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Update Your Skincare Routine in Perimenopause: 4 Tips From A Naturopathic Doctor

  • Writer: Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND
    Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read

By: Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND, MSCP (f. NAMS) | Menopause Practitioner

Follow me on socials @drchaddahnd 

Image of woman holding a dried bouquet of wild flowers covering her face. Text that reads, "Menopause Mindset: Why the Way You Think About Menopause Matters"
Image of Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, Naturopathic Doctor

As a naturopathic doctor in Aurora, Ontario, I know that the cold, dry air is on it's way after a hot summer. All year long, I help women navigate the physical, hormonal, and emotional shifts that come with perimenopause, and yes, that includes what’s happening with your skin.


I always say perimenopause is a whole-body transition, and your skin is one of the first places you’ll notice change. For me, personally, this stage meant adjusting more than just my hormones—I had to completely rethink my skincare routine.


Here are 4 skincare changes I made that helped restore hydration, improve skin texture, and support my skin naturally during perimenopause.


Disclaimer:

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, naturopathic doctor, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.



1. Switching to a Gentle, Yet Effective Form of Vitamin C


I've always struggled with irritation from Vitamin C serums—but during perimenopause, my skin became even more sensitive. That’s when I discovered tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that offers all the collagen-boosting and antioxidant benefits—without the redness or burning.


This is a game-changer, especially when it comes to a skincare routine in perimenopause where your skin composition might be changing. It helped reduce dullness and gave my skin the glow I’d been missing, while being gentle enough for my evolving skin needs.


Tip: Look for a serum with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate if traditional Vitamin C irritates your skin.

2. Upgrading to a Richer Moisturizer with Ceramides


As hormone levels fluctuate in perimenopause, skin barrier function weakens, and you may notice your skin feels drier or more fragile. My old moisturizer simply wasn’t cutting it anymore.

I switched to a ceramide-rich moisturizer that offers deeper hydration and supports the skin barrier—something I now recommend to most of my perimenopausal patients.


Tip: Look for moisturizers that include ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids to lock in hydration.

3. Introducing Retinol


I have used retinol in the past but have had difficulty being consistent with. Retinol is one of the most effective products we have to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production. It also helps smooth out the skins surface and improve texture.


One of the biggest issues with retinol is that it can be irritating and at a time when your skin is already feels more dry and irritated this can be hard to incorporate. This is why its a good idea to opt for a low dose retinol product and layer with moisturizer to reduce irritation.


Tip: Go low and slow with your retinol starting with a low dose product a few times a week and build up slowly from there.

4. Using a Vaginal Moisturizer Regularly


This might not be your face, but it’s absolutely part of your skin health. As estrogen declines, vaginal tissues can become thinner and drier. I began using a specialized vaginal moisturizer—different from lubricants—to support tissue quality and comfort.


This small step has made a big difference in maintaining healthy, hydrated skin in an area that often gets overlooked during perimenopause.


Tip: Look for products specifically labeled as vaginal moisturizers (not just lubricants), and use them regularly—not just during intimacy.

Perimenopause Skincare Support in Aurora, Ontario


If you’re going through perimenopause and starting to notice changes in your skin, hormones, or overall wellness, know that you’re not alone—and support is available.


As a naturopathic doctor in Aurora, I work with women to develop personalized, hormone-friendly skincare and wellness plans that support you through every stage of this transition.

Ready to feel good in your skin again with a skincare routine in perimenopause that fits your needs?


Let’s talk. Book a consultation or follow me on Instagram for more natural perimenopause tips and expert guidance.

Professional photo of Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND with text that reads "About The Author: Dr. Tamarah Chaddah, ND, MSCP is a Naturopathic Doctor with over 14 years of experience, specializing in women’s health, hormones, and menopause care. She offers personalized, integrative treatment plans across the GTA, and virtually across Ontario.

As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she combines conventional and naturopathic therapies, including BHRT, weight management, skin health, mental wellness, and burnout prevention. She holds prescribing rights for select bioidentical hormones and therapeutic nutrients.

Now welcoming new patients."

Follow me on socials @drchaddahnd



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