Getting older brings so many *wonderful* things. After decades of rarely problematic combination skin, I hit perimenopause and overnight had to re-think my skincare routine. After publishing this post about my current makeup routine, I’ve been asked about my perimenopausal skincare routine.
I’ll preface this blog post with five things …
1. One of the biggest myths about skin is that injectables change the texture and feel of it. They don’t. I’ve never hidden the fact that I get Botox. I’ve done so (two-three times a year) since the year I turned 40. And the year I turned 50, I got .5ml of filler in each of my cheeks. I haven’t had filler for 18 months now. I’m now 53 and I like the way these treatments give my face a fresh look. What they don’t do is change the condition of my skin. I know it’s not for everyone and that’s ok.
2. The condition of my skin is thanks to a combination of wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun from a very young age and having a consistent skincare routine since the age of 18. I upped that routine the year I turned 30 and actually committed to night-time cleansing. I KNOW! Future self is very happy.
3. I invest in seeing a trusted skincare therapist every month for a facial treatment to suit exactly what my skins needs at that given moment. Usually it involves microdermabrasion or skin needling (I’ve just experienced this for the first time and my skin loved it), a mask and LED light therapy. Shout out to Sally Williams who really does know her stuff. It’s important to find someone who has the knowledge to treat your skin specifically to your individual needs, not just in a cookie-cutter, “how much product can I sell?” approach.
4. I’m not currently sponsored by any skincare company. I was, however, part of Dermalogica’s DermTribe for a few years. I used Dermalogica before then and have continued with so many of their products because they really do work for my skin.
5. All the products and treatments will mean nothing if you’re not consistent with your daily at-home routine. Make it a habit! It’s never too late to start. The number of products I use may trigger you. HAH. Even if you bring your routine back to simply cleansing and moisturising twice daily and wearing sunscreen every day, your skin will love you back. The key is consistency.
The below video runs through my morning and night super hydrating perimenopausal skincare routine. The dryness and irritation is something that’s come on with perimenopause. I work to keep the skin calm, hydrated and balanced. If the balance gets tipped even slightly, I experience flakiness and redness … and from time to time, perioral dermatitis.
The temptation can be to throw ALL the active ingredients at your skin – retinol, chemical peels, vitamin serums – but my advice is DON’T without professional advice. It can be too much for your skin and you could end up spending a long time getting your skin back in balance.
Hit me up with any questions … and leave a comment with any products you’ve found that work for your perimenopausal/menopausal skin.
My super hydrating perimenopausal skincare routine (products used)
Morning (in order of use/application)
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (two-three times a week)
Dermalogica Ultra Calming mist
Dermalogica Ultracalming Serum Concentrate
Bettyquette Get Up And Glow face oil
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising sunscreen
Evening
Go-To Fancy Face Nourishing Oil cleanser
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser
Dermalogica Ultra Calming mist
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum
Bettyquette Sleep On It face oil
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
Lanolips Golden Dry Skin Salve (on lips overnight)
Weekly (or whenever I feel like a lift)
Go-To Transformazing sheet mask
Comments 11
Great article Nikki I have been a long time fan of Dermalogica.
Yes ageing brings so many “wonderful” things xx
Great article! Thank you!
Big fan of Dermalogica for my dry, sensitive post-menopausal skin. I’d always had somewhat oily, sensitive skin so the dryness was a big (and sudden) change to manage. Lucky me, I have a very good beauty therapist who managed my skin through it. I like Avene products very much, particularly the water spray. Their body wash is also lovely, it smells fresh and pretty without hanging around all day.
Thanks for the superstar line-up, I’ve been dithering about skincare for 6 months with my skin changing but can’t afford regular salon visits. I’ve ordered the Queen Screen SPF – honestly I’ve hated pretty much every moisturiser with sun protection lately because of the oiliness and pilling but this sounds just perfect. Might have to pay Dermalogica a visit for some personalised skin care!
Author
I hope Queen Screen works for you too. I’ve not had any pilling with it under makeup. And yes, if you can get to Dermalogica for a personalised script for your skin, do it!
Thank you Nikki – I’m around the same age as you and having some skin dryness issues also. Due to being in lockdown in Melbourne I have only had two haircuts this year and have given up on my blonde highlights (and going with the silver highlights instead )
With the money I have saved at the hairdressers I have this morning purchased the oil cleanser, vitamin serum and sunscreen you have recommended and look forward to giving them a go.
I already use the Bettyquette oils and especially love the night oil as I think it also helps me sleep.
I really enjoyed the video on how you apply the products and am looking forward to giving the layering a go.
Just one question, you didn’t use any eye cream – do you use your moisturiser in the eye area?
Thanks again for a great post/video.
Leigh
Author
Hi Leigh … lots of love to you in lockdown again. I hope the purchases work for you like they do for me. Good question re the eye cream … no I don’t really. I use the face products up to the eye area BUT the Trinny London BFF Eye I use is a hybrid eye serum and concealer so the area gets some targeted treatment that way.
This is a great article Nikki. I have very dry menopausal skin too. Through trial & error I’m now really happy with the routine I have for my face & my facial skin is fabulous right now. It’s the skin on my body that’s a mess. Dry, sensitive, itchy & prone to bouts of pityriasis rosea. Wondering whether you’ve come across any great products for the skin on the body?
Author
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for reading. For my body, I use body oils – Bettyquette https://bettyquette.com.au/body-oils/ and I recently bought this one after having it used in an amazing treatment at Ikatan https://ikatanspa.com/treatment/ikatan-spa-anti-ageing-body-oil/
Have you looked at MooGoo products? I know ppl with varying skin “issues” and they swear by it!
Author
It’s the only thing that works for my Dad’s really bad psoriasis!