The Best Skincare Routine During Menopause
Pure Tone Aesthetics · Menopause Skincare
The Best Skincare Routine During Menopause
If your skin feels drier, thinner or less comfortable during menopause, your routine may need to change with it.
You do not need more products for the sake of it. You need a routine that cleanses without stripping, supports hydration and helps your skin feel comfortable enough to stay consistent.
We have kept this guide practical so you can build a routine that works on normal days, not just on the days when you have plenty of time.
The quick answer
The best menopause skincare routine is usually a simple one built around four dependable steps.
Cleanse
Remove make-up, SPF and daily build-up without leaving your skin feeling stripped.
Treat
Use a targeted serum to support hydration, comfort and smoother-looking texture.
Moisturise
Help your skin retain hydration and adjust the amount according to how dry it feels.
In the morning, finish with a suitable broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Changing skin
How menopause can affect your skin
Menopause is defined as the point when you have not had a period for 12 months. Changes can continue after this point, and your skin may feel noticeably different from the way it did in your 30s or early 40s.
You may notice more dryness, reduced comfort, a thinner feel, changes in elasticity or fine lines that look more pronounced when your skin is dehydrated.
What you may notice
- Dry or itchy skin
- More visible fine lines
- Changes in texture
- Reduced suppleness
- A duller complexion
- Products feeling less comfortable
What your routine should do
- Cleanse without stripping
- Support hydration consistently
- Help maintain skin comfort
- Protect against further sun damage
- Stay simple enough to repeat
The NHS recognises dry and itchy skin among the symptoms that can occur during perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
If dryness, tightness or itching has become one of your main concerns, read our guide to why skin becomes drier during perimenopause and menopause. It explains why skin can feel less comfortable, how dryness differs from dehydration and what you can change first.
A routine you can maintain
Your simple daily routine
Step one — cleanse carefully.
Step two — apply a targeted serum.
Step three — moisturise properly.
Step four — use SPF every morning.
That is enough to give you a strong daily foundation. Everything else should have a clear reason for being there.
Step one
Cleanse carefully
Cleansing should leave your skin feeling clean and comfortable, not tight.
If your skin feels dry after washing, avoid very hot water, harsh scrubs and repeated cleansing that removes more than your skin can comfortably tolerate.
In the evening, take enough time to remove make-up, SPF and the build-up of the day. In the morning, a lighter cleanse may be enough depending on how your skin feels.
What to look for in a cleanser
- Comfortable cleansing without a stripped feeling
- A texture you enjoy using every day
- Thorough removal of SPF and make-up
- No unnecessary scrubbing
Our Foaming Facial Cleansing Gel was developed to give the rest of your routine a properly cleansed starting point.
Step two
Apply a targeted serum
Your serum should have a clear role. During menopause, that often means supporting hydration, comfort, texture and the appearance of fine lines rather than constantly changing between strong actives.
Apply your serum to clean skin and give it a moment to settle before moisturising.
Why polynucleotide skincare may fit this stage
Topical polynucleotide skincare is used in routines focused on overall skin quality, including hydration, comfort and smoother-looking texture.
It should not be confused with injectable polynucleotide treatment. A topical serum works at the surface of your skin as part of a cosmetic routine.
Our Polynucleotide Serum is the treatment step in our three-product routine.
For a fuller explanation, read our polynucleotide skincare guide.
Step three
Moisturise properly
Moisturiser becomes especially important when your skin feels drier, thinner or less comfortable.
Use enough to leave your face and neck feeling supported without creating a heavy layer you dislike wearing.
You may naturally need more in the evening, in colder weather or around areas that feel particularly dry.
Do not forget the neck
Apply your moisturiser over your face and neck. These areas often begin to feel drier at the same time, and the neck is easy to overlook when you are rushing.
Our Polynucleotide Moisturising Cream completes the routine by helping to support comfort and hydration.
Every morning
Why SPF still matters
Sun exposure contributes to visible skin ageing, including changes in tone, texture and the appearance of lines.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply as needed, especially when you are spending time outdoors.
If you are using retinoids, exfoliating acids or other products that can increase sensitivity, sun protection becomes even more important.
Retinoids and exfoliating acids
How to use stronger actives without overwhelming your skin
You do not necessarily need to stop using retinol, retinoids or exfoliating acids during menopause.
You may need to use them less often, choose a gentler formula or give your skin more recovery time between uses.
Start slowly
Use one active at a time and begin less frequently than you think you need to.
Watch for discomfort
Persistent burning, peeling or soreness is a sign to pause rather than push through.
Keep your basic cleanser, serum and moisturiser stable while you assess how your skin responds.
Optional technology
Can you use skincare devices during menopause?
You may be able to use home beauty devices during menopause, provided they are suitable for you and your skin is comfortable.
Do not introduce a new device at the same time as several new skincare products. If your skin feels irritated, unusually reactive or sore, pause device use until it has settled.
Radiance Pod™
Radiance Pod offers a more active, hands-on routine. Use it with conductor gel and follow the supplied usage and suitability guidance.
Pure Tone Glow™
Pure Tone Glow offers a wearable LED routine. Use it on clean, dry skin and follow the instructions supplied with the mask.
A device should extend your routine, not make your everyday skincare feel incomplete without it.
What to do when you are tired or short of time
Do the core routine and stop.
Cleanse, apply serum and moisturise. In the morning, add SPF.
You do not need to use a device, mask or active treatment every day for your routine to remain worthwhile.
A shorter routine repeated consistently is usually more useful than an elaborate routine followed occasionally.
When skincare is not enough
When to seek professional advice
Not every skin change should be treated as a cosmetic concern or assumed to be caused by menopause.
Speak to your GP, pharmacist or a suitably qualified skin professional if you develop persistent itching, a sudden or severe rash, unexplained swelling, changes to a mole or any symptom that worries you.
Skincare can support how your skin looks and feels, but it cannot diagnose or treat a medical condition.
FAQs
What is the best skincare routine during menopause?
A simple routine should include gentle cleansing, a targeted serum, moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF. Add other products only when they have a clear purpose.
Why does skin become drier during menopause?
Hormonal changes and natural ageing can affect how your skin retains moisture and produces oil. Dry and itchy skin are recognised menopause symptoms.
Should I use a heavier moisturiser during menopause?
You may need more moisturising support than before. Choose a texture that leaves your skin comfortable and adjust the amount according to the weather and how your skin feels.
Are polynucleotides suitable for menopausal skin?
Topical polynucleotide skincare may suit a routine focused on hydration, comfort, texture and the appearance of elasticity. It should not be confused with injectable treatment.
Can I use retinol during menopause?
You may be able to, but changing skin can become more sensitive. Begin gradually, monitor comfort and reduce frequency if irritation develops.
Can I use exfoliating acids during menopause?
Yes, if your skin tolerates them. Avoid over-exfoliating and introduce one product at a time so you can judge how your skin responds.
Can I use Radiance Pod during menopause?
You may be able to use Radiance Pod if no contraindication applies. Follow the supplied guidance and pause use if your skin is irritated or uncomfortable.
Can I use an LED face mask during menopause?
You may be able to use Pure Tone Glow as part of your routine, depending on your skin and the suitability guidance. Use it as directed on clean, dry skin.
How long should I give a menopause skincare routine?
Hydration and comfort may improve first, while texture and overall skin quality usually take longer. Give a well-tolerated routine several weeks before changing it.
What should I do if my skin becomes very itchy?
Use gentle, unperfumed products and avoid very hot water. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if the itching is severe, persistent, widespread or affecting your daily life.
Final thoughts
Your skin may need more support during menopause, but your routine does not have to become more complicated.
Cleanse carefully, use targeted skincare, moisturise consistently and protect your skin from the sun.
Keep those steps dependable. Add stronger actives or home devices only when they genuinely improve the routine for you.
Build a routine for changing skin
Explore our simple three-step skincare range or continue with our wider guides to changing skin and perimenopause.
For skin that makes you look and feel your best
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