Creative Touch Permanent Makeup and Aesthetics

The Oestrogen-Collagen Connection

Here’s something most skincare advice doesn’t mention: your skin’s collagen production is directly tied to your oestrogen levels. ^[2] As oestrogen declines during perimenopause, collagen follows.

The numbers are striking. Research shows women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen within the first five years of menopause. Before that, during perimenopause, the decline is already underway, typically dropping 1-2% each year. ^[1]

This isn’t vanity. Collagen provides the structural support that keeps your skin firm, elastic, and resilient. When it diminishes, you’ll notice skin becoming thinner, less bouncy, and more prone to lines, particularly around your eyes and mouth. ^[3]

The Moisture Challenge

Oestrogen also helps your skin produce oils and retain water. As levels fluctuate during your 40s (often unpredictably), you might experience:

• Skin that feels drier than before, even with the same moisturiser
• A compromised skin barrier that’s more reactive to products
• Areas of unexpected oiliness alongside dry patches
• Increased sensitivity or new concerns like rosacea

The fluctuating hormone levels don’t just decline gradually. They spike and crash, which explains why your skin can seem to age years overnight, then recover somewhat, then change again.

Environmental Factors Catching Up

Your 40s are also when cumulative sun damage from previous decades becomes visible. Those summers without proper SPF, the tanning bed years, outdoor work without protection: the effects are showing up as age spots, uneven texture, and deeper lines.

Add to this ongoing exposure to pollution (a real concern even in South Yorkshire) and lifestyle factors like stress and sleep quality, and your skin is dealing with multiple pressures simultaneously.

Morning Routine

Cleanse gently. Your skin is drier than it used to be, so swap foaming cleansers for cream or oil-based formulas that clean without stripping. Double cleansing in the evening removes makeup without over-washing.

Layer hydration. Hydration is our natural fountain of youth, so Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serums are a staple for good reason, but not all formulations work the same way.

The molecule’s size matters. Low molecular weight HA (look for “low MW” or “multi-weight” on labels) can actually penetrate into deeper skin layers, delivering hydration where it counts. High molecular weight HA mostly sits on the surface, forming a moisture-locking film that reduces water loss. Both are useful, just in different ways.

Many products don’t specify, and some use high MW primarily for that satisfying silky texture. If deeper hydration is your goal, seek out serums that mention molecular weight or contain a blend of sizes. Apply to damp skin to give the HA water to work with, then follow with a richer moisturiser than you might have used in your 30s.

Consider your sun protection carefully. UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and contributes to pigmentation concerns. But it’s worth being thoughtful about how you protect your skin.

Many conventional sunscreens contain chemical UV filters that are absorbed into the bloodstream. Questions are emerging about the long-term effects, particularly for ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. ^{[[5], [6]]} If this concerns you, mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer physical protection by reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them. They sit on the skin’s surface rather than penetrating it.

We’re expanding our tallow skincare range to include a mineral sun balm with 20% non-nano zinc oxide in a nourishing tallow and antioxidant-rich base. No chemical filters, just physical protection for those times when extended sun exposure is unavoidable. Watch this space.

Evening Routine

This is where the real work happens. Your skin does most of its repair during sleep, so evening is the time for active ingredients.

Retinoids have the strongest evidence of any topical for collagen support. These vitamin A derivatives increase collagen production and speed cell turnover, with decades of clinical research behind them. ^[7] But here’s something worth knowing: the robust evidence is mainly for prescription-strength tretinoin, which you’d get through a GP or dermatologist. Over-the-counter retinol is gentler and more accessible, but it’s also around 20 times less potent and the research supporting it is thinner than you’d guess from the marketing.

That doesn’t mean OTC retinol is worthless. It may still offer benefits, particularly for those who find prescription strength too irritating. But if you’re serious about results and your skin can tolerate it, a conversation with your GP about tretinoin is worth having.

Whichever you choose, start low and slow. Apply every third night initially, building tolerance over weeks. Your skin will thank you for the patience.

Vitamin C in the morning, retinoid at night. Vitamin C serums protect against environmental damage and support collagen production, but can destabilise retinoids. Keep them in separate routines.

Peptides offer a gentler option. These protein fragments are thought to support collagen and elastin production, though the clinical evidence isn’t as strong as the marketing suggests. Most studies are small or industry-funded, so we’re still waiting for robust independent research to confirm what peptides can genuinely achieve.

That said, they’re well-tolerated by sensitive skin and unlikely to cause irritation. If retinoids aren’t an option for you, or you’re looking for something to use on alternate nights, peptides are a reasonable choice. Just keep expectations realistic: they’re unlikely to deliver dramatic change on their own.

Weekly Support

Exfoliate strategically. Cell turnover slows in your 40s, so gentle exfoliation once or twice weekly removes dead skin that can dull your complexion and prevent products absorbing properly. Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.

Consider masking. A hydrating mask once weekly can boost moisture levels beyond what daily products achieve. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or nourishing oils.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Your Skin

Most of us are walking around with an omega imbalance. Modern diets are heavy in omega-6 from processed foods and vegetable oils, whilst omega-3 from fish and seafood barely gets a look-in. The average British person has a ratio of around 15:1, whereas scientists recommend a 3:1 ratio or better. ^[10]

Why does this matter for your skin? Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Support collagen production from within
• Reduce inflammation that accelerates skin ageing
• Protect against UV-induced damage
• May reduce sun sensitivity (emerging research suggests high omega-6 intake contributes to how easily skin burns)

That last point is worth noting. Some researchers believe our modern, omega-6 diets have made us more vulnerable to sun damage than our ancestors were. Balancing your omegas won’t replace sun protection, but it may be part of a more holistic approach to skin health. ^{[[8], [9]]}

Eating oily fish twice weekly helps, but many women find a quality omega-3 supplement offers more consistent support. Look for one combining EPA and DHA (the active forms your body can use directly) with good absorption. The difference shows in skin that’s better hydrated and more resilient.

Other Nutrients Worth Attention

Protein provides the building blocks for collagen. Ensure you’re getting adequate amounts from quality sources.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. Beyond serums, eat citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and leafy greens.

Antioxidants from brightly coloured fruits and vegetables protect against the oxidative stress that accelerates skin ageing.

Adequate hydration supports every cellular function. Aim for 6-8 glasses daily, more if you’re active.

Treatments That Support Your Skin’s Natural Processes

Cold Plasma skin rejuvenation is a newer option that works particularly well for perimenopausal skin. It stimulates your skin to produce fresh collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid without the downtime of more invasive treatments. The technology also addresses pigmentation and improves overall skin texture. Because it’s non-ablative, it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Mesotherapy and skin boosters deliver hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid directly into the skin. Treatments like Profhilo work at a deeper level than topical products can reach, providing intense hydration that lasts weeks.

Facials and chemical peels offer regular maintenance, addressing surface concerns like dullness and uneven texture whilst supporting overall skin health.

What to Expect

Professional treatments aren’t magic. They work best as part of an overall approach that includes good home skincare, nutrition, and realistic expectations. Most treatments require multiple sessions for optimal results, with subsequent maintenance.

If you’re considering professional treatments, a consultation helps identify which options suit your particular concerns, skin type, and lifestyle.