Perimenopause is a natural phase of life that brings significant hormonal changes, many of which can impact your skin. During this time, oestrogen levels decline, affecting skin texture, hydration, and elasticity. In fact, research shows that skin loses about 30% of its collagen in the first five years of menopause, contributing to dryness, sensitivity, and fine lines.

At By Sarah, we understand how overwhelming these changes can feel. To help you navigate this stage with confidence, we’ve compiled a guide highlighting common skincare mistakes during perimenopause – and how to avoid them.

Understanding the impact of perimenopause on skin

Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier. This transitional period can last anywhere from a few months to several years. During this time, oestrogen levels gradually decline, which directly affects the skin’s health and appearance.

Key changes in skin during perimenopause:

• Reduced collagen production: Collagen levels decrease by about 1% each year after age 30 and more rapidly during perimenopause, leading to sagging and fine lines.

• Thinner skin: The dermal layer becomes thinner, making skin more prone to bruising and sensitivity.

• Decreased oil production: Lower sebum levels can cause increased dryness and discomfort.

• Increased sensitivity: Skin becomes more reactive to environmental factors and skincare products.

• Slower cell turnover: Skin renewal slows down, which can lead to a dull complexion and uneven texture.

Understanding these changes allows you to adapt your skincare routine accordingly.

1. Using the wrong cleanser

As hormone levels fluctuate, your skin becomes more prone to dryness and sensitivity. Unfortunately, many people continue using foaming or exfoliating cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils.

What to do instead:

• Opt for gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

• Avoid sulphates and alcohols, which can exacerbate dryness.

Our Recommendation: The Balancer Cream Cleanser gently cleanses without disrupting moisture levels, leaving skin clean and comfortable.

Pro Tip: Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, as heat can further dry out your skin.

2. Over-exfoliating

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, but overdoing it can weaken your skin barrier, especially during perimenopause.

Why it’s harmful:

• Exfoliating too often can cause increased sensitivity, redness, and dryness.

• Harsh scrubs and high-concentration acids strip away the natural oils your skin needs.

Better approach:

• Limit exfoliation to once a week.

• Use gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or fruit enzymes.

Our Recommendation: The Vitamin C+E Booster is an excellent alternative to harsh exfoliation, providing powerful antioxidant protection while brightening and smoothing the skin. This gentle formula helps to even out skin tone and improve radiance without compromising the skin barrier.

Pro Tip: Listen to your skin – if it feels tight or irritated, give it a break.

Fact: A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that over-exfoliation can increase skin sensitivity by up to 40%.

3. Skipping moisturiser

A common misconception is that moisturiser isn’t necessary if your skin feels oily or congested. However, perimenopausal skin often struggles to retain moisture due to declining oestrogen.

How to fix it:

• Use a moisturiser with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

• Apply while your skin is slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Our Recommendation: The Tender Skin Balm is clinically proven to increase hydration for up to 8 hours, providing essential nourishment for dry, sensitive skin.

Did You Know? Studies suggest that skin hydration levels can drop by up to 40% during menopause, making daily moisturising crucial.

4. Neglecting sun protection

Sun damage is a significant factor in accelerated skin ageing, particularly during perimenopause when skin becomes more vulnerable to UV damage.

Protect your skin:

• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, even on cloudy days.

• Reapply every two hours if spending extended time outdoors.

Our Recommendation: The Serene Daily SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is dermatologically approved for sensitive skin.

Fact: According to Cancer Research UK, 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by exposure to UV radiation.

5. Using harsh anti-ageing products

Many anti-ageing products contain retinoids, acids, or synthetic ingredients that can irritate sensitive, perimenopausal skin.

What to avoid:

• Products with high concentrations of retinol.

• Skincare containing artificial fragrances and alcohol.

Better options:

• Use gentle alternatives like bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative.

• Choose products with peptides and antioxidants to support collagen production.

Our Recommendation: The Bakuchiol Booster is a highly effective, plant-derived alternative to retinol, offering the benefits of stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and reducing fine lines without causing irritation. It’s ideal for perimenopausal skin that requires a gentle yet effective anti-ageing solution.

Pro Tip: Introduce new anti-ageing products gradually to avoid irritation.

Did You Know? Bakuchiol has been shown to be as effective as retinol in stimulating collagen production, without the associated irritation.

6. Ignoring skin sensitivity

Skin can become more reactive during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuations.

How to manage sensitivity:

• Simplify your skincare routine.

• Choose dermatologically approved, fragrance-free products.

Our Recommendation: The Reviver Hydrating Mist helps calm redness and restore skin balance with nourishing, plant-based ingredients.

Pro Tip: Patch-test new products before applying them to your entire face.

Fact: A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that sensitive skin is more prevalent in perimenopausal women, largely due to reduced barrier function.

7. Not adjusting your skincare routine for seasonal changes

Perimenopausal skin is more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity.

Seasonal skincare adjustments:

• Use richer moisturisers in winter to combat dryness.

• Switch to lighter, breathable products in summer.

Pro Tip: Keep a hydrating facial mist on hand to refresh your skin throughout the day.

Fact: Cold weather reduces skin hydration by up to 25%, making moisturisers essential during winter.

8. Overlooking the role of nutrition and lifestyle

Healthy skin starts from within. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect your skin’s appearance and health.

Skin-friendly habits:

• Stay hydrated: Drink 1.5–2 litres of water daily.

• Eat healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and seeds to support skin barrier function.

• Manage stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can worsen skin issues.

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves circulation and skin oxygenation.

Pro Tip: Omega-3 supplements can help improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Fact: A study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consumed more vitamin C had fewer wrinkles and less skin dryness.

Final thoughts

Navigating the skin changes that come with perimenopause can feel daunting, but with the right knowledge and products, you can maintain healthy, radiant skin. The key lies in gentle, consistent care and avoiding harsh treatments that can compromise your skin barrier.

At By Sarah, we prioritise sensitive skin with our natural, dermatologically approved products – created from personal experience and backed by science. From our Balancer Cream Cleanser to our Tender Skin Balm and Vitamin C+E Booster, each formula is crafted to nourish, protect, and support your skin during this transformative phase.

If you have any questions or need personalised skincare advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at care@bysarahlondon.com or connect with us on Instagram at @bysarahlondon.

Together, let’s embrace this new chapter with confidence and care. 💛

 

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