When I first began noticing changes in my skin, I assumed it was just part of getting older. But in my late thirties/early forties, I suddenly developed contact dermatitis that left my face sore, dry, and reactive. After months of frustration, a dermatologist’s patch test revealed the cause: a now-banned preservative called Methylisothiazolinone.

The funny thing? I’d been using products containing it for years without issue. Looking back, I believe hormonal changes triggered my skin to react to something that once seemed harmless. That experience changed everything. It taught me that our skin changes through perimenopause - and that we need skincare that changes with us.

It’s what led me to create Pamoja: gentle, high-performing natural skincare for perimenopause, crafted to support dry, sensitive, evolving skin with kindness and clarity.

Why Perimenopausal Skin Needs a Different Kind of Care

During perimenopause, oestrogen levels drop and your skin loses collagen, elasticity, and moisture. You might notice your skin feels tighter, more sensitive, or even breaks out in ways it never did before.

Many so-called “luxury” brands often focus on instant texture or scent rather than long-term nourishment.  Product labels can be hard to read and often mask questionable ingredients.  What looks and smells indulgent isn't always what your skin actually needs.

The Hidden Costs of “Luxury” Skincare

Luxury doesn’t always mean better - skincare can still contain ingredients that cause dryness or irritation, especially when your skin barrier is more delicate.  

Here are a few common ones to rethink:

• Silicones – like Dimethicone create a silky finish but are basically microplastics and trap debris and block pores. 
• Harsh preservatives – like Phenoxyethanol can irritate sensitive skin.
• Synthetic fragrance (parfum) – often hides dozens of undisclosed chemicals that may aggravate reactive skin.
• Sulfates – such as SLS are foaming agents that strip away natural oils, leaving your skin tight and uncomfortable.  

This isn’t about fear, or blame - it’s about awareness. Once you start recognising these ingredients, you can make kinder choices for your skin.

How to Decode a Skincare Ingredients List

Ever turned a product around and felt completely lost? You’re not alone. But reading a skincare ingredients list doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here’s how to simplify it:

1. Start with the first five ingredients
They usually make up most of the formula. Don’t be alarmed if you see water (aqua) listed first, as it’s a vital component in skincare. Our skin needs both water and oil to stay hydrated, smooth, and resilient. Water-based ingredients help deliver hydration deep into the skin, while oils and butters help lock it in.  

It’s also worth knowing that “waterless skincare” isn’t always the sustainability badge it’s made out to be. True sustainability is circular - it’s about how a product is designed, made, used at home, and how it ends its life. In that sense, no product is truly waterless. What matters more is how responsibly ingredients are sourced, how they’re formulated, and how they care for your skin and the planet over time.

2. Don’t fear long lists
Sometimes natural extracts must be listed in full, which can make an ingredients list appear longer or more “chemical-sounding” than it really is. For example, Ectoin (a 100% natural molecule with impressive clinical data behind it) or Sodium Anisate (a natural antimicrobial derived from star anise) might look intimidating, but are actually gentle and beneficial for the skin.

3. Look for transparency
What matters most is that a brand clearly explains why each ingredient is there. You should be able to find plain-English explanations and evidence of care - not confusing jargon or overblown promises.

At Pamoja, every ingredient is listed clearly, with its purpose explained on our Ingredients page. Because I believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

Why Natural Skincare for Perimenopause Works Better

When your skin is in flux, natural, science-backed ingredients and formulations can make all the difference. Think nutrient-rich oils, barrier-strengthening actives, and antioxidant protection - all designed to nurture rather than mask.

At Pamoja, each product is freshly made in small batches, free from harsh fillers or synthetic preservatives, colours and fragrances.

Reset Cleansing Balm

Reset Cleansing Balm is where every great skincare ritual begins. It’s a silky balm that melts away makeup, pollution, and the day without stripping or irritating your skin.

At the heart of the formula are Carrot Root CO₂ Extract and Sacha Inchi Oil.
• Carrot Root CO₂ is rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants that help brighten and revitalise dull, tired skin.
• Sacha Inchi Oil, a nutrient-dense Peruvian oil, is packed with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that deeply nourish and support the skin barrier.

Together, they leave your skin soft, calm, and balanced - not tight or dry - setting the tone for everything that follows.

Revive Multi-Action Face Cream

Revive Multi-Action Face Cream combines Ectoin and Glycerol Glucoside 100 % natural actives that strengthen your skin barrier and boost hydration at a cellular level. They help skin feel calmer, smoother, and more resilient through hormonal change. 

Upcycled Red Raspberry Seed Oil, rich in antioxidant vitamin E, with skin-loving botanicals that protect against dryness and dullness. It’s a daily dose of nourishment that supports your skin’s natural glow - no gimmicks, just goodness.

When you pair both, you create a simple two-step ritual that hydrates, soothes, and restores balance which is ideal for skin navigating perimenopause.

How to Transition Your Routine (Without Overhauling Everything)

You don’t need a 10-step routine to have radiant, healthy skin. Start small:

• Replace one product at a time.
• Give your skin space to adjust, two to four weeks per swap is ideal.
• Focus on texture and comfort over scent or packaging.

Your skin isn’t misbehaving it’s evolving. And with the right support, it can look and feel better than ever.

Kindness and Clarity Go Further Than Hype

If there’s one thing my own journey taught me, it’s that skincare isn’t vanity - it’s self-respect. Choosing products that truly support your changing skin is an act of care.

At Pamoja, I’m here to help you cut through the noise and feel confident in your choices. You can always explore our Ingredients pagefor full transparency, or if you’d like more personalised guidance, book your free skincare consultation by emailing me at hello (at) pamojaskincaee.com.

Your skin is changing and that’s okay. Let’s support it, naturally.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Sarah x 

Are you new to Pamoja?

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

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 600+ 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.

Copyright: Sarah Taylor 5 November 2025.

Other reading:

Ectoin: a Game Changer for Radiant Skin - here's what you need to know

6 Ways to Adapt Your Skincare in Your 40s

Skin SOS: Caring for Dry Skin in Perimenopause 

10 Ways to Use a Booster Oil