Perimenopausal and Menopausal Skin in Adelaide: A Clinical Approach to Hormonal Skin Changes
Perimenopause and menopause bring a range of changes to the skin — some gradual, others more noticeable. These changes are driven primarily by declining oestrogen levels and are well-documented in dermatological literature. Yet for many women, finding a clinical team that addresses them comprehensively can be a challenge.
At Regenesis Aesthetic + Wellness in Kent Town, we take a dedicated approach to perimenopausal and menopausal skin, drawing on a range of medical-grade technologies tailored to the specific concerns this life stage presents.
This post covers what happens to skin during perimenopause and menopause, why it happens, and what clinical treatment options may be appropriate.
What Happens to Skin During Perimenopause and Menopause?
The skin changes associated with this life stage are driven primarily by oestrogen decline. Oestrogen plays a significant role in skin structure and function: it supports collagen production, hydration, skin thickness, and elasticity. As levels fall, a number of changes typically occur.
Collagen Loss and Skin Laxity
Collagen is the structural protein responsible for skin firmness and density. Oestrogen actively supports collagen synthesis. In the period following menopause, the rate of collagen loss accelerates — research suggests women may lose a significant proportion of skin collagen in the first five years post-menopause. This contributes to visible changes in skin firmness, density and the appearance of lines.
Changes in Skin Texture and Thickness
The skin becomes thinner and more fragile as oestrogen declines. Surface texture can become more irregular, and pores may appear more prominent as skin elasticity reduces.
Dryness and Altered Barrier Function
Oestrogen plays a role in the skin's ability to retain moisture. As levels drop, the skin barrier can become less effective, leading to increased water loss, dryness, tightness and sensitivity.
Hormonal Pigmentation
Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can worsen or first appear during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuation. Sun exposure remains a primary aggravating factor throughout this period.
Increased Sensitivity
The skin can become more reactive during perimenopause and menopause, with a reduced tolerance for products or environmental triggers that were previously well-tolerated.
A Multi-Modality Approach at Regenesis
Regenesis Aesthetic + Wellness takes a multi-modality approach to perimenopausal and menopausal skin. Rather than addressing a single concern in isolation, the aim is to understand the full picture and map a treatment plan across the range of technologies and protocols available at the clinic.
The following is an overview of approaches at Regenesis that may be relevant to these skin concerns.
Collagen Support and Skin Laxity
Ultherapy Ultherapy is a TGA-cleared focused ultrasound treatment that delivers energy to precise tissue depths, including the SMAS layer. It stimulates a collagen response over three to six months and is particularly suited to brow lifting, neck and chin laxity, and décolletage concerns.
Exion RF and Exilis 360 Both are monopolar radiofrequency treatments designed to support collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Exion RF uses AI-guided energy delivery. These devices address the face, neck and décolletage and are suited to people seeking gradual improvement in skin density and firmness.
Emface Emface combines radiofrequency with HIFES electromagnetic muscle stimulation, addressing both skin quality and underlying facial muscle tone simultaneously, without needles. An option for those seeking lifting and skin quality improvement without injectables.
Exion Fractional and MesoElite Needling Fractional RF microneedling and TGA-cleared mechanical microneedling address skin texture, tone and overall quality by stimulating the skin's collagen response through controlled micro-treatment pathways.
Pigmentation
Hormonal pigmentation is one of the most common concerns during perimenopause.
Dermamelan A professional depigmentation protocol specifically developed for hormonally driven melasma and persistent pigmentation. Involves an in-clinic treatment combined with a prescribed home maintenance programme.
Laser-based depigmentation Targeted laser treatment for sunspots, age spots and uneven skin tone irregularity caused by UV and hormonal factors.
Exion Clear RF Fractional RF microneedling configured for sub-epidermal pigmentation management, particularly suitable for those with mixed texture and pigmentation concerns.
Skin Quality, Hydration and Texture
Clinical Facials and Peels Tailored to the sensitivity and skin quality concerns common in menopausal skin. Options at Regenesis include the Active Duo Facial, WiQo PRX Plus, Dermaceutic Peels, DermaEnergy Enzyme and Aquapeel.
Healite II LED Low-level light therapy supporting skin recovery, inflammation management and general skin health. Particularly relevant for skin that has become more reactive or sensitive during hormonal transition.
Pelvic Floor Health
Regenesis also offers Emsella — a non-invasive HIFEM pelvic floor treatment that is clinically relevant for many women in the perimenopausal and menopausal life stage. Pelvic floor changes, including urinary stress incontinence and reduced pelvic floor tone, are common during this period. Emsella is a fully clothed seated treatment with no downtime required.
The Role of Skincare and Daily SPF
No in-clinic treatment plan for perimenopausal or menopausal skin is complete without a supporting at-home skincare routine. Key priorities include:
Daily broad-spectrum SPF (minimum SPF 50): UV exposure remains one of the primary contributors to pigmentation worsening, collagen breakdown and barrier disruption — regardless of life stage. Daily SPF is non-negotiable for anyone undergoing pigmentation treatment in particular.
Hydration support: Products containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid can help address dryness and support the barrier. Heavier occlusive moisturisers may also become appropriate as the skin barrier changes.
Appropriate active ingredients: Not all actives suit a compromised or reactive barrier. A practitioner assessment can guide which ingredients are appropriate for your current skin condition and which may need to be introduced gradually or avoided.
Regenesis can provide guidance on skincare as part of your consultation, including from the professional ranges stocked in clinic.
How Is a Treatment Plan Developed?
A consultation at Regenesis begins with a thorough assessment of your skin, a review of your health history and hormonal context, and a clear discussion of your areas of concern.
From that foundation, a plan is developed that is specific to your skin at this point in time. Perimenopausal and menopausal skin is not a one-size-fits-all presentation. What is appropriate at 44 with primarily laxity concerns differs from what is appropriate at 56 with significant pigmentation and a compromised barrier. This is why a proper consultation precedes any treatment recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age do perimenopausal skin changes typically begin? Perimenopause can begin in the early to mid-40s, though this varies significantly. Some people notice skin changes earlier; others later. If you are in this life stage and noticing changes in skin density, hydration or pigmentation, a clinical assessment is worthwhile.
Can I have skin treatments while on HRT? Being on hormone replacement therapy does not automatically exclude you from aesthetic skin treatments, but it is relevant context for your practitioner to have. Discuss this with both your prescribing doctor and your Regenesis practitioner as part of your consultation.
My skin has become very sensitive since perimenopause. Are treatments still appropriate? Many women notice increased skin reactivity during this period. A number of the treatments at Regenesis can be adapted or appropriately sequenced to accommodate a sensitive or reactive skin barrier. A thorough assessment guides this.
My main concern is laxity around my jaw and neck. What options might be relevant? This is best assessed in person. Ultherapy, Exion RF and Exilis 360 are among the options that may be relevant depending on your skin quality and degree of laxity. Your practitioner will assess and recommend the most appropriate approach at consultation.
I have melasma that has worsened since entering perimenopause. Is Dermamelan appropriate? Dermamelan is specifically developed for hormonally driven pigmentation and melasma. Whether it is the right starting point for your situation depends on your full skin assessment. Book a consultation to discuss.
Can Emsella be combined with skin treatments? In many cases, yes. Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate combination and sequencing at consultation.
Are these treatments covered by Medicare or private health insurance? Aesthetic skin treatments are generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Pricing is provided at consultation.
I have been searching for a skin clinic in Adelaide that understands menopausal skin — is Regenesis appropriate? Regenesis has a dedicated treatment pathway for perimenopausal and menopausal skin and a team of qualified practitioners experienced in managing the skin concerns of this life stage. A consultation is the appropriate first step.
Book a Consultation
If you are navigating perimenopausal or menopausal skin changes and want a clinical approach grounded in your individual skin, a consultation at Regenesis Aesthetic + Wellness is the right place to start.
We are located at Ground Level, 81 King William Street, Kent Town SA 5067. Open Monday to Friday, with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday. All consultations and treatments are by prior appointment.
Results vary between individuals. All treatments carry risk. Information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner to determine whether a treatment is appropriate for you. Regenesis Aesthetic + Wellness complies with AHPRA advertising guidelines and the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth).