Skincare Through Hormones (Perimenopause → Menopause → Post-Op Changes)

Esthetic Loft
Jan 19
2 min read

If your skin has been acting “new” lately (dry one day, breaking out the next, suddenly sensitive to products you used for years), you’re not imagining it. Hormone shifts can change how your skin holds moisture, produces oil, and repairs itself, especially through perimenopause and menopause. Dermatologists note that when hormone levels drop, skin can become drier, thinner, and less firm.

This newsletter is your calm, practical guide for what to expect and what to do.

Skincare Through Hormones (What’s happening + what to do)

THE “WHY” :As hormones shift, many women notice:• More dryness + sensitivity• Dullness (slower glow)• Texture changes (roughness, “crepey” feel)• Redness/flushing for some

NOTE :If you’ve had a hysterectomy or fibroid surgery, your skin can still change depending on how hormones shift afterward. If you’re unsure, check in with your OB-GYN for personalized guidance.

COMMON ISSUES + SOLUTIONS:

DRY / TIGHT / ITCHY

• Switch to a gentle, non-stripping cleanser• Add a barrier-first moisturizer (ceramides + glycerin)• Keep water lukewarm (hot water worsens dryness)

SUDDENLY SENSITIVE (“everything stings”)• Pause strong actives for 10–14 days

• Focus on barrier repair first• Reintroduce actives slowly (one at a time)

BREAKOUTS + DRYNESS AT THE SAME TIME• Often dehydration, not “oily skin”• Add a hydrating layer, then seal with moisturizer

BOTTOM LINE:Barrier first. Hydration second. Actives last.

What to Eat When Hormones Are Shifting (Skin + Energy + Inflammation)

Think “steady blood sugar + anti-inflammatory support”:

Protein at each meal (helps cravings + mood swings)
Fiber daily (greens, berries, beans, chia/flax)
Omega-3s (salmon, sardines, walnuts, ground flax)
Hydration + electrolytes (especially if you’re feeling dry)

A note on cinnamon: research suggests cinnamon contains antioxidants and may support healthier blood sugar response and inflammation markers (best as food, not mega-dose supplements).

Wellness Tips That Support Skin (Without Being “extra”)

These small things matter more than people think:

Walk after meals (10 minutes) to support blood sugar balance
Sleep + consistency (your skin repairs at night)
Breathing reset: Inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds, repeat 5 rounds (great before bed)
Nervous system calm = calmer skin (inflammation shows up on the face)

Dana’s Ginger-Turmeric Glow Tea (My 8-Year Staple)

I’ve made some version of this for about 8 years. I’m not perfect with it daily, but I aim for 3–5x/week.

Ingredients (quick version)

Warm water
Ginger (fresh or ground)
Turmeric (fresh or ground)
Lemon
Apple cider vinegar (a splash)
Honey (to taste)
Cinnamon (a pinch)

Why I love it

Ginger + lemon: commonly used for digestion support
Turmeric: widely used for inflammation support
Cinnamon: antioxidant support and may help blood sugar response
Apple cider vinegar: it’s fermented and may offer gut-related benefits, but the “mother” isn’t a miracle—benefits are often overstated online.

Tip: If ACV bothers your stomach, skip it. If you’re on medications or have reflux, check with your provider.