We Tried It: New Menopause Skincare for Estrogen Loss

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The latest formulas aim to boost depleting estrogen levels. Oprah staffers put them to the test—here are the creams of the crop.

If you feel like you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and wondered what in the world happened to your skin, it may be one more thing you can blame on the Change. "Many studies have shown that women detect a swift commencement of skin-aging symptoms while entering menopause," says Amy Lewis, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. It doesn't actually happen overnight, but the effect of depleting estrogen levels—which contributes to up to 30 percent of dermal collagen lost during the first five years of menopause and decreases by an additional 2.1 percent every year after—is significant and rapidly noticeable. "The telltale sign is much drier skin that wrinkles easily," says Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology in New Jersey. "As collagen and elastin loss accelerates, your skin becomes less plump and firm, while the skin on your body appears crepey." Other fun clues: slower wound healing, more irritable skin, and hands and feet that tend to crack.

The need for skincare that can counteract these effects is real—because while there are loads of anti-aging products out there formulated to address dryness, laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles, "stopping the root cause with systemic or topical estrogen therapy can be much more efficient and easier," Lewis says. Potential ingredients include non-hormonal estrogen stimulators, phytoestrogens (estrogen-like compounds found in plants), and estriol (a topical estrogen that's prescription only). "Everybody is different. Some people have great success with topical estrogen and phytoestrogens, while others have had severe skin reactions," Downie says. Both docs recommend talking with your ob-gyn or an endocrinologist who specializes in women's hormones who can take into account your health history and any current issues to determine the best choice for you. In the meantime, to help you explore your potential options, Oprah staffers tried some of the latest formulas:

"To get Alloy's face cream, I filled out an online assessment on the website. A doctor reviewed my information and wrote a prescription for the custom blend, which contains estriol (a weaker form of estrogen), hydrating glycerin, anti-inflammatory oleic acid, and moisturizing vitamin E. It feels rich, but not greasy and absorbs easily. I've been using it for about a month and have noticed that my skin just looks less tired—especially at the end of the day. Friends who haven't seen me in a while also notice a difference without my having told them." —Pilar Guzmán, editorial director

"Sometime during the pandemic, I realized that my already-dry skin was getting even drier, and that it must be due to the midlife mindf*ck I was experiencing called menopause. I’d apply a big schmear of cream every night, and it would absorb instantly and then seem to evaporate—infuriating. So I was game to try Emepelle skincare. Among other anti-aging heavy hitters (retinoids, niacinamide), the line contains methyl estradiolpropanoate (MEP), a non-hormone estrogen-receptor stimulator that theoretically hydrates and plumps the skin. The scent takes some getting used to (imagine an old vitamin store), but the serum and night cream feel amazingly concentrated and cooling—and after a month, I swear my skin feels thicker and more pliable and looks smoother. I’ve also added the Paula's Choice Clinical Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Body Treatment, which contains soy isoflavones, which are plant-based phytoestrogens, to my nightly routine. It smells clean and botanical and is also thick and cooling; just right for my arms and heels." —Jennie Tung, senior director, wellness and features

"I got my hands on the entire Eight Greens line, and while the ‘hot phyto masque’ experience was too reminiscent of a hot flash for me—the ingredients heighten circulation, which made my skin red and hot for a good half hour—the eventual glow was nice, I have to admit. Still, it seems I can get the same results from the ‘not hot’ phyto masque, a much calmer experience. My other favorite is the youth serum, which contains phytoestrogens from yucca and feels both soothing and substantial. Overall, I think my skin feels a bit softer and plumper after using these." —Stephanie Makrias, copy chief

"Unlike practically every other night cream I’ve tried, this doesn't seem to evaporate into thin air the minute I apply it. The formula, which contains soy isoflavones along with a host of moisturizing ingredients and peptides, actually seems up for the very real hydration task; in fact, it even gives me a bit of dewiness." —Rae Ann Herman, market director

Any content published by Oprah Daily is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for professional guidance from your healthcare provider.

In a refreshingly candid conversation with Oprah Daily Insiders, Oprah, Maria Shriver, Drew Barrymore, and doctors Sharon Malone, Heather Hirsch, and Judith Joseph, we set the record straight on all things menopause. Become an Oprah Daily Insider now to get access to this conversation and the full "The Life You Want" Class library.

Kate Sandoval Box (she/her) is the Beauty Director at Oprah Daily. She has over 18 years of experience at national women's media brands; and, in fact, started her publishing career at O, The Oprah Magazine. She's also held beauty editor roles at Shape, Self, Latina, and Cosmopolitan. Kate tests hundreds and hundreds of beauty products that cross her desk each year and interviews many top experts, celebrities, and indie brand founders to bring you the best in beauty. Follow her on Instagram.

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