How to Build a Perimenopause Skincare Routine

Focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and barrier repair to address the dryness and sensitivity that comes with hormonal changes.

1. Switch to a cream cleanser. Drop foam cleansers that strip your skin. Cream or oil cleansers maintain your skin barrier while removing makeup and daily buildup. Your skin produces less oil now, so work with what you have.
2. Add a hydrating toner or essence. Layer lightweight hydration before your moisturizer. Look for hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based formulas that pull moisture into your skin. Think of it as prep work for everything else you apply.
3. Use a gentle exfoliant twice weekly. BHA or AHA helps with the sluggish cell turnover that happens during hormonal shifts. Start with once a week and build up slowly. Your skin is more reactive now, so respect that.
4. Layer your moisturizers. Apply a lightweight serum or gel first, then seal with a richer cream. Ceramides and peptides help rebuild what hormones are breaking down. Don't skip your neck and chest.
5. Never skip SPF. Your skin repairs itself more slowly now, making sun damage more permanent. Use SPF 30 minimum every day, even indoors. Mineral sunscreens are gentler if your skin has become sensitive.