This article has been created in collaboration between Dr Anne Alison of Vale Wellness, Cowbridge and OF NATURE, blending medical expertise with a holistic perspective. Together, we hope to offer practical guidance and emotional support to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and compassion.
Understanding the Transition
Perimenopause marks the natural transition before menopause, usually beginning in a woman’s 40s but sometimes earlier. It’s a stage where the ovaries gradually reduce hormone production, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts can bring a variety of physical and emotional changes — and one area that is often overlooked is their impact on the skin.
At the same time, menopause is more than a medical process. It is a deeply personal life stage, shaped not just by biology, but also by cultural attitudes, personal beliefs, and emotional wellbeing. By bringing together science and a more holistic view, we can begin to see perimenopause and menopause not as something to fear, but as a natural and even empowering part of a woman’s journey.
The Medical Perspective: How Hormones Affect the Skin
Oestrogen is vital in maintaining skin thickness, hydration, and collagen production. As levels fluctuate and decline, women may notice:
- Dryness and Dehydration – Lower oestrogen reduces the skin’s ability to hold moisture.
- Loss of Elasticity – With slower collagen production, fine lines and sagging can appear.
- Thinner, More Fragile Skin – Increased sensitivity and vulnerability to bruising or irritation.
- Adult Acne – Breakouts may return, often along the jawline.
- Uneven Skin Tone – Pigmentation and age spots may become more visible.
These changes can feel frustrating, but they can be supported with the right care.
Practical Skincare & Lifestyle Support
- Hydration is key: Rich moisturisers and serums that help lock in moisture.
- Gentle cleansing: Switch to sulphate-free, creamy cleansers to avoid stripping the skin.
- Sun protection: Daily SPF (30 or above) is essential to protect thinner skin and prevent pigmentation.
- Antioxidant support: Ingredients high in antioxidants help calm, brighten, and protect the skin.
- Lifestyle choices: Balanced nutrition, restful sleep, stress management, and movement all support skin and hormonal health. Omega-3s, antioxidants, and phytoestrogen-rich foods (such as flaxseeds and soy) can be especially beneficial.
With regards to our formulations, they are thoughtfully formulated with these same principles in mind — supporting hydration, packed with natural antioxidants, and using ingredients that help support the skin barrier while offering gentle protection. This alignment with both science and nature means women can nurture their skin in ways that feel supportive, soothing, and empowering.
The Holistic Perspective: Honouring “The Change”
In many Western cultures, menopause has been painted as something negative — a symbol of ageing, of decline, of becoming “less valuable.” Yet in other cultures, women at this stage of life are seen as wise, respected, and powerful. Perhaps it is time to reclaim that perspective.
Menopause is often referred to as “the change.” While sometimes said with resignation, it can also be a turning point — an opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask: What do I need now? What beliefs or habits no longer serve me? What am I ready to embrace?
This is not simply about “self-care,” a phrase that can sometimes feel indulgent or even selfish. Instead, it is about honouring yourself. When we take the time to nurture our own wellbeing, it naturally flows into the way we show up for others.
Gentle Ways to Honour Yourself
- Create small rituals: A calming morning tea, consciously applying a nourishing serum, or simply taking five deep breaths.
- Move in ways that feel good: Walking, stretching, somatic yoga, or dancing — anything that feels kind to your body.
- Choose discernment: Notice what energises you and what drains you, then give more space to the former.
- Stay connected: Share experiences with trusted friends, communities, or loved ones. Menopause is not meant to be hidden or faced in silence.
- Reflect and release: Journaling or meditation can help let go of old patterns and create space for new ways of being.
Reframing Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause bring change — to the skin, the body, and the emotions. But change does not have to mean loss. With the right knowledge, gentle care, and compassion, this time of life can be embraced as a moment of renewal.
It is a chance to honour your skin, nurture your body, and reconnect with your authentic self. Far from being the end of vitality, menopause can be the beginning of a new chapter — one defined not by decline, but by wisdom, strength, and authenticity.
