50 plus Skincare
Founder of London-based aesthetics clinic Tan&Co and Advanced Nurse Practitioner (BSc - Hons, MSc) Teresa Tan gives her recommendations for caring for Menopausal and Post Menopausal skin.
“As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and member of the British Menopause Society, I've observed the profound impact hormonal changes have on the skin's vitality and appearance, “ says Teresa Tan, a highly qualified and experienced nurse and aesthetics expert. “While the medical community traditionally focuses on managing classic vasomotor symptoms—hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances—through bespoke combinations of hormone replacement therapy, natural remedies, and cognitive behavioural approaches, there's a growing recognition that clinicians must also address the skin concerns that accompany this transformative phase.
The delicate balance of the skin's microbiome undergoes a remarkable shift during the menopausal transition with a reduction in oestrogen and an increase in testosterone. This presents unique challenges that deserve our focused attention. Hallmark signs include: diminished hydration levels, compromised elasticity, reduction in ceramides, enhanced fine line visibility, increased facial hair, age spots and collagen degradation
I'm delighted to share my curated recommendations for both timeless essentials and luxurious innovations in menopausal skincare.”
Under £50 range
Cleanser
“It’s great to incorporate hydrating or milky cleansers that effectively remove makeup and impurities, without stripping too much moisture from the skin.”
Elemis Pro-collagen Cleansing Balm
Tatcha Rice Wash Soft Cream Cleanser
La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Dermo Cleanser
Cerave Hydrating cleanser
DHC Oil cleanser
Serums
“To aid correction of photodamage and ageing, it’s key to introduce antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Vitamin E, ferulic acid, ingredients with niacinimide, hyaluronic acid, and tyrosinase inhibitors such as tranexamic acid, liquorice root extract, kojic acid, glycolic acid or arbutin. These antioxidants will help reduce free radicals and oxidation which cause aging. They can also help brighten skin and even out skin tone whilst boosting collagen production.”
Vichy Neovadiol Meno-5 Bi serum
Living M Quench and Sooth Serum
Medik8 C-tetra
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid 2% + B5
Moisturiser
“Moisturisers that include ceramides and hyaluronic acid to aid natural moisturiser factor (NWF) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is key in looking hydrated for the day. If the formulation includes peptides, this is a great addition to support skin elasticity and firmness during hormonal changes. You will want a moisturiser that you can use day and night and based on your skin’s needs.”
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser
Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream
Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturiser
S’able Labs Baobab Moisturiser
La Roche Posay Nutritic Intense Rich
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore
SPF
“The majority of skin ageing, melasma, solar lentigo is caused by sun damage, therefore having a broad spectrum SPF of at least 50 is great to protect you from UVA and UVB.”
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 500 50+
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+
PCA Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Supergoop Play Everyday SPF 50
Mesoetetic: Mesoprotech Anti-Aging Facial Sun Mist SPF 50+
Optional: Retinoids and Bakuchiol
“Retinoids are perfect for improving skin texture and pigmentation, however some women may find them drying. A great alternative is Bakuchiol, which is a plant based antioxidant and is commonly used in Ayurveda. It’s a less irritating product with functionality similar to retinol, and less potency. You can have this in your moisturiser, serum, toner, or as an adjunct to use as a night serum to help pigmentation issues, acne, increase cell turnover, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A little goes a long way, and if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to use this active only maximum 3 x a week.”
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
Facetheory Bakuchiol Firm Daily Moisturiser
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum
Naturium Retinol Complex
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Over £50 (if money is not an issue)
While Botox has long been celebrated as the go-to treatment for aging skin, today's innovative beauty landscape offers an exciting array of sophisticated alternatives:
HIT Reset skin balancing and regenerating cream by The Perfect Peel
https://prfktpro.com/
Price: £95 (currently on sale for £58.90)
“Skincare brand finalists of Menopause in Aesthetics award, HIT Reset is an amazing cream containing antioxidant ingredients. Perfect for sun-damaged or neglected skin that needs a restart, radiance and rejuvenation. It contains arbutin and kojic acid perfect for reducing uneven skin tone, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Pro-aging retinol, vitamin C and glutathione and Niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin.”
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP (
https://www.medik8.com/
Price: £79.
“This emulsion based serum contains Growth Factor MiniProtein™ and Expression Line MiniProtein™ which helps relax and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, if you are not keen on injectables. Great to apply in the morning before your moisturiser and SPF and in the evening before your retinoid (if this applies to you). My clients and my mother love this product.”
Tan&Co® Geneo Facial (www.tanco.uk) Prices from: £250.
“This award-winning exclusive advanced technology 4-in-1 treatment facial utilises customisable ingredients and exfoliates, oxygenates, infuses nutrients, and tightens in one session. Inspired by natural hot springs, OxygeneO technology triggers deep oxygenation, enhancing cirutilisesculation and maximizing absorption of active ingredients for a glowing, red-carpet-ready complexion. The addition of TriPollar radiofrequency ****stimulates collagen production, providing skin tightening, firming, and contouring with immediate and long-term results. This non-invasive, clinically proven facial is a quick, painless alternative to injectables with zero downtime. Active ingredients include peptides, silk amino acids, gold extract, red algae and retinol.”
Skin Boosters & Polynucleotides Prices from: £200.
“You may have heard of a popular biorejuvinator such as Profhilo®? Skin boosters contain high concentrations of hyaluronic acid which naturally occurs in our body. When injected to points of the face, neck, body and hands, it creates a hydrating, firming and bio-remodelling effect. These advanced dermal treatments are very popular with my clients, and help restore skin laxity, collagen and elastin and overall skin quality. If you wish to reduce your fine lines and wrinkles. Similarly, Polynucleotides aka “the salmon sperm facial” are a salmon/trout sperm-DNA based compound that also helps regenerate skin tissue, provide deep hydration and promote cellular renewal. These treatments are steadily replacing filler and botulinum toxin, and provide lasting results, especially after a course of 3-6 sessions.”
Microneedling with exosomes. Prices from: £250.
“At Tan&Co®, we utilise the FDA-approved SKINPEN for our advanced microneedling treatments. This refined process creates controlled micro-injuries that stimulate fibroblast cells, naturally boosting collagen and elastin production. The treatment effectively addresses fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and skin laxity, including the delicate under-eye area. We enhance results by incorporating our signature blend of exosomes, featuring PDRN and Plant Stem Cells. This innovative approach has shown remarkable success for both facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. For your comfort, we provide professional-grade numbing cream, ensuring a gentle yet effective treatment experience.”