Menopause is a milestone in a woman’s life. In addition to the end of the menstrual cycle, the body goes through hormonal changes that directly affect the skin. Many women notice that suddenly, more wrinkles, expression lines, and even sagging start to appear.
But why does this happen? And most importantly: what can you do to improve it? Let’s understand together.
👉https://youtube.com/shorts/rn8S1wo_Ijw
Why do wrinkles increase during menopause?
To understand the appearance of wrinkles, we need to look at the three layers of the skin:
1. Epidermis (outer layer)
This is the first barrier of protection against the environment. During menopause, it becomes thinner and drier because the natural production of oils decreases. This leaves the skin dull, rough, and more prone to flaking and fine lines.
👉 It’s as if the skin’s “protective shield” loses strength.
2. Dermis (middle layer)
Here we find collagen and elastin, fibers that provide firmness and elasticity. With the drop in estrogen, the body can lose up to 30% of its collagen in the first 5 years of menopause. The result? Deeper wrinkles, marks around the eyes and mouth, and a looser skin texture.
👉 Think of the dermis as the “structure” of the skin. When it weakens, everything sags.
3. Hypodermis (deep layer)
This is the layer where fat cells are located, giving volume and support to the face. During menopause, this fat decreases, leaving the face “deflated,” with sagging cheeks and more laxity in the chin and neck area.
👉 The hypodermis works like a natural “cushion,” which gradually diminishes over time.
👉 Related article: https://mariahchic.com/menopause/skin-dehydration/
The most common wrinkles during menopause
In addition to internal changes, wrinkles can appear in very specific areas of the face:
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Forehead: horizontal lines become deeper, the result of repetitive muscle contractions and loss of collagen. Without firmness, they remain visible even when the face is relaxed.
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Eye corners (crow’s feet): very common because the skin around the eyes is already thin by nature. With menopause, it becomes even more delicate, and every smile or blink leaves more visible marks.
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Nasolabial folds (smile lines): these creases that run from the nose to the mouth become more pronounced when the hypodermis loses fat, leaving the face looking “saggy” and tired.
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Lip wrinkles: also known as “smoker’s lines” or “barcode lines,” they appear above the upper lip. Women who smoke tend to have these wrinkles more deeply, since the repeated motion of pursing the lips plus the free radicals from tobacco accelerate collagen breakdown.
👉 These types of wrinkles are directly related to hormonal changes during menopause and lifestyle habits such as sun exposure, diet, stress, and smoking.
How to improve wrinkles in menopause?
The good news is that you can stimulate the skin from the inside out and the outside in. Here’s how:
Facial exercises
Just like body muscles need training to stay firm, the face also has muscles that can be strengthened.
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Increase blood circulation → more oxygen and nutrients reach the skin, boosting radiance.
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Tone facial muscles → help support the skin, reducing sagging.
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Relax tension → frown lines and forehead wrinkles can soften.
💡 Simple exercises to try today:
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Exaggerated smile: smile as wide as you can and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
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Cheek puff: fill your mouth with air, hold for 5 seconds, then release slowly. Repeat 10 times.
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Massage lift: use upward strokes on the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
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👉 Related article https://mariahchic.com/menopause/beautiful-during-menopause/
Skincare products for menopause wrinkles
Not every cream works. To fight wrinkles during this stage, look for ingredients with proven effectiveness:
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Hyaluronic acid: powerful hydrator that plumps fine lines, leaving the skin smoother and more supple. Great for the epidermis, where dryness is most evident.
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Retinol (vitamin A derivative): works in the dermis, stimulating collagen production and speeding up cell renewal. Results: softer wrinkles and firmer skin.
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Vitamin C: antioxidant that fights free radicals, the culprits of premature aging. It also brightens and evens out skin tone.
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Peptides: act like “messengers,” signaling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Excellent for restoring dermal firmness.
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Ceramides: rebuild the skin’s natural barrier, reducing dryness and sensitivity.
👉 The secret is to combine hydration with collagen stimulation, always paired with daily sunscreen use for the best results.
👉 Related article: https://mariahchic.com/menopause/menopause-and-wrinkles/
Daily habits that make a difference
Small routine changes can transform your skin:
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Sunscreen every day: the sun is the biggest enemy of collagen. Use it even indoors, since artificial light also contributes to aging.
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Balanced diet: eat lean proteins (eggs, fish, chicken), antioxidant-rich fruits (berries, grapes, oranges), and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts).
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Hydration from within: drinking water is essential to maintain elasticity and glow.
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Hormone replacement therapy (when prescribed): can help reduce collagen loss and skin dryness. Always under medical guidance.
Conclusion: You can age beautifully during menopause
Menopause doesn’t have to mean loss of beauty. Understanding how wrinkles form in the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis is the first step to fighting them smartly.
With facial exercises, the right skincare products, and simple daily habits, you can achieve firmer, brighter, and healthier skin — reflecting your true strength and maturity.
👉 Did you like these tips? Keep following our blog for more secrets to keep your skin youthful and radiant after menopause!
Scientific studies
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Título: Wrinkle reduction in post-menopausal women consuming a novel oral supplement: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study
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Unilever UK Central Resources Limited. public 2013
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Título: Skin Rejuvenation in Women using Menopausal Hormone Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. public 2023
Written and reviewed by: Vilma Mendonça – Pharmacist
Photos – Yandex
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