One morning, your moisturizer stops working. A favorite serum suddenly stings. That once-bouncy glow? It feels like it’s gone on vacation.

These aren’t random changes – they’re your skin sending signals. In perimenopause and menopause, these signals are referred to as biomarkers: measurable indicators that reveal the biological shifts happening beneath the surface.

From dryness and sagging to stubborn spots and sensitivity, each biomarker tells the story of what’s happening beneath the surface. Beth Bialko, Bioelements Senior Director of Education, breaks down how to decode biomarkers and why they matter:

1. Dry, dull skin 

How it shows up:

• Flaky or rough patches

• Slowed cellular renewal

• Weakened skin barrier

The science behind it:
“Declining estrogen means fewer lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) to lock in moisture,” says Bialko. “The skin barrier weakens, water escapes faster, and natural hyaluronic acid dips. Combine all that with a slower cell turnover, and skin can feel dry, look rough, and lose its glow.”

2. Sagging + loss of elasticity

How it shows up:

• Jawline and cheeks that feel less firm

• Fine lines that deepen quickly

• Loss of facial volume
  

The science behind it:
“Estrogen plays a key role in collagen and elastin production,” says Bialko. “As levels drop, collagen slows, elastin breaks down, and hydration-supporting molecules like hyaluronic acid diminish. The skin’s scaffolding weakens, leading to sagging, wrinkles and loss of firmness.”

3. Sensitivity + flushing

How it shows up:

• Sudden redness or blotchiness

• Tingling from products you used to tolerate

• Hot flashes that bring on visible flushing
  

The science behind it:
“Hormonal shifts make it harder to maintain a strong lipid barrier, so irritants sneak in,” Bialko explains. “Fluctuations also trigger inflammation. Add in hot flashes, and the skin can feel unpredictable, red and reactive.”

4. Dark spots + hyperpigmentation

How it shows up:

• Irregular dark patches

• Stubborn sun spots

• Uneven skin tone or blotchiness
  

The science behind it:
“Hormones help regulate melanocytes (pigment-producing cells),” says Bialko. “When estrogen and progesterone levels decline and fluctuate during menopause, melanin production becomes irregular, resulting in blotchy pigmentation. UV exposure intensifies this, and slower skin renewal means those spots are slower to fade.”

5. Thinning, fragile skin

How it shows up:

• Skin that feels more delicate

• Slower healing

• Less natural volume or cushion
  

The science behind it:
“With less estrogen, skin renewal slows and collagen production drops,” Bialko explains. “Elastin and subcutaneous fat also decline, so the skin loses structure and bounce. This results in a thinner, more fragile complexion that can take longer to repair itself.”

Perimenopause and menopause don’t just shift your hormones; they leave measurable biomarkers on your skin. From dryness to sagging, flushing to dark spots, and thinning to fragility, each change is part of a bigger hormonal story.

The takeaway? Your skin isn’t failing, it’s evolving. And with barrier-first, hormone-smart care, you can respond to each signal and keep your skin feeling supported, comfortable and radiant through every stage.

FAQs: Menopause and skin changes

Why is my skin suddenly dry in menopause?

Lower estrogen reduces lipids and hyaluronic acid, weakening your barrier and leading to water loss.

Does menopause make skin thinner?

Yes, it can – along with aging, slower renewal and less collagen can make skin more fragile and less resilient.

Why am I getting dark spots now?

Hormonal decline disrupts pigment regulation, leading to blotchiness and hyperpigmentation.

Can menopause trigger sensitive skin?

Absolutely. A weaker barrier, combined with hormonal inflammation, makes the skin more reactive and prone to flushing.

How can I treat sagging skin during menopause?

Focus on care that supports collagen, elastin, and hydration while strengthening the barrier.