Scientists discover how women's skin changes during menopause

No7 and the University of Manchester published research uncovers novel insights into epidermal and skin barrier changes during the menopause

The latest research from No7, the UK’s number one skincare brand[1], in collaboration with the University of Manchester, has uncovered new insights into how declining oestrogen levels impact the epidermis and stratum corneum (skin barrier), specifically exploring how the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) affect these outer skin layers.  This research has just been published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Previously little has been known about how the living epidermis and stratum corneum change during menopause, despite these top skin layers being essential for healthy and hydrated skin. This study compared the skin of 28 women who were either pre-menopausal (7 women), post-menopausal (11 women) or post-menopausal and taking HRT (10 women). The study found differences in the skin of pre-menopausal compared to post-menopausal women, but also notably how use of HRT can help minimise these menopause-related changes.  Importantly, this also confirms that changing hormone levels contribute to skin differences measured in this study.   

The study found that in post-menopausal skin compared to pre-menopausal skin:

• The skin barrier (stratum corneum) was thicker – a thicker layer can be a sign that the skin barrier is compromised and working less effectively
• There were changes in skin elasticity (skin became less elastic and more lax) that correlated more to epidermal changes than to changes deeper down in the skin 
• A protein called CD44 which is involved in hydration, lipid synthesis and skin turnover, was decreased  
• The amount of ceramide in the epidermis was lower – these ceramides are a key component of the skin barrier that help keep skin supple, nourished, and moisturised
• These changes were not observed to the same extent in the post-menopausal HRT group suggesting HRT can minimise but not fully mitigate these changes

The research shows there are changes in epidermal homeostasis (skin balance) and the health of the skin barrier following the menopause, which could help explain why skin health concerns such as dryness, sensitivity and dullness are reported by women during this time. Given the role of the skin barrier in keeping skin hydrated, and protected from the outside world, having a thicker but less effective skin barrier is a likely key contributor to these skin concerns. This research suggests that ceramides could be a key target for topical intervention in menopausal skin.

Dr Mike Bell, No7 Head of Science Research, comments “From talking to our customers, we know that the menopause transition is associated with many undesirable skin changes, with women reporting increased dryness, dullness and sensitivity. This study gives some insight into why these concerns are experienced and the important role that oestrogen plays in maintaining skin health. It suggests that ceramides - essential components of the skin barrier - provide an important target for intervention approaches.”

Commenting on the research, Professor Rachel Watson, The University of Manchester, says “These studies clearly document changes which happen to skin as a result of the menopause. We were excited to see changes throughout the skin tissue – in both the epidermis and dermis – which had a functional impact on how skin behaved. We now know what to measure to assess if a new treatment works to improve skin quality in those exhibiting menopause-related changes.”