An Esthetician’s Menopause Skin Journey – From Glow to Grit and Back Again
“Shiitake sticks!” Pretty sure I muttered something stronger under my breath, but that’s the PG version of what I said after getting the shot. You know the one — the BIG ol’ Lupron injection. That was the moment everything skin started changing.
May 2025 L+A Report
Why Feminine Health Matters to Medical + Spa Aesthetic Professionals
For decades, menopause was spoken about in hushed tones—if at all. Referred to simply as “the change,” it often carried a vague, almost mysterious connotation. We grew up hearing about hot flashes on sitcoms, where menopause was portrayed as a punchline or a dreaded life event. I can still remember episodes where characters treated it like the end of youth, the end of beauty, or even the end of relevance.
But things are changing.
Thanks to mainstream advocates—yes, even Oprah—the conversation around menopause and feminine health is shifting into the spotlight. We’re finally seeing more open, honest discussions about how hormonal transitions impact the entire body, not just fertility.
I had just been diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia — in the middle of esthetics school, of all places — and because my platelet count was dangerously low and my menstrual cycle was acting like something out of a horror movie, my oncologist decided to chemically induce menopause to avoid any risk of hemorrhaging. Enter: Lupron, medically induced menopause, and a crash course in WTH-is-happening-to-my-body.
Honestly, I’m still not sure which hit harder — the chemo or the sudden menopause. While my friends/classmates were practicing facial massage, I was losing moisture, elasticity, and my sense of self. My skin turned rough, dry, thin & crepey. It felt like I aged a decade overnight! Add in hot flashes from the depths of you-know-where and random irritation that made me want to crawl out of my own skin, and yeah — I was grieving my glow while just trying to survive.
But here’s the thing: menopause — whether it’s triggered by chemo, age, or medical intervention — is not a flaw. It’s not a failure. And it’s definitely not the end of beauty or confidence. It’s a shift. A season. And as estheticians, we have the power to walk our clients through it — not just with tools and treatments, but with empathy and education.
Contribution by Tiffany Underwood
Tiffany Underwood is a licensed esthetician passionate about helping clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through personalized, results-driven care. With years of experience and a commitment to continual learning, she blends cutting-edge technology with science-backed products to deliver transformative treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. As the founder of SkinCo, Tiffany has built her practice on trust, education, and a client-first approach, offering advanced facials and rejuvenation services that exceed expectations.
In addition to her work at SkinCo, Tiffany founded Tiff Tiff’s Chemo Bags, a nonprofit providing comfort items to individuals undergoing chemotherapy—a cause deeply personal to her. Guided by the belief that “when you feel good, you do good,” Tiffany empowers others by boosting confidence through self-care. Known for her relatable and approachable style, she inspires clients and fellow estheticians alike, combining professionalism with warmth to foster strong relationships.
What’s Happening Beneath the Skin: The Hormone-Skin Connection
Let’s bring in some science, because knowledge is power — especially when it comes to our skin.
Menopause brings a drop in key hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, and those two don’t just regulate reproductive health — they are VIPs for skin health, too.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Estrogen – helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, boosts hydration through hyaluronic acid, and keeps skin firm, plump, and smooth.
- Progesterone – supports elasticity and oil production — keeping skin balanced and supple.
- As these hormones decline, the skin doesn’t just get older. It gets drier, thinner, more fragile, and slower to heal. Add in an increased tendency toward sensitivity, redness, and even hormonal breakouts, and you’ve got a perfect storm.
So, when clients (or ourselves!) say, “I feel like my skin changed overnight,” it’s not in their head. It’s in their cells.
What Helped Me (and What I Recommend Now)
Back when I was going through treatment, I didn’t have access to all the modalities I use now — but I knew I had to do something to make my skin feel better. So I started simple: I slathered on a balm literally called “skin savior” and SPF. That combo saved me. It gave my skin a fighting chance, and more importantly, it helped me feel like I was taking control.
Now, as a licensed esthetician and cancer survivor, I’ve taken everything I lived through and turned it into support for my clients navigating menopause (whether natural or not). Here are my go-to skin savers — real-deal treatments that deliver results:
My Favorite Treatments for Menopausal Skin
Chemical Peels
Menopausal skin can get a little sluggish with cell turnover, so a well-formulated chemical peel — can brighten, smooth, and even out tone. The key? Customization and care. We’re not trying to strip the skin, we’re trying to wake it up.
LED Light Therapy (In-Office or At-Home)
Red light is a powerhouse for menopausal skin — it helps rebuild collagen, calm inflammation, and restore radiance without irritation. It’s gentle and effective.
Microneedling
Microneedling revitalizes menopausal skin by stimulating cellular turnover and creating microchannels that allow active ingredients to penetrate more effectively and rejuvenate.
Exosomes
These are like high-performance skin messengers — delivering growth factors and regenerative signals. I love pairing exosomes with microneedling for that next-level recovery and glow. This is a trend to look in to.
Retinols
Tried and true, retinols increase cellular turnover, improve texture, and brighten skin tone. But menopausal skin needs a little more care — so buffer it with nourishing topicals to avoid over-drying.
Peptides
These are the unsung heroes — supporting firmness and encouraging the skin to act like its younger self again. Peptides are literally bridging the gap—enhancing the integrity of adherens junctions to tighten and strengthen the skin from within.
Don’t Forget the Body: Thin Skin Isn’t Just a Face Thing
One of the most humbling things about menopause is realizing that all your skin is affected. Not just your face. The arms, chest, legs, and especially areas like the décolleté become more fragile and prone to tearing and bruising.
For me, layering a body oil under lotion became my holy grail. It was my own little ritual, but it served a serious purpose: sealing in moisture and rebuilding the barrier. I just knew I needed to feel more like me.
Now, I coach clients to treat their body skin like they treat their face. That means:
- Exfoliation (gentle — think enzymes, gentle scrubs)
- Layering hydration: body serums + oils under occlusive creams
- Sun protection (yes, even on your arms and chest!)
- LED therapy for crepey skin on the neck or arms
- And lymphatic stimulation like dry brushing or gentle massage
Menopausal skin asks for more care, more intention, and more respect.
How Estheticians Can Help Clients Feel Seen + Strong
Here’s the truth: menopause can feel like an invisible battle. Women are told to tough it out, get over it, or accept it as part of aging — and that’s where we, as skin pros, can change the narrative.
We’re not just treating fine lines — we’re treating identity shifts. Loss of confidence. The grief that comes when you no longer feel “like yourself.” And we do it with our hands, our hearts, and a whole lot of high-quality serums.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Always ask about hormonal changes or medical treatments during consultations
- Normalize the conversation around menopause
- Offer education, not overwhelm — one step at a time
- Encourage routines that feel good
- Celebrate progress — even if it’s just “my skin didn’t itch today!”
This is about progress, not perfection.
Final Note: Still Thin-Skinned — But Stronger Than Ever
I won’t pretend my skin snapped back to its pre-treatment glow. It didn’t. I still have areas that feel fragile. The texture isn’t always smooth. And yeah — some days it messes with my confidence.
But here’s what I’ve gained:
A clearer view of what skin really goes through — and what women go through — during menopause.
I know firsthand how hormonal changes can make you feel like you’re unraveling from the inside out. But I also know the power of rebuilding, not just skin, but self-worth — layer by layer.
Every time I use a treatment I believe in, or talk a client through what’s happening in her body, I’m reminded: this work matters.
So, if you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, or watching your clients wrestle with the shift — take heart. Menopause is not a flaw. It’s not a failure. It’s a phase — one that deserves support, strategy, and care.
You’re not fading. You’re evolving.
And yes — the glow comes back.
I’m still here. Still glowing. And I’m here to help others do the same.