Nurturing Skin & Vaginal Health in Perimenopause and Menopause: A Whole Life Approach

As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, shifts in estrogen, collagen, and hydration can create changes in both skin and vaginal tissue. These are more than cosmetic concerns — they affect confidence, comfort, and quality of life. At Whole Life Midwife, we believe in honoring these changes with evidence-based care, intuitive self-awareness, and sustainable, woman-centered products that support you from the inside out.

Skin Health from the Outside In

Estrogen helps keep skin firm, hydrated, and vibrant. As levels drop, many women notice:

Drier or thinner skin
Increased sensitivity
Loss of elasticity and volume

Daily skin rituals can make a big difference. I personally rotate between the following to support my skin and tissue health:

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C supports collagen production, evens skin tone, and boosts skin’s resilience.
Try: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum (Woman-Owned) – made in the USA with plant-based ingredients.

Vitamin E Oil

This antioxidant-rich oil locks in moisture and calms inflammation — and is especially soothing for both facial and vulvar skin.
Try: PURA D’OR Organic Vitamin E Oil Blend – includes rosehip, jojoba, and argan oils.

DHEA Cream

DHEA supports tissue integrity and moisture, especially in intimate areas. A clean, over-the-counter DHEA cream can be used externally or vulvarly for added support.
Try: Emerita DHEA

Estradiol (Rx Required)

Yes — I apply a small amount of bioidentical estradiol cream to both my face and vulvar tissue 2–3 times per week. It’s not only safe but incredibly effective when done under proper guidance. It helps rebuild collagen, restore pH balance, and reduce irritation.

Always consult your provider to personalize your estrogen therapy.

Vaginal Moisture & Lubricant Care

Dryness, itching, or painful intimacy shouldn’t be “just part of aging.” These symptoms often stem from genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and are highly treatable.

Look for lubricants and moisturizers that are:

pH-balanced (between 3.8–4.5)
Free of glycerin, parabens, and harsh chemicals
Rich in natural oils and plant-based ingredients

Recommended Vaginal Moisturizers:

Good Clean Love – Restore Vaginal Moisturizer – woman-owned, organic aloe-based, and pH-balanced.
Quim Happy Clam Serum – botanical blend with tea tree and apricot, woman-founded and intimacy-focused.

Recommended Lubricants:

YES WB Organic Water-Based Lubricant – certified organic and non-irritating, great for sensitive vulvar/vaginal tissue.

Sun protection is non-negotiable in midlife.

As skin becomes more delicate and UV-sensitive, a daily SPF is your first defense against premature aging and sun damage.

Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 – broad-spectrum, non-greasy, dermatologist-approved, and great under makeup.

Retinol (Vitamin A derivative)

Retinol encourages gentle exfoliation and boosts cell turnover, helping to reduce dullness, fine lines, and uneven texture. When used in small amounts on the face or in specially formulated vaginal creams, it can support collagen production and skin renewal.

Prescription-strength retinol (tretinoin) is the most potent form and may be helpful for more advanced skin aging—but it should be used under the guidance of a provider.
Start slow (2–3x/week) and always use sunscreen, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
Avoid using retinol on broken or highly sensitive tissue—less is more.

Hyaluronic Acid
This ultra-hydrating ingredient attracts and retains moisture—making it a hero for dry, delicate skin and vaginal tissue. In facial serums or intimate moisturizers, hyaluronic acid helps restore softness, reduce irritation, and support tissue elasticity.

Opt for fragrance-free and pH-balanced formulations for vaginal use.
Use daily on damp skin or tissue to lock in hydration and build resilience.
One of our favorite women-owned brands:
Hyaluronic Acid
This serum is plant-based, sustainably sourced, and packed with hyaluronic acid plus green tea and kombucha for added soothing power.

Integrative Tips for Radiant Tissue Health

Hydrate & Nourish — Collagen, vitamin D, omega-3s, and magnesium all support skin and mucosal health from within.
- Try: Needed Omega-3 for Women – woman-founded and hormone-focused.
- Try: MaryRuth’s Liquid Vitamin D3 + K2 – easy to absorb, vegan, and woman-owned.
Movement & Blood Flow — Pelvic floor therapy, gentle yoga, and walking all help support circulation to vaginal tissues.
Sleep & Stress Reduction — Your skin and hormones need rest and regulation to thrive. Prioritize sleep hygiene and nervous system support.
Track What Works — Every woman’s body responds differently. Use a journal or symptom tracker to reflect on what feels good and what doesn’t.

Honoring Your Whole Body

Skincare and vaginal care are acts of self-love. They are daily ways we reconnect with our bodies — not in pursuit of perfection, but in reverence for what we’ve lived and what’s still to come.

At Whole Life Midwife, I guide women toward products and protocols that support the whole system — not just isolated symptoms. These Amazon-linked suggestions are a starting point, curated from some women-owned, sustainably sourced companies whenever possible.

If you’d like more personalized guidance, you can always [book a visit] to explore hormone therapy, supplements, and holistic aging together.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases — at no cost to you. Every purchase helps support Whole Life Midwife and allows me to continue curating resources for women in every season of life