The "Start Low, Go Slow" Guide: A Skincare Routine for Peri|Menopause
If you are navigating perimenopause or menopause, you know that the changes aren't just internal. You look in the mirror and notice things are… different. Maybe your trusty moisturizer isn’t cutting it anymore, or you’re seeing texture changes that weren't there a year ago.
It can be frustrating, but here is the truth: your skin isn't "bad," it's just shifting. As estrogen levels drop, we lose collagen and our skin barrier gets a bit thirstier.
At Safahla, I tell my patients constantly: you don't need a 10-step influencer routine to fix this. You need consistency, protection, and the right medical-grade ingredients. Here is the realistic, science-backed routine I use myself and recommend to my patients to get that glow back.
Morning Routine: Protect, Plump & Brighten
Think of your morning routine as your shield. You are preparing your face to face the world (and the sun).
1. Keep it Gentle Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. We want to remove the oils from your pillow without stripping your skin dry. If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh!
2. The Glow Getter: Vitamin C Apply a serum with L-ascorbic acid (the gold standard of Vitamin C) to your face and neck.
Why? It brightens dark spots and helps build collagen. Plus, it acts like a safety net, neutralizing pollution and sun damage that sneaks past your sunscreen.
3. The Secret Weapon: Prescription Estrogen Cream This is the step I swear by. I prescribe this for most of my patients, and I use it personally every single day.
Why I love it: Low-dose prescription topical estrogen (like estriol) directly addresses the root cause of menopausal skin aging—hormone loss. It helps plump thinning skin, boosts hydration significantly, and brings back that "bounciness" we miss.
How to use: Apply this as your primary moisturizer step. It absorbs beautifully and sets the stage for protection.
4. The Non-Negotiable: Sunscreen Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (SPF 50+ is even better).
The Power Couple: Studies show that Vitamin C and sunscreen actually work better together than alone.
Real talk: You need to reapply at least twice a day if you are out and about.
Evening Routine: Repair & Renew
Nighttime is when the magic happens. We are focusing on cleaning the canvas and stimulating cell turnover.
1. The Double Cleanse If you wore makeup or sunscreen (which you hopefully did!), a quick splash of water won't cut it.
First: Use an oil-based cleanser. This melts away the "gunk"—makeup, SPF, and oil.
Second: Follow up with your gentle water-based cleanser to actually clean your skin.
2. The Powerhouse: Retinol This is the heavy lifter for wrinkles, texture, and tone. Apply a pea-sized amount to your entire face (not just on a wrinkle).
Start Low, Go Slow: This is crucial. Start with a low concentration (0.025%–0.5%) and only use it every 2–3 nights. You can work up to daily use once your skin tolerates it.
Sensitive Skin Tip: If you burn or sting, wait a full 30 minutes after washing your face to apply it (applying to damp skin increases irritation).
3. Night Moisturizer Retinol increases cell turnover, which can be drying. Seal your routine with a rich, nourishing night moisturizer to support your barrier while you sleep.
What to Expect
I want to manage your expectations because skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.
The "Purge" is Normal: For the first 4 to 6 weeks of using retinol, your skin might actually look worse. You might see redness, peeling, or even dryness. It’s annoying, but it means the product is working to speed up your cell turnover. Hang in there!
Patience: Visible results usually take weeks, sometimes months. Don't give up after two weeks.
Sun Smarts: Retinol makes you more sensitive to the sun. If you skip the SPF in the morning, you are undoing all the good work you did the night before.
The Bottom Line: Consistency is key. Apply your products to clean, dry skin, stick to the routine, and give your body the grace it deserves during this transition.
