A Global Survey of Skin Concerns and Treatment Interests in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Patients

OBJECTIVE To explore factors affecting women undergoing menopause transition, focusing on lifestyle, facial-skin changes, and current aesthetic treatment interests for this. METHODS Quantitative research (online questionnaire) was undertaken by women aged 45 to 60 years from 9 countries to understand their menopause experiences, determine their level of knowledge and perceptions of menopause, and to gain further insights into their current skin care, as well as understand menopause-related skin changes and skin concerns. RESULTS Across 4,303 respondents, perimenopause and menopause affected facial wrinkles/fine lines (59%), loss of firmness/elasticity (58%), increased dryness (56%), and duller skin tone (40%), which negatively impacted perceived attractiveness (60% agreed/strongly agreed), creating anxiety or low mood (57% agreed/strongly agreed) and impacting self-confidence (55%). The most common treatments to reduce effects of perimenopause and menopause were food supplements (51%), everyday skincare (47%), and dietary changes (46%). Only 15% of the women used specialist aesthetic treatments for menopause, but 88% of them were satisfied/very satisfied with these treatments reducing the effects of menopause. The main triggers that encouraged the respondents to seek aesthetic treatments were health care professionals’ (HCPs) recommendation (46%), cost-related affordability (40%), and information/education (40%). CONCLUSION This international survey demonstrated that changes to facial skin during perimenopause and menopause negatively affect perceived facial attractiveness, creating anxiety and reducing self-confidence. Specialist aesthetic treatments might play a key role in reducing the effects of menopause on the skin, with health care professionals aiding understanding.