Ageless Beauty Naturally Part 1: A New Philosophy For Post Menopausal Skin Care

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Ageless Beauty Naturally

A New Philosophy For Post Menopausal Skin Care

Many of my clients over 65 have asked me for natural skin care tips that deliver results without the irritation and dryness that strong actives can create. Their requests inspired me to open my Ageless Beauty blog series with this important topic. Post-menopausal skin has unique needs, and by blending timeless natural approaches with modern understanding, we can support the skin’s resilience, radiance, and vitality as we age.

Before exploring the research and recommendations, I want to share my own experience, what I discovered about my skin after menopause and how it shaped the approach I now recommend to clients.

My Journey With Post-Menopausal Skin Care

After turning 72, I began noticing that my favorite skin care routines were no longer delivering the same results. Despite careful layering and years of experience with high-quality skin care products, my face and neck appeared drier, duller, and less vibrant.

I stepped back and reviewed the usual variables; diet, lifestyle, stress, and daily habits, and consulted my primary care physician for comprehensive testing. Nothing significant appeared out of balance. Both my primary care MD and functional medicine colleagues agreed that what I was experiencing was consistent with post-menopausal skin changes.

Because I was doing well on my existing low-dose topical bioidentical hormone plan and did not wish to increase it, I began exploring topical skincare approaches better suited to thinning, estrogen-depleted skin.

At the same time, I simplified my routine. I gradually let go of stronger actives, added a low-dose compounded estriol face cream twice weekly, and shifted my focus toward barrier support, hydration, and gentler renewal, an approach many women find more suitable after menopause.

Over time, my skin responded best to fewer products, thoughtful layering, and formulas that felt nourishing rather than stimulating. Improvements came not from adding more, but from refining what I used and how I used it.

At this stage of life, my focus is no longer on chasing trends or aggressive correction. It’s about listening closely, supporting resilience, and allowing radiance to emerge gradually and sustainably.

Note on Estriol Face Cream

Some women explore low-dose estriol face creams as a personal option for supporting post-menopausal skin. Estriol is a gentle form of estrogen, but because it is hormone-based, it is not appropriate for everyone.

Women with a history of estrogen-sensitive conditions should always consult their healthcare provider before considering its use.

Many women prefer non-hormonal approaches and do beautifully with well-formulated botanical skincare focused on hydration, barrier repair, and gentle renewal. Whether hormonal or non-hormonal, the guiding principle is choosing what feels safe, supportive, and appropriate for your individual health history.

Rethinking Strong Actives After 65

In recent years, many natural skincare practitioners have begun re-evaluating the routine use of strong resurfacing ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid) and retinoids, in women over 65.

While these actives can be helpful and well tolerated in earlier decades, mature skin has different priorities. What once stimulated renewal may, over time, outpace the skin’s ability to repair and restore itself.

Why Strong Actives May Be Less Appropriate For Frequent Use

  • Skin thinning: With age and declining estrogen, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. Potent exfoliants used too frequently can remove more than the skin can comfortably replace.
  • Barrier vulnerability: Mature skin is more prone to dryness and barrier disruption. Overstimulation may increase irritation, redness, or chronic tightness.
  • Heightened sensitivity: Sun, wind, and environmental stressors have a greater impact with age, and aggressive resurfacing can magnify reactivity.

This does not mean actives are “wrong.” It means their strength, frequency, and role may need to change.

Nourishing Alternatives For Actives

Rather than relying on harsh resurfacing, many women over 65 find greater benefit from approaches that soothe, replenish, and restore:

  • Botanical-based gentle exfoliants and masks
  • Low-concentration lactic acid, which hydrates while very softly resurfacing
  • Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, shown to support firmness and fine lines with minimal irritation
  • Botanical oils and ceramides to comfort and repair the skin barrier
  • Gentle facial massage, gua sha, or lymphatic techniques to encourage circulation and natural glow safely

At this stage of life, radiance often comes not from forcing renewal, but from creating the conditions for the skin to regain its own vitality.

Key Tips for Post-Menopausal Skin

  • Choose targeted serums based on your skin’s needs, not trends
  • Exfoliate mindfully: limit to 1–2 times weekly and keep it gentle
  • Customize hydration: richer creams or balms may be needed, especially in dry climates or winter
  • Consistency over intensity: a steady, simple routine outperforms aggressive treatments
  • Layer with patience: allow each product a few minutes to absorb
  • Prioritize sun protection: daily SPF 30+ plus hats or shade
  • Add small luxuries: silk pillowcases reduce friction, keep skin cooler, and support better sleep
  • Be realistic about what you’ll actually use and what fits your budget
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Eat a whole-foods diet rich in quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables; minimize processed foods, alcohol, and sugar

My Gentle Favorites for Sensitive, Dry Skin

Over the years, I’ve learned that my sensitive, dry, mature skin benefits most from simplicity and consistency. At this stage of my life, I choose a minimal, barrier-supportive routine that feels calming and cohesive rather than stimulating.

I currently use the Gaelle Organic line because it aligns with these priorities and functions as a true system rather than a collection of isolated products. This reflects my current needs as a post-menopausal woman with sensitive skin. It is not a prescription, but an example of how choosing one well-matched approach, and using it consistently, can simplify care and improve results over time.

Additional Skincare Resources

Women’s skin needs vary widely depending on age, sensitivity, hormonal status, and tolerance for stimulation. The following examples represent different skincare philosophies, each of which may be appropriate at different stages of life.

  • Organic, AHA-based skincare systems, such as Nonie of BH, are thoughtfully formulated around natural alpha hydroxy acids and may suit women who tolerate gentle resurfacing well and prefer an exfoliation-centered approach.
  • Active-forward, science –  meets  – nature, skincare approaches, such as ARCONA, may be appropriate for women who tolerate stimulation well and prefer more active resurfacing strategies.
  • Barrier- and lipid-supportive botanical systems are often better suited for sensitive, mature, or hormonally shifting skin, where comfort, resilience, and barrier integrity are primary concerns.

Rather than mixing products indiscriminately, I encourage choosing one approach that aligns with your skin’s current needs and lifestyle, using it consistently, and allowing time for results to unfold.

Skin Care Products Contact Guide:

Final Thoughts

At this stage of life, true radiance isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about choosing wisely. A consistent, gentle routine combined with nourishing products, protective lifestyle choices, and a touch of hormone support (if appropriate) can keep mature skin healthy, comfortable, and naturally luminous.

Explore more tools, resources, and inspiration at: https://healingessences.com/

My books offer step-by-step strategies to support vibrant health, weight loss and ageless beauty:

Explore more tools, resources, and inspiration at: https://healingessences.com/

My books offer step-by-step strategies to support vibrant health, weight loss and ageless beauty:

·       https://healingessences.com/eat-your-way-to-health/

·       https://healingessences.com/ageless-beauty/

Have a question or a skin care story of your own? I’d love to hear from you, reach me at Kaaren@kaarenjordan.com

Coming Next Month: Ageless Beauty at Your Fingertips

Discover a simple, natural facial rejuvenation routine designed to bring out your skin’s inner radiance. I’ll be sharing a step-by-step basic technique and insider tips to help you create beautiful, glowing skin at home. Stay tuned for this empowering guide to self-care, timeless beauty, and wellness from the inside out.