Skin changes in your 30s and 40s can feel sudden, but they usually start beneath the surface years before they become visible. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan explains how collagen loss, elastin decline, sun damage, stress, sleep changes, and shifting hormones affect the skin through perimenopause and menopause. She walks through why the skin may feel thinner, drier, duller, less resilient, or more breakout-prone, and how Charlotte Skin & Laser helps patients build long-term plans with skincare, medical skin exams, lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, fillers, and other collagen-stimulating treatments.

Mentioned in this episode:

• EltaMD Moisture Seal
• 20. The Truth About Estrogen Therapy | What the FDA’s New Decision Means for Women’s Health

Keep learning:

• 15. The Anti-Aging Essentials | 3 Essentials Every Skincare Routine Needs
• 36. Lasers Explained | Redness, Spots, Scars & Skin Renewal

3 Skin Changes to Watch Before and During Perimenopause:

• Collagen slows down earlier than most women expect. In the 30s, fibroblasts begin making less collagen, elastin, and supportive matrix, even when the skin still looks fairly healthy on the surface. Over time, that shift shows up as fine lines, thinner skin, dullness, dryness, and less bounce.
• Estrogen affects skin, volume, hair, and healing. As estrogen declines, skin can feel drier, wounds may take longer to heal, and facial volume can change more quickly. Many women also notice jowling, neck changes, thinning hair, unwanted facial hair, or hormonal acne during this transition.
• A smart plan protects skin now and keeps it stronger for later. Daily sunscreen, antioxidants, retinol, gentle cleansing, better moisturizers, peptides, and collagen-stimulating treatments all have a place. Lasers, microneedling, radiofrequency, and biostimulatory fillers can help support structure, texture, tone, and long-term skin health.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser, this podcast here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

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