Yes, your skin will change before menopause hits. A dermatologist told us what to expect.

Thanks to our brand partner, Cerave

At 34, my skin staged its first major rebellion. I'd made it through my teens, my not-so-wild 20s and my fertility-focused early 30s relatively unscathed — then, boom.

Mid-pandemic, my face suddenly rejected my trusted skincare routine of 15 years.

"Is this an allergic reaction?" I panicked to my husband. "Maybe it's from wearing a face mask?"

Plot twist: It wasn't the face mask — it was perimenopause, quietly showing up through my skin before any hot flashes appeared.

Turns out, I'm not alone. While we brace for obvious menopause symptoms later, our skin is already sending flares we often misinterpret.

There's even a name for it. "Peri skin is a thing," says Dr Eshini Perera, an Australian dermatologist. "Hormones affect the skin's ageing process and the skin barrier."

The main culprit is oestrogen, or rather, its gradual disappearing act. "As oestrogen drops, collagen and elastin production in the skin decreases dramatically during menopause," Dr Perera explained. "Studies show women lose about 30 per cent of their collagen in the first five years."

Luckily, Dr Perera is here to guide us through the changes and how to manage them.

What are the earliest signs of perimenopausal skin changes?

According to Dr Perera, your skin is likely to show signs before the rest of your body gets in on the hormonal action:

• Desert-level dryness: "The most common skin change seen in menopause is dryness," Dr Perera confirmed. "This occurs due to the decline in oestrogen which leads to reduced sebum production and less ability to retain moisture."

• Loss of elasticity: "The skin may start to lose firmness as collagen production decreases and you'll see more fine lines, especially around the mouth," said Dr Perera.

• Sudden sensitivity: "Hormonal shifts can lead to a decline in ceramide production which weakens the lipid barrier," Dr Perera explained.

• The disappearing glow: "A lack of oestrogen can affect the rate at which new skin cells are formed." Leading to dullness and uneven texture.

• Adult acne: "While oestrogen decreases and androgens remain stable or even relatively dominant," explained Dr Perera. Hello jawline breakouts.

What are the best products for managing peri skin?

"During perimenopause, choosing the right skincare ingredients is essential to maintain hydration, elasticity and overall skin barrier health," said Dr Perera.

These are the ones she recommended keeping an eye out for:

• Ceramides: "These help restore the skin's natural barrier and prevent moisture loss," said Dr Perera.

• Hydro-urea: "A powerful hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture, improving elasticity and smoothness."

• Hyaluronic acid: "It binds water to the skin barrier, keeping it plump and hydrated."

• Niacinamide: "Helps to reduce redness, improve uneven skin tone and enhance the skin barrier's overall resilience."

If you're looking for an all-in-one product for peri skin, CeraVe's new Intensive Moisturising Lotion includes all those hard-working ingredients and has been developed with dermatologists for use on itchy, very dry and even mild eczema-prone skin.

It's CeraVe's most intensive moisturiser, providing deep, continuous 72-hour hydration of the skin barrier and has been shown to reduce itch due to dryness by 99 per cent.

It's formulated with hydro-urea to help hydrate deep within the skin's surface layers, three skin-identical ceramides to help restore the skin barrier, MVE technology for sustained ingredient delivery and last but not least, hyaluronic acid to retain the skin's natural moisture.

It's also allergy-tested, fragrance-free, pH-balanced, non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

What are the worst products for peri skin?

"Avoid overusing harsh exfoliants which can lead to irritation and a weakened skin barrier," said Dr Perera.

Similarly, alcohol-based ingredients can strip the skin as they can "exacerbate dryness or cause burning and stinging feelings". She also recommended avoiding fragrances and sulfates (such as SLS and SLES) in cleansers.

When looking at products, keep this in mind: "A common misconception is that skincare products for ageing skin work the same for perimenopausal skin," noted Dr Perera.

"Not all 'anti-ageing' skincare products are suitable for menopausal skin. Some anti-ageing products are useful, but others can be very irritating to perimenopausal skin and can strip the skin of moisture, making it even more angry.

"A gentle skincare routine with hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide is often a better approach."

Beyond skincare: What else can help?

• Diet matters: "Vitamin C is necessary for collagen making. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also support the skin barrier," Dr Perera explained. And sadly, those sugary treats are doing our skin no favours — they can accelerate skin ageing and worsen inflammation and wrinkles.

• Sleep is non-negotiable: "During deep sleep, the body repairs and regenerates, producing collagen and encouraging cell turnover. In fact, the highest rate of skin proliferation occurs around midnight."

• Stay in the shade: "Exposure to the sun can break down collagen, so make sure you wear sunscreen — which will also prevent the development of skin pigmentation that can occur with menopause."

• Physical and mental health matters: "Exercise is also important for maintaining healthy-looking skin during perimenopause. Strength training helps improve circulation and muscle tone, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin efficiently. Yoga and pilates can help reduce cortisol levels, stress-related breakouts and promoting relaxation. Managing stress is important, as chronic stress increases cortisol, which can break down collagen and contribute to inflammation."

When to get help and who to go to?

Dr Perera stressed the importance of seeking help for any skin changes that cause distress or affect your quality of life.

"Sometimes people are worried about coming in because they don't think they are 'bad enough'. However, any skin concern that is bothersome or distressing is worth addressing.

"A good starting point is to discuss any skin issues with your GP. If you are seeing a dermatologist for a yearly skin check, then you can also use this opportunity to discuss any questions at this time. If, however, you feel like your skin symptoms don't seem to be improving, getting worse or they are affecting your quality of life, then you can see a dermatologist earlier for assistance."

Shop CeraVe's new Intensive Moisturising Lotion at Chemist Warehouse.

CeraVe's Intensive Moisturising Lotion provides deep, continuous 72-hour hydration as demonstrated in an instrumental test with 50 subjects and reduces itch due to dryness by 99 per cent, according to a cosmeto-clinical study with 49 subjects after one week of twice-daily usage.

Feature Image: Getty.

CeraVe's NEW Intensive Moisturising Lotion, Developed With Dermatologists, provides continuous 72-hour hydration of the skin barrier, and reduces itch due to dryness by 99%. Formulated for very dry and itchy skin, this product contains 3 skin-identical ceramides to help restore the skin barrier, 5% Hydro-Urea(R) (a blend of natural moisturising factors) for a PH balance hydration boost, and MVE sustained-release delivery technology.