My Perimenopause Skincare Routine That Remedied Dry Skin

I turned 43 in August, and somewhere on the journey from 42 to 43, I woke up with dry skin. I’m talking face-to-feet dry skin, if you know what I’m saying.

My typical skincare routine was not cutting it anymore. The products I had used for years suddenly weren't enough to keep my skin comfortable and hydrated throughout the day.

But never fear! After a little trial and error, I’ve found a flow that keeps my skin hydrated all day long while still keeping things simple—and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Why Perimenopause Causes Dry Skin

So what the heck happened to my skin?!

Perimenopause brings a lot of hormonal changes, and estrogen is one of the big players when it comes to your skin. As estrogen fluctuates and eventually declines, your skin can become thinner, drier, and less efficient at holding onto moisture.

Estrogen also plays a role in supporting collagen, skin elasticity, and the skin barrier. When those hormonal changes start happening, you may notice things you never really dealt with before: increased dryness, sensitivity, rough texture, more visible fine lines, or skin that suddenly seems to drink up moisturizer and ask for more.

And it’s not just your face. The skin on your body can become noticeably drier, too.

Basically, your skin may suddenly decide that the routine you've been using for years is no longer invited to the party.

That’s where I found myself. Instead of piling on a million new products, I decided to focus on hydration, supporting my skin barrier, and keeping things gentle.

My Perfect Perimenopause Skincare Routine

Step 1: Obviously, cleansing!

I do a double cleanse with our Cleansing Cream while I’m in the shower. It’s a gentle cleanse—no vicious scrubbing, no stripping, and no over-exfoliation.

Incorporating this step into showering also tricks my brain into thinking my skincare routine only has two steps. Girl math!

The goal here isn't to leave my skin squeaky clean. Squeaky clean is actually not what we’re going for when dry skin is already an issue. I want my skin clean and comfortable, without stripping away all of its natural oils.

Step 2: Hydrate while my skin is still damp

While my skin is still damp from showering, I use our Vitamin C Oil with Blue Tansy on my face, neck, and chest.

I usually recommend going easy on face oils, but in this season of life, my face can handle 3–4 drops with no problem.

This oil is packed with skin-loving oils that help soften and condition dry skin. Squalane helps replenish the skin’s lipid layer and reduce moisture loss, while jojoba oil closely resembles some of the skin’s natural oils, making it a great emollient for dry or dehydrated skin. The formula also contains antioxidant-rich oils that help nourish the skin while vitamin C supports a healthy, bright-looking complexion.

And then there’s blue tansy, which is one of my favorite ingredients for a reason. It’s a soothing botanical oil that makes this formula especially lovely when my skin is feeling a little cranky.

The combination gives my skin that comfortable, cushy feeling I’m looking for without making me feel like I’ve slathered my face in cooking oil.

This + moisturizer used to be enough for me.

Alas, step 3 entered the chat.

Step 3: Moisturizer + a little something extra

Dandle Soothing Cream is my all-time favorite moisturizer. It was already a staple in my routine, but perimenopause forced me to modify the way I use it.

Soothing Cream is formulated with ingredients chosen to help moisturize, soften, and support the skin barrier, making it especially nice for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin. It gives my skin the moisture it needs without feeling heavy or greasy.

But here’s my secret for making that moisture last all day:

I take a dollop of Soothing Cream and mix in 2–3 drops of Antioxidant Oil before applying it.

The moisturizer provides the hydration and conditioning ingredients my skin needs, while adding the oil helps create a more occlusive layer over the skin, slowing down moisture loss. In other words, it helps keep all that good stuff from evaporating into thin air.

It also makes the Soothing Cream glide over my skin beautifully and eliminates the peeling or pilling I was starting to experience with my old routine.

And best of all?

My skin stays hydrated all day.

I often don’t even need to add anything else at night.

Don’t tell the estheticians.

Step 4: Dandle Body Lotion

Guys, we do not toot this lotion’s horn enough.

Our Body Lotion is seriously incredible.

It’s super clean, scented only with essential oils, and leaves my skin feeling silky without that greasy, coated feeling some body lotions leave behind.

It has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine because perimenopause apparently decided my elbows needed attention, too.

Using it every day has seriously changed the game. No more flaky, itchy elbows. No more ashy legs. Just soft, comfortable skin.

And because the formula doesn't rely on petroleum-based ingredients to create that slick feeling on the skin, I don't feel like I’m temporarily coating my skin only to have it feel dry again later.

For me, consistency has been the biggest thing. I don't wait until my legs are already flaky and screaming for help. I put it on every day.

Step 5: This is where I shout out my local chiropractor/functional doctor

This is the part of my routine that is a little different from your typical skincare blog.

I finish off with one pump of a topical supplement recommended by my functional medicine chiropractor to support healthy cortisol levels, and another topical supplement intended to support testosterone production.

He tested my hormone levels and found that testosterone was a little low for me, so we made some adjustments based on my lab work and symptoms.

And I want to be really clear here: this isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

Perimenopause is incredibly individual. What my body needs may be completely different from what yours needs, which is why I’m linking to my doctor rather than telling you to go buy the exact supplements I use.

Working with someone who actually looks at your individual labs, symptoms, and goals can be helpful when you're trying to figure out what is going on with your body.

I've personally noticed a significant improvement in my perimenopause symptoms since working with him, and I appreciate that his approach is individualized and much more affordable than other functional medicine providers I've worked with.

His name is Dr. Russack and his assistant is Melanie and they have changed my life. You should check them out, but only if you are willing to be disciplined! 

Lastly, Don't Underestimate an Organic Facial

I know for many of you, getting a facial is a luxury. I would argue that in perimenopause, it's a luxury that shouldn't be skipped. Getting and organic facial every-other-month has become a huge part of my routine. It gives me the nutrients I need to keep on glowing with my personal routine. 

The Big Takeaway

The biggest change I made wasn't adding a complicated 12-step skincare routine.

It was realizing that my skin had changed.

The products that worked for me at 35 weren't necessarily going to be enough at 43. Instead of fighting my skin with more exfoliation, stronger actives, or a cabinet full of products, I needed to give it more moisture and support my skin barrier.

My current routine is simple:

Cleanse → hydrate → moisturize → seal → moisturize the body → listen to what the rest of my body is telling me. Oh, and don't skip out on facials. 

And honestly? My 43-year-old skin is happier for it.