How To Prime Your Skin For Peri and Menopause

When I turned 40 a bunch of weird health symptoms sent me into a tailspin: crippling anxiety, neck and shoulder pain, reflux and bloating and insomnia that would wake me at 2 or 3am and torture me until I just gave up and got up. I also noticed hair loss and drier crepey skin which was unfairly punctuated with enormous hormonal cysts on my chin. The skin on my chest is wrinkled from sleeping on my side and refuses to spring back no matter how many ‘neck and decolletage balms’ I throw at it. It wasn’t until I started learning more about perimenopause that I realised that most of these were due to a drop in my hormones. In a bid to help myself and anyone else going through this trauma, I sat down with cosmetic physician and founder of the stunning All Saint Clinic Dr. Joseph Hkeik (who also looks after my injectables and laser) to grill him on what to expect for my skin in the coming years… and what to do about it.

There’s no denying that menopause marks a transformative phase in a woman’s life. It’s not just about hormone shifts—it’s about skin changes, emotional challenges, and new beginnings. The issue is, we are only just starting to talk about it now, after years of pretending it didn’t exist. Joseph agrees: “It’s so important to talk about it. When we don’t talk about it, women start to see all these changes, and they wonder what’s wrong. They can go through depression, but if you know what to expect, you can be prepared—psychologically, mentally, spiritually, and physically.”

So how do we prepare our skin (and mind) for perimenopause? Joseph shares some essential steps:

1. Stimulate Collagen Now, Not Later.

The gradual loss of collagen starts years before menopause, so addressing it early can dramatically impact how your skin looks and feels. Treatments like Radiesse and Sculptra are key for maintaining skin structure.

• Radiesse is a dermal filler made from calcium hydroxyapatite that not only restores volume but also stimulates your body’s natural collagen production. “Radiesse works like a wash under the skin, stimulating fibroblasts to wake up and produce more collagen and elastin,” explains Joseph. The treatment involves injections under the skin and typically costs around $800–$1,200 AUD per session. It’s considered minimally painful, with most patients reporting slight discomfort. The results can last for 12–18 months.
• Sculptra, another injectable treatment, stimulates collagen growth over time and is known for more subtle, gradual results. Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid, which helps the body regenerate collagen naturally. It requires multiple sessions (usually 3–4) and costs between $900–$1,200 AUD per session. Results appear more gradually over several weeks, but they last up to 24 months. Like Radiesse, discomfort is mild, with most people experiencing minimal soreness or bruising.

2. Embrace Laser Therapy

Perimenopausal skin becomes thinner and more prone to damage, making laser treatments a fantastic option.

• Fraxel and Halo are popular fractional lasers that work by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, prompting it to regenerate. “Laser treatments create tiny columns of injury in the skin, encouraging it to repair itself. The result is fresher, stronger skin,” says Joseph. Fraxel targets deeper layers of skin, while Halo is a hybrid that also treats superficial issues. Sessions usually cost between $1,500–$2,500 AUD, depending on the area being treated. While some experience mild discomfort, the procedure is generally tolerable, with a healing time of 3–5 days. Results can last up to a year or longer, depending on your skincare routine and lifestyle.

3. Revamp Your At-Home Routine

As your skin changes, so should your skincare routine. Perimenopausal skin tends to become drier and more sensitive, so it’s time to switch to products that nourish and protect.

Joseph suggests focusing on hydration and barrier repair: “Look for products rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These ingredients help maintain moisture and skin elasticity.” He also emphasizes the importance of protecting your neck and chest: “These areas are more prone to wrinkles because they lack the number of sebaceous glands found in the face.” Consider products specifically formulated for these delicate areas.

Joseph recommends Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream for intense moisturisation, Cosmedix Elite Pepoxide serum for peptides and Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 for ceramides.

A great way to create a little at-home dermal trauma akin to lasers is to do skin needling. I like Qure Microstamping System because unlike dermarollers it doesn’t drag the skin. You apply a vial of solution to a single use stamping head and stamp the solution over your face. There’s a physical micro trauma along with the infusion of serum. Because it’s single use and disposable it’s much less likely to cause infection. I do this before big events or when I want to give my skin a boost. (use this link for 10% off)It’s also a great time to add in an LED Mask every couple of days like the San Lueur Advanced Therapy LED Mask (use this link for 10% off!).

4. Be Mindful of Your Diet—Minimise the Sugar

“Sugar is one of the worst things for your skin,” says Joseph. High sugar intake leads to glycation, a process where sugar molecules damage collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating aging. “Cutting down on sugar can slow the aging process significantly,” he says. Instead, focus on antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens, which fight free radicals, and include lean proteins to support cell repair. Hydration is also key—drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin plump and healthy.

5. Exercise for Better Circulation and Elasticity

Regular physical activity does more than just boost mood; it also helps your skin. “Exercise increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin,” says Joseph. Activities like yoga and strength training not only improve elasticity but also help reduce stress, which is a key factor in skin aging. The added bonus? Exercise also helps regulate hormone levels and boosts energy, which can make the perimenopausal transition smoother.

6. Address Hormonal Changes Early

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has often been misunderstood, but it’s crucial to discuss it as you approach menopause. Joseph emphasizes the importance of starting the conversation early: “It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about hormonal changes before menopause. Don’t wait until after to start managing your skin.”

Bioidentical hormones—plant-based hormones that are chemically identical to the ones produced by your body—have gained attention for being a safer option compared to synthetic hormones. HRT can help manage skin thinning, dryness, and other menopausal symptoms. However, it’s often overlooked because of previous concerns about links to breast cancer. Recent studies, however, have shown that when managed properly, bioidentical HRT is both safe and effective, offering benefits for both skin and overall well-being.

If you’re seeking natural alternatives to HRT, plant-based options like phytoestrogens (found in soy, flaxseed, and legumes) can help balance hormones naturally. Herbal supplements like black cohosh and evening primrose oil may also provide relief from menopausal symptoms, although their effects on the skin may be more subtle compared to HRT.

7. Prepare Your Skin Mentally and Emotionally

Menopause isn’t just a physical transition—it’s an emotional one too. “So many women experience depression or self-doubt when they start seeing changes in their skin,” says Joseph. “But if you know what’s coming, and you’ve prepared yourself, you can handle it with confidence.” Think of it like puberty—a tough but inevitable stage of life. Joseph adds, “We need to normalize it. Puberty is hard, but kids know it’s coming. Menopause is no different.”

8. Celebrate This Milestone

Finally, it’s important to celebrate menopause as a milestone. Joseph notes, “So many people don’t even make it to menopause. The fact that you’ve reached this stage is something to honor and celebrate.” It’s a reminder that aging is a privilege, and with the right preparation—both physical and mental—this next phase of life can be one filled with strength and confidence.

By following these steps and staying open to the changes ahead, Joseph says you can embrace perimenopause as a new beginning—stronger and more prepared for the journey ahead. We’ve got this! Our skin, and our spirit, are ready for this exciting next chapter.