More than half of women mistake menopause skin changes for ageing, research finds

New research reveals widespread confusion about the effects of menopause on the skin, highlighting an opportunity for beauty professionals to provide more informed advice and tailored treatments

More than half (56%) of women initially mistake menopause-related skin changes for signs of general ageing, according to new research from dermatology company Galderma.

The findings, released ahead of World Menopause Day on October 18, reveal a significant knowledge gap surrounding the impact of hormonal changes on skin health, with just 29% of women initially recognising menopause as a possible cause of changes to their skin.

The international survey of 5,090 women who have experienced or are experiencing perimenopause or menopause, conducted across the UK, US, Brazil and China, also found that half were unaware that hormonal fluctuations during this life stage can affect the skin.

The findings highlight the importance of greater education around menopausal skin, particularly as beauty therapists and skincare professionals are often well placed to help clients recognise and manage changes in their skin.

How menopause affects the skin

Although menopause is commonly associated with symptoms such as hot flushes, disrupted sleep and mood changes, its effects on the skin can be less widely understood.

Declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can influence several aspects of skin structure and function, including collagen production, hydration, elasticity and barrier function.

As a result, women may experience increased dryness, reduced firmness, changes in skin texture and greater sensitivity.

These changes can overlap with the natural ageing process, making it difficult to distinguish between age-related skin changes and those associated with hormonal fluctuations.

For professional skin therapists, understanding this relationship is important when assessing clients' skin concerns, recommending appropriate treatments and developing homecare routines.

7 in 10 women have purchased anti-ageing skincare to address menopausal changes

Galderma's research suggests that confusion surrounding menopausal skin is also influencing skincare purchasing decisions.

Seven in 10 women (70%) reported buying products designed to target signs of ageing because they believed these would help address skin changes experienced during perimenopause or menopause.

Meanwhile, 62% said they had felt overwhelmed by skincare advice during this life stage.

Among women who struggled to find clear information, almost half felt the available advice was too general and focused on ageing rather than menopause specifically.

The findings suggest an opportunity for skincare professionals to move beyond generic anti-ageing messaging and offer more personalised advice based on clients' changing skin needs.

Rather than focusing solely on visible signs of ageing, consultations could explore concerns such as dryness, sensitivity, changes in texture and reduced skin resilience, alongside relevant lifestyle and hormonal factors.

Importantly, these concerns do not necessarily require an entirely different skincare approach. However, understanding the potential influence of menopause can help therapists make more informed recommendations and manage treatment expectations.

Women want more information about menopausal skincare

The survey also revealed a strong appetite for clearer information, with 82% of respondents agreeing that better understanding the difference between general ageing and menopause-related skin changes would help them feel more informed and in control of their skincare decisions.

Anne-Cécile Chevrier, global head of injectable aesthetics at Galderma, said, "Too many women are navigating changes in their skin without recognizing that menopause may be playing a role."

She added that the findings demonstrated the need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to ageing and provide women with clearer, science-backed information.

For clinics, this presents an opportunity to strengthen client education through detailed consultations, realistic treatment planning and tailored homecare advice.

It also reinforces the importance of recognising when concerns may require referral to an appropriate healthcare professional, particularly where symptoms extend beyond cosmetic skin changes.

Why menopausal skin education matters for beauty professionals

With awareness of menopause continuing to grow, the findings highlight the value of treating menopausal skin health as an important part of professional skincare education.

For practitioners, this means recognising that changes in hydration, sensitivity and skin texture may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, while avoiding assumptions about the causes of individual clients' concerns.

A personalised approach that prioritises skin assessment, barrier support, appropriate treatment selection and realistic expectations can help clients navigate these changes with greater confidence.

As World Menopause Day approaches, Galderma's research reinforces a central message: understanding how menopause can affect the skin is an important step towards helping women make informed decisions about their skincare.

Research methodology: Galderma commissioned Perspectus Global to survey 5,090 women who had experienced or were experiencing perimenopause or menopause in the UK, US, Brazil and China. Fieldwork took place between August 25 and September 1, 2026.