their menopause journey about looking after their skin?
As I’m still in the early stages of perimenopause, this is a tricky one to answer, but I’ve learned that when we just don’t feel like ourselves, that feeling is completely valid and normal. My best advice is to seek support where you need it and surround yourself with trusted people you can talk to about the changes you’re experiencing.
Taking care of your mental wellbeing will have a positive impact on your overall health, including your skin. Pay attention to the things that no longer work as well for you, like late nights, alcohol, or stressful schedules, and make small adjustments where you can.
Be kind to yourself and your skin, it’s a journey, and sometimes the ride can get bumpy! I recommend having a chat with a professional about any changes you’ve noticed and get advice on how to adapt your daily skincare routine to suit your skin’s evolving needs.
Caci: And in their general life?
Helen: I think it’s vitally important to have open and honest conversations about perimenopause. With so many rapid changes happening at once, it can feel overwhelming and even isolating at times.
Caci: How important is it to you to have open conversations about menopause, and what role do you think clinics like Caci can play in that?
I’ve been a Caci member for many years, in fact, my first appointment was almost 18 years ago, just after I had my eldest daughter. Caci has seen my skin through so many stages of life, postpartum, lifestyle changes, and everything in between. They’ve seen the best and the worst of my skin and have supported my needs the whole way through, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
I really value the open and honest conversations I have with my Caci consultant about the recent changes in my skin. I’ve never felt any judgement, just genuine care and professional advice from people who truly understand skin. It’s so reassuring to know I’m in the hands of experts who can guide me through these changes and recommend the best products for my daily skincare routine. Having the Caci team alongside me during this stage of life has meant a great deal.
Caci: What do you love most about where you are at with your skin journey?
What I love most about where I am with my skin right now is that I’ve learned to roll with the changes instead of fighting them. My skin tells the story of different stages of my life, and I’ve really come to appreciate that. I don’t stress about perfection anymore, I just focus on how my skin feels: healthy, nourished, and looked after.
Embracing these changes has been really empowering because it’s helped me accept myself more fully. Instead of getting frustrated by what’s different, I see it as a chance to adapt and take care of myself in new ways. It’s such a nice reminder that confidence isn’t about flawless skin, it’s about feeling comfortable and happy in your own.
