When did you first start noticing changes in your skin related to menopause or perimenopause?
I first started noticing changes during perimenopause — it always seems to begin there. For me, it showed up as pigmentation. That’s when I switched to using the Vitamin C range exclusively, and the difference was incredible. My skin looked brighter, more even in tone, and healthier in a way I hadn’t experienced before. This was between the ages of 35 and 37, and honestly, I still reach for products from that range today because I love them so much.
What has been the biggest shift in your skin during this stage of life — dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, or something else?
The biggest shift for me has been hormonal pigmentation getting darker and spreading, completely unrelated to sun exposure. I’ve always had sun damage from being a bit of a sun lover in earlier years, but this hormonal pigmentation was different. I’ve kept it at bay with the Vitamin C range in the mornings and the Hydration range at night. As skin naturally loses some plumpness, hydration has become key. That daily combination of Vitamin C and hydration has been my go-to routine for tackling both issues.
How have these skin changes made you feel about yourself, and has it impacted your confidence?
The changes are noticeable on the outside, and they’re a constant reminder that there’s a lot happening on the inside too — physically and hormonally. For me, it wasn’t extreme emotional shifts, but it did make me confront my own mortality. Entering this phase earlier than many, at 35, single, and not yet a mum, I remember wondering what the rest of life would look like. Taking care of my skin became a way of showing care for myself when so much else felt uncertain. Having healthy, glowing skin gave me confidence in a time when I was lacking it elsewhere — a small but powerful reminder that I could still nurture myself.
Did you need to change your skincare routine as you entered menopause? What products or treatments have made the most difference?
Absolutely. Between 35 and 40 it was all about pigmentation and glow, but from 40 to 45 — where I am now — it’s been hydration, hydration, hydration, and retinol. Overnight retinol treatments have been a game changer; I swear I notice a visible difference the very next morning. Balancing the strength of retinol with consistent hydration has been essential. I didn’t even know what retinol was in my 30s, and now it’s my new best friend.
Was there anything about menopause and skin that surprised you or that you wish you had known earlier?
I was surprised by how quickly skin elasticity seemed to change. It felt like almost overnight the fullness underneath disappeared, and suddenly it was skin to bone. I hadn’t realised how fast that could happen — over the course of just a year, I went from looking youthful to noticing a real shift. Hydration, both inside and out, became critical. I didn’t expect hydration to be such an extreme need, but it truly is the cornerstone of keeping skin looking alive and plump.
Which professional skin treatments are your go-to during menopause (like hydrating facials, peels, or skin-strengthening treatments)?
I can’t praise the professional skin treatments at Caci enough. Monthly facials, chosen for me based on how my skin is showing up on the day, have been game changing. My favourites are Hydradermabrasion, the Sonophoresis Skin Infusion, a good Caci Signature Peel, and the Skinsmiths B12 Facial. Because of my pigmentation, I do avoid certain facials that could inflame it — which is why I always recommend asking what’s best for your specific skin. The beauty of Caci is that they know what you need, and I’ve found they’re never wrong. Those treatments leave me walking out of the clinic feeling refreshed, confident, and like a new version of myself.
Beyond skincare, have you noticed lifestyle factors (diet, stress, sleep, exercise) that have a big impact on your skin during this stage?
Lifestyle definitely plays a role. My journey was unique because I became unexpectedly pregnant during perimenopause, so I navigated menopause with a newborn — and now with a four-year-old, sleep has been patchy for years. But what I’ve found makes a huge difference is movement. I’m not a hardcore exerciser, but I make sure to move daily, stretch most evenings, and roll out my feet before bed. It shifts the buzzing energy in my body — some might call it anxiety, but I find it dissipates with movement. I’ve also learned to cut back on stressors: people, places, over-scheduling. At this stage of life, I’ve given myself permission to be unapologetically me, and to prioritise my own wellbeing.
What advice would you give to women just starting their menopause journey about looking after their skin?
Your skin is the one thing you show up in every single day, so take care of it. Book a consultation and get a clear picture of where your skin is at the start of your journey. Menopause can last a decade or more, so it’s worth documenting your skin’s progress at the beginning, middle, and end. Getting ahead of it early makes such a difference. Treating your skin as part of your whole self is one of the most powerful ways you can show care for yourself along the way.
And in their general life?
It’s such a personal journey, and no two experiences are identical. But what I would say is surround yourself with people who feel like a safe place to land. Menopause can feel isolating, and if anyone makes you feel like you’re making a big deal out of nothing, they’re not your people. Find the ones who support you. This is also a season of life where you learn so much about your body, your hormones, and the difference between feelings and reality. It’s a rite of passage, just like getting your first period — only this time it’s menopause. Welcome to the stage. Congratulations — you’re growing up all over again. The question is: what are you going to do with it?
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 think it’s hugely important to talk about menopause — not from a place of self-indulgence, but because it’s something every woman in history has gone through. It’s not a badge of honour or something that makes us special; it’s just a natural part of life, and I trust nature. The role of clinics like Caci is about creating community and safe spaces. Sitting in the waiting room, you can strike up a conversation with another woman going through the same stage, and it’s never surface-level. Women at this age get straight to the heart of things, and there’s a beautiful relatability in that shared experience. I love seeing women take care of themselves, and I admire anyone who makes that a priority — because it takes courage and self-respect to do so.
