As we journey through our mid-thirties and beyond, our skin begins telling a different story – one deeply connected to changing oestrogen levels. Many women feel confused about these shifts, wondering why their once-predictable skincare routines suddenly seem less effective.
From age 35 onwards, declining oestrogen levels can lead to noticeable changes in skin texture, elasticity and moisture retention, with many women experiencing increased dryness, fine lines and reduced plumpness well before reaching menopause. These changes aren’t simply cosmetic concerns but reflect the profound relationship between our hormones and skin health – a connection often overlooked in conventional beauty conversations.
Supporting our skin during this transition doesn’t necessarily require synthetic interventions. Natural, nourishing products like Jane Scrivner‘s Nourishing Cleanser offer a gentle approach to maintaining skin health. With thoughtfully selected ingredients that work with your skin’s natural processes rather than against them, such products can help maintain that delicate moisture balance your skin increasingly craves as oestrogen levels fluctuate.
Understanding Oestrogen and Skin Health
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, particularly for women approaching their mid-thirties and beyond. As hormone levels naturally fluctuate with age, our skin undergoes significant changes that require thoughtful adjustments to skincare routines.
Role of Oestrogen in Skin Physiology
Oestrogen contributes significantly to skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. This essential hormone stimulates collagen and elastin production, which are the building blocks of firm, supple skin. I’ve found that when oestrogen is present in optimal amounts, it helps maintain the skin barrier function, protecting against moisture loss and environmental damage.
Oestrogen receptors are particularly abundant in facial skin, which explains why the face often shows the earliest signs of hormonal changes. These receptors, when activated, support:
- Cell turnover and regeneration
- Oil production regulation
- Blood vessel health
- Wound healing
During our peak oestrogen years, our skin typically appears plumper and more radiant, with fewer visible fine lines. This natural glow isn’t just about aesthetics—it reflects the skin’s underlying health and resilience.
Changes in Oestrogen Levels from Age 35 Onwards
From around age 35, our bodies begin a gradual decline in oestrogen production. This subtle shift happens years before perimenopause but can already impact skin appearance and behaviour. I notice many women experience increased dryness and the first significant fine lines during this transition.
As we approach our forties, collagen production typically decreases by about 1-2% annually. This reduction, coupled with diminishing oestrogen, often leads to thinner skin with less elasticity and moisture retention.
Common changes include:
- Increased dryness and sensitivity
- Slower healing processes
- More noticeable fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced firmness and elasticity
Supporting skin during this natural transition doesn’t require harsh interventions. Natural, nourishing products like Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser can help maintain moisture levels and support skin barrier function. Phytoestrogen-rich botanicals in quality skincare can also offer gentle support as our bodies adjust to changing hormone levels.
Effects of Diminished Oestrogen on Skin Post-35
As women approach their mid-thirties, oestrogen levels begin a gradual decline that significantly impacts skin health and appearance. These hormonal shifts affect multiple aspects of skin function, from hydration to repair mechanisms.
Skin Hydration and Elasticity
Diminishing oestrogen levels after 35 directly affect the skin’s ability to maintain moisture. I’ve noticed that many women experience increased dryness as their natural hyaluronic acid production decreases – this compound normally holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water within skin cells.
The sebaceous glands become less active with hormonal changes, reducing natural oil production. This often leads to that uncomfortable ‘tight’ feeling many women report, particularly after cleansing.
Elasticity suffers as well, with early signs of sagging appearing around the jawline and eyes. This happens because oestrogen helps maintain elastin fibres, the proteins responsible for skin’s ability to ‘bounce back’ after stretching.
Natural approaches to support hydration include:
- Using plant-based oils rich in essential fatty acids
- Incorporating hyaluronic acid serums
- Choosing gentle, non-stripping cleansers like Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser
Collagen Production and Skin Thickness
Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining collagen levels, the protein that gives skin its structure and firmness. Research suggests women lose approximately 1-2% of their collagen each year after 35, with losses accelerating to about 30% in the first five years post-menopause.
This decline leads to thinner skin that’s more susceptible to fine lines, especially around the mouth and eyes. The dermis (middle layer of skin) thins by about 1.13% annually, contributing to increased transparency and visibility of blood vessels.
Whilst this process is natural, I believe certain practices can help support collagen maintenance:
- Introducing vitamin C-rich products to promote natural collagen synthesis
- Gentle facial massage to stimulate circulation
- Regular use of natural retinol alternatives like bakuchiol
Wound Healing and Skin Repair
The skin’s ability to repair itself noticeably slows as oestrogen levels decline. Cell turnover – the process where new skin cells replace old ones – decreases from approximately 28 days in our twenties to 40-60 days by our mid-thirties and beyond.
This slower renewal process means minor damage takes longer to heal, and sun damage becomes more apparent as repair mechanisms function less efficiently. Lower oestrogen levels reduce the skin’s natural antioxidant activity, making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
To support the skin’s repair functions naturally, I recommend:
- Incorporating ceramide-rich products to strengthen the skin barrier
- Applying antioxidant serums to neutralise free radicals
- Prioritising gentle exfoliation to encourage cell turnover without causing irritation
Many of my clients have found that natural skincare routines focused on nourishment rather than harsh treatments better support their skin during this transitional phase.
Natural Skincare as a Supportive Measure
As women navigate their mid-30s towards pre-menopause, incorporating natural skincare becomes essential for supporting skin health during oestrogen fluctuations. Quality ingredients and thoughtful formulations can work in harmony with the body’s changing needs.
Identifying Quality Natural Skincare
When searching for natural skincare products to support mature skin, I always recommend examining ingredient lists carefully. Look for products with plant oils rich in essential fatty acids like rosehip, evening primrose, and jojoba that mimic skin’s natural sebum.
Avoid products containing parabens, synthetic fragrances, and sulphates, as these can disrupt hormonal balance and irritate sensitive skin. Natural skincare isn’t simply about being “chemical-free” (everything is a chemical, after all) but about choosing ingredients that work with your body rather than against it.
The best natural formulations will contain antioxidants from botanical sources such as green tea, vitamin E, and rosemary extract. These ingredients help combat the increased oxidative stress that occurs as oestrogen levels decline.
Key ingredients to seek:
- Hyaluronic acid (natural sources)
- Plant-based ceramides
- Omega fatty acids
- Phytoestrogens
Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser Overview
Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser represents an excellent example of thoughtful natural formulation specifically beneficial for hormone-shifting skin. This balm-to-oil cleanser contains nine carefully selected natural oils that support skin through hormonal changes.
The star ingredients include jojoba oil, which closely resembles our skin’s natural sebum, and beeswax, which provides a protective barrier without clogging pores. This combination helps address the dryness and loss of elasticity common during the pre-menopausal period.
I appreciate that this cleanser doubles as a mini facial treatment. The ritual of massaging it into skin stimulates circulation, supporting cellular renewal when natural turnover begins slowing. The aromatherapeutic benefits from essential oils of rose, neroli and sandalwood provide an additional self-care element.
Unlike harsh cleansers that strip the skin, this nourishing formula maintains the acid mantle – particularly important as our skin becomes more sensitive and reactive with hormonal fluctuations.
Adopting a Holistic Approach to Skin Health
Supporting skin health during the hormonal changes after 35 requires more than just topical treatments. A well-rounded approach encompasses what we eat, how we manage daily stressors, and how we protect our skin from environmental factors.
Balanced Diet and Hydration
Our skin reflects what’s happening inside our bodies, particularly as oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate. I’ve found that incorporating specific nutrients can make a noticeable difference to skin resilience during this transitional period.
Foods rich in phytoestrogens, like flaxseeds, lentils and chickpeas, can offer gentle hormonal support. These plant compounds mimic oestrogen’s beneficial effects on skin elasticity and moisture retention.
Antioxidant-rich berries, leafy greens and colourful vegetables help combat the increased oxidative stress that occurs with hormonal changes. These foods provide vitamins C and E, which support collagen production – something that naturally declines with decreasing oestrogen.
Hydration deserves special attention as skin becomes drier. I recommend:
- 2 litres of filtered water daily
- Herbal teas like nettle and red clover that support hormonal balance
- Foods with high water content (cucumber, watermelon)
Stress Management and Sleep Quality
Cortisol, our primary stress hormone, directly competes with oestrogen and can accelerate skin ageing when chronically elevated. Finding gentle ways to manage everyday tension becomes increasingly important for skin health after 35.
I’ve noticed remarkable improvements in my clients’ skin when they incorporate even brief relaxation practices. Just 10 minutes of daily meditation or deep breathing exercises can help regulate cortisol levels and support healthier skin cell turnover.
Sleep quality directly affects skin repair processes. During deep sleep, our bodies produce growth hormone, which aids cellular regeneration. Creating a calming bedtime routine with natural skincare rituals can enhance both sleep quality and skin health.
Using a nourishing cleanser with calming ingredients like Jane Scrivner’s formula helps signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. The gentle massage technique when applying also promotes lymphatic drainage and relaxation.
Mindful Sun Exposure and Skin Protection
The relationship between sun exposure and skin becomes more complex during our 30s and 40s. While vitamin D remains essential for overall wellbeing, our skin’s natural protection mechanisms weaken as oestrogen declines.
I suggest a balanced approach to sun exposure that acknowledges both benefits and risks:
- Brief, early morning sun exposure (5-15 minutes) for vitamin D synthesis
- Physical sun protection like wide-brimmed hats and UPF clothing
- Natural mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Between sun exposure, natural antioxidant-rich products offer additional protection. Look for skincare containing vitamin C, green tea extract, or botanical oils high in carotenoids that help neutralise free radicals caused by UV exposure.
Weekly Treatments to Enhance Skin Nourishment
Incorporating weekly treatments helps address specific concerns that emerge as oestrogen levels fluctuate. I suggest a gentle exfoliation once or twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and enhance product absorption.
Facial asks can help manage the occasional hormonal breakouts that might occur even in our 40s. Look for formulations with calming ingredients like chamomile or calendula.
Facial oils become particularly beneficial during this stage. I’ve noticed remarkable improvements using natural oils rich in essential fatty acids that support skin barrier function.
Consider these weekly additions:
- Gentle enzymatic exfoliant (papaya or pineapple-based)
- Hydrating mask with ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid
- Facial massage with gua sha or facial roller to stimulate circulation
These practices support the skin through hormonal changes without harsh interventions, working with your body’s natural processes rather than against them.
Transitioning to Pre-Menopausal Skin Care
As we approach the pre-menopausal phase, typically beginning in our early to mid-40s, our skin requires thoughtful adaptations to address hormone-related changes. The declining oestrogen levels during this transition affect collagen production, skin elasticity, and natural moisture retention.
Adjusting Your Skincare with Hormonal Changes
Pre-menopause brings noticeable shifts in skin behaviour that call for more intentional care. My approach focuses on understanding these changes rather than fighting against them.
During this transition, our skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity due to decreasing oestrogen. This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining skin thickness and moisture retention. I’ve found that incorporating natural oils rich in phytoestrogens can offer gentle support.
Evening primrose and flaxseed oils are particularly beneficial as they contain compounds that mimic some of oestrogen’s skin-supporting properties. I recommend Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser, which utilises plant-based ingredients that work harmoniously with your changing skin.
Key ingredients to look for:
- Vitamin E (helps with cell regeneration)
- Hyaluronic acid (maintains hydration)
- Natural plant oils (nourish and support skin barrier)
Addressing Specific Pre-Menopausal Skin Concerns
The pre-menopausal period often brings unique skin challenges that deserve targeted attention. I’ve noticed three common concerns emerging during this transition.
Increased dryness becomes more prevalent as natural oil production decreases. I recommend using gentle, non-foaming cleansers like Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser, which cleanses without stripping essential oils from your skin.
Uneven pigmentation and hormonal melasma tend to appear during this time. Regular, gentle exfoliation with natural ingredients helps promote cell turnover without causing irritation. I’ve found that incorporating vitamin C serums in the morning routine helps brighten skin and reduce discolouration.
Loss of firmness becomes noticeable as collagen production slows. Supporting your skin with regular facial massage increases circulation and helps natural products penetrate more deeply. This simple practice, combined with natural skincare, creates meaningful changes in skin texture and resilience.
Supporting Hormonal Balance Naturally
As our hormones fluctuate from age 35 onwards, I’ve discovered that natural approaches can genuinely support skin health during this transitional time. Incorporating plant-based ingredients with phytoestrogens may help maintain balance when oestrogen begins to decline.
Many women notice drier, thinner skin as hormonal changes progress. I’ve found that nourishing cleansers containing natural oils can replenish moisture without stripping the skin’s protective barrier. Jane Scrivner’s Nourishing Cleanser contains beneficial plant oils that work harmoniously with your skin’s natural processes.
Regular self-care rituals support not just your skin but overall wellbeing during hormonal transitions. Taking time for facial massage whilst applying your cleanser can improve circulation and absorption of beneficial ingredients.
Key ingredients to look for in natural skincare:
| Ingredient | Benefit for 35+ Skin |
|---|---|
| Rosehip Oil | Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids |
| Evening Primrose | Supports hormonal balance |
| Jojoba Oil | Mimics skin’s natural sebum |
Stress management is equally important as cortisol can disrupt hormone balance. I suggest incorporating simple mindfulness practices alongside your skincare routine for a holistic approach to hormonal wellness.