Dry, Tight, Reactive? Here’s What Your Skin’s Trying to Tell You

Posted by SARAH TAYLOR on May 28, 2025

The real reason your skin feels different in perimenopause - and what to do about it.

Let’s be honest, perimenopause shows up in all kinds of ways. Mood swings. Mind fog. Changes in sleep, energy, and yes… your skin. If your skin suddenly feels dry, tight, itchy or reactive - even though you haven’t changed anything in your routine - you’re not imagining it.

Your skin is evolving, and this is its way of asking for something different.

When your skin changes, it can feel like you are losing a piece of yourself. It's not about fighting the changes, but rather finding supportive ways to feel great in your skin again. When you feel great, you look great!

Here’s what’s really going on, and what you can do to support it.

💡 First: What’s actually happening to your skin in perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a time of transition - your body’s shifting gears. As oestrogen levels begin to decline, and other hormone levels shift, your skin starts to lose some of its natural bounce, hydration, and resilience.

Oestrogen plays a key role in skin health in terms of:

Collagen production
Skin thickness
Moisture retention

So when it dips, your skin can become dry, flaky, dull, and more prone to sensitivity or inflammation.

🧴 The biggest mistake?

It may be tempting to reach for high-strength retinols or heavier moisturisers, without rebuilding the skin barrier underneath.

Your skin barrier is your body’s natural line of defence. When it’s healthy, it keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s compromised (as it often is during perimenopause), even the richest creams can’t sink in or soothe your skin, and the actives just cause further damage.

So, what does your skin actually need?

Your skin is craving nourishment and kindness. Here’s a plan that can help you take the overwhelm away:

1. Simplify your skincare routine

Less is more. This isn’t the time for actives on actives or 10-step routines.
Instead choose gentle, barrier-supportive products that nourish without overwhelming.

2. Replenish with lipids

Perimenopausal skin loses vital lipids (natural oils) that keep it soft and strong.
Try reaching for products rich in plant-based oils like cacay, marula or moringa oil to rebuild what’s been lost.

3. Hydrate from the inside + out

Pair a moisture-sealing cleansing balm with humectant-rich serums and creams (like hyaluronic acid) and facial oil. Apply to damp skin for best results.

4. Remember to look after your nervous system

Stress, sleep and hormonal fluctuations all affect skin. A calm nervous system helps your barrier repair faster. Daily rituals like breathwork, journaling, caffeine-free teas before bed help more than you might think.

🔁 What's the bottom line?

Your skin isn’t broken. It’s evolving and asking for something different.
And when you give it the nourishment, patience and support it needs, it responds.

Glowing skin in perimenopause is possible, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

💌 P.S. Waiting on your Pamoja order?
While your glow-boosting skincare is en route, head over to my blog. Or follow us on Instagram + Facebook where you'll find:

✨ Expert tips that actually help
🎥 Behind-the-scenes of how our skincare is made and product demos
🌿 Daily rituals to feel good in your skin

Remember… we reward loyalty and referrals, too.
So whether you’re sharing the glow with a friend or coming back for more, we’ve got a little love waiting for you.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Love, Sarah

Shop my nourishing skincare.

Are you new to Pamoja?

Hi, I'm Sarah Taylor, a 51 year old perimenopausal woman, trained skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja.

Sarah Taylor Pamoja Skincare

Pamoja is a high-performing natural skincare brand designed to help you nourish your skin and nurture yourself because I believe you deserve more kindness in your daily routine.

Now, with over 560+ five-star reviews. As seen in Vogue, Stylist, Woman's Health, Health and Wellbeing Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, Top Sante and more.

✨ If you enjoyed this, why not subscribe for access to 10% off your first order plus 'A Daily Dose of Kindness - 30 ways to Practice Self-care'. Sign up here.

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