As an aesthetic doctor, one of the most common concerns I hear from women approaching menopause is how it will affect their skin. Menopause is a natural phase of life, but the hormonal changes that accompany it can bring noticeable shifts in our appearance, particularly due to a decline in collagen levels. Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Let’s explore what happens to collagen during menopause, the effects this has on the skin, and how you can effectively target these changes with treatments, skincare, and supplements.

The role of collagen and menopause

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and serves as the structural framework for our skin, muscles, tendons, and bones. It’s often described as the “scaffolding” that keeps everything firm and resilient. However, from our mid-20s, collagen production naturally begins to decline at a rate of about 1% per year. As menopause approaches, this loss accelerates significantly due to hormonal changes—particularly the drop in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is a key hormone that stimulates collagen production, and when its levels fall, collagen can decrease by as much as 30% within the first five years of menopause.

This rapid decline in collagen affects not just the skin but also the joints, muscles, and even bone density.

How does this affect the skin?

When collagen levels plummet, the structural integrity of the skin weakens. This leads to several noticeable changes, including increased sagging, thinning, and fine lines. Skin may also feel drier and less supple, as collagen contributes to moisture retention. You might start to notice a loss of volume, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, and the skin’s texture may become rougher. Areas that were once plump and firm can lose their definition, giving the face a tired or aged appearance.

This isn’t limited to the face. Collagen loss can also affect the neck, décolletage, hands, and in fact the skin anywhere on the body. The cumulative effects can be disheartening, but the good news is that there are multiple ways to target collagen loss effectively and help restore a more youthful appearance.

How to target collagen loss during menopause

Skincare to support collagen production

A good skincare routine is the foundation for addressing menopausal skin changes. Look for products containing active ingredients that boost collagen production and improve skin texture. Retinoids, for example, are a gold-standard ingredient known to stimulate collagen synthesis and enhance skin renewal. Peptides are another excellent choice, as they act as building blocks for collagen. Additionally, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects existing collagen from environmental damage while encouraging the production of new collagen.

Hydration is also key. As the skin becomes drier during menopause, incorporating a rich moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help plump the skin and improve elasticity. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily, as UV damage is a major contributor to collagen breakdown.

Professional treatments

For those looking for a more targeted approach, there are a range of aesthetic treatments designed to stimulate collagen production from within.

Sofwave

Sofwave is an advanced treatment that utilises next-generation ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of the skin. It’s a highly effective option for lifting and tightening areas like the jawline, neck, and brow, all of which are prone to sagging during menopause. One of the key advantages of Sofwave is that it’s non-invasive, requires no downtime, and delivers gradual yet noticeable improvements in skin firmness over weeks to months.

Polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are an exciting new advancement in aesthetic medicine that help repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen synthesis at the cellular level. Derived from DNA fragments, they work by improving skin quality, elasticity, and hydration while reducing inflammation. Polynucleotide injectables are particularly effective for treating fine lines and crepey skin on the face, neck, and hands. The result is smoother, more resilient skin that appears naturally rejuvenated.Profhilo

Profhilo has become a staple treatment for addressing the visible signs of ageing caused by collagen loss. Profhilo is a pure thermally stabilised hyaluronic acid injectable designed to hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It spreads evenly beneath the skin to create a “bio-remodelling” effect, improving skin laxity and restoring lost volume. It’s a particularly great option for menopausal women who notice their skin feeling thinner or less elastic, as it delivers subtle but powerful results.

HArmonyCa

HArmonyCa is a cutting-edge hybrid injectable that combines hyaluronic acid with calcium hydroxyapatite to provide both immediate volume and long-term collagen stimulation. It’s ideal for areas like the cheeks and jawline, where a combination of lifting and tightening is needed. HArmonyCa’s dual action makes it a standout treatment for addressing the deeper structural changes caused by menopause, offering results that improve over several months as collagen levels increase.

Chemical Peels

By removing the outermost layers of dead skin, peels reveal a fresher, smoother complexion while stimulating the growth of new, healthier cells. For menopausal skin, medium-depth peels containing ingredients like trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. They also help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and age spots, which often become more prominent with age.

The role of collagen supplements

In recent years, collagen supplements have gained significant popularity—and for good reason. Research suggests that ingesting hydrolysed collagen peptides can enhance the body’s natural collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While there are many options on the market, I recommend products like Everutri EverCol and Absolute Collagen, both of which are high-quality, effective supplements. These are convenient to incorporate into your daily routine, whether in liquid or powder form, and they can deliver visible improvements over time. When choosing a supplement, look for one with Type I and Type III collagen, as these are the primary types found in the skin.

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