Women Misidentified Menopause Skin Changes as Ageing
New research shows many mistake hormonal skin shifts for general ageing, impacting how they choose skincare treatments.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Beauty
Live Poll
Do you feel confident identifying the cause of new skin changes during mid-life?
Recent findings from Galderma reveal that 56% of women misattribute menopause-related skin changes to general ageing, while only 29% correctly identify menopause as the cause. This knowledge gap often leads to ineffective product choices as women navigate perimenopause and menopause.
Why it matters
Understanding the physiological differences between hormonal skin changes and general ageing is essential for effective treatment decisions. Currently, 70% of women purchase products designed for generic ageing to treat menopausal symptoms, often without realizing how hormonal shifts alter the skin.
A survey of 5,090 women highlighted widespread confusion regarding skin health, while a clinical trial evaluated sequential treatment using Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra. Participants in the trial reported a 27.3% increase in dermal thickness when specific treatment sequencing was applied.
The players
Galderma
A pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland that specializes in dermatological treatments and aesthetic injectable products.
The details
The clinical trial demonstrated that the order of application for medical aesthetics matters for physiological outcomes. By administering Restylane Skinboosters before Sculptra, clinicians achieved a 27.3% increase in dermal thickness, significantly outperforming the 15.7% increase seen when the sequence was reversed. This suggests that priming the skin with specific hydrating boosters before stimulating collagen production may optimize results for women experiencing hormonal skin thinning.
Timeline
Research data were collected from August 25 to September 1, 2026.
Galderma announced the study findings on October 13, 2026.
World Menopause Day is observed on October 18, 2026.
Health Landscape
This research shifts the aesthetic treatment landscape by moving away from generic anti-ageing approaches to targeted, hormone-sensitive protocols. It underscores a growing move toward clinical validation of procedures specifically designed for the biological realities of menopause.
If you are experiencing changes in skin texture or thickness, it is worth discussing with a dermatologist whether your symptoms are linked to hormonal shifts rather than general ageing. Recognizing this distinction can help you avoid using products that may not address the underlying biological cause of your skin concerns.
The takeaway
Many women currently feel overwhelmed by conflicting skincare advice because they are treating symptoms of menopause as if they were standard signs of ageing. Prioritize a consultation with a qualified skin health expert to determine if your current routine is truly matched to your hormonal health needs.
Further reading
For more on navigating skin changes during life transitions, visit our Beauty section.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident identifying the cause of new skin changes during mid-life?
