Collagen and Menopause: Reversing Skin Aging During Hormonal Changes

You’re noticing the fine lines deepen, your skin doesn’t bounce back like it used to, and even your expensive moisturisers aren’t hitting the same anymore. You’re in your 30s or 40s, possibly facing perimenopause or full-blown menopause and you're wondering if there’s anything that can actually help. What’s going on beneath the skin, and is collagen loss reversible? 

Let's walk through it.

Why Collagen Loss Accelerates During Menopause

30% of skin collagen is lost in the first five years of menopause. That’s not a slow fade, it’s a steep drop. This decline affects elasticity, hydration, and healing, leaving skin visibly dull, saggy, and prone to wrinkles.

Estrogen plays a central role in collagen synthesis. When estrogen declines, fibroblasts (the skin’s collagen factories) become sluggish, reducing both the quantity and quality of collagen fibers. This causes the dermis to thin and skin to lose structure.

Collagen levels decline by 2% each year post-menopause, making early intervention critical.

The Hormone-Collagen Connection: What’s Really Happening?

Estrogen and collagen are closely linked. Estrogen helps regulate fibroblast activity, water retention in the skin, and the organisation of collagen and elastin fibers. The drop in estrogen during menopause slows these processes.

Here’s how this hormonal shift affects your skin:

Skin Becomes Thinner and Loses Volume

As estrogen levels drop, the skin’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins form the framework that keeps skin firm and full. Without enough of them, the dermal layer starts to thin, making the skin more fragile and prone to sagging.

Wrinkles Deepen Due to Reduced Dermal Support

Collagen isn’t just about fullness, it holds your skin up from within. When it breaks down faster than it’s replaced (a common issue in menopause), wrinkles become more pronounced, especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

Wound Healing Slows Down

Estrogen supports skin repair by speeding up new cell turnover and boosting blood flow to the skin. When hormone levels drop, cuts, pimples, or irritations take longer to heal and may leave marks more easily.

Hydration Drops, Making Skin Feel Dry and Tight

Estrogen helps maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, which locks in moisture. With less of it, the skin struggles to retain hydration, leading to dryness, flaking, and increased sensitivity.

Collagen and estrogen in menopause must be looked at together, not separately. Think of them as teammates: estrogen keeps the collagen-making machinery running, while collagen gives skin its bounce, density, and glow. Addressing one without the other doesn’t deliver the full picture of support your skin needs during this hormonal transition.

Hydrolyzed Collagen for Menopausal Skin

Several clinical trials support the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen peptides for skin health in postmenopausal women:

• Improved skin hydration and elasticity.
• Visible reduction in wrinkle depth after 8 to 12 weeks.
• Enhanced skin density and structure, especially when paired with antioxidants like Vitamin E.

That’s exactly why Be. SEXY uses hydrolyzed Japanese Marine Collagen (Types I & III), shown to support dermal regeneration and maintain hydration.

Be. SEXY: Targeted Collagen Support for Hormonal Skin Changes

Unlike generic powders, Be. SEXY is formulated for real, visible results, especially during hormonal shifts.

Each scoop contains:

• Japanese Marine Collagen (Type I & III): Supports dermal structure and hydration.
• Glutathione (GSH): Brightens skin and fights oxidative stress.
• Vitamin E: Protects from UV and free radical damage.
• Sesbania Grandiflora Leaf Extract: Plant-based antioxidant support.

It’s non-habit forming, has no added sugar, and works best when taken after breakfast with 250 ml of water. Shop Be. SEXY now.

Topical vs. Oral Collagen: What Actually Works?

Topical collagen creams sound great, but:

• Topical collagen stays superficial. The molecule is too large to penetrate deep layers of skin.
• Oral hydrolyzed collagen, on the other hand, is broken down into peptides and absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching the dermis where it stimulates new collagen production.

Pair oral collagen with topical retinoids, peptides, and sunscreen for a complete inside-out approach.

Lifestyle Strategies to Boost Collagen Naturally

Supplements help, but lifestyle habits are the foundation. Collagen powders like Be. SEXY deliver concentrated support but your body needs the right environment to use those nutrients effectively. That’s where daily choices play a major role. By combining the right foods, habits, and routines, you can amplify your collagen gains and slow down skin aging during menopause.

Nutrition Fuels Collagen Production at the Root

• Vitamin C (from amla, citrus fruits, bell peppers) is essential for collagen synthesis. Without it, your body can’t form the triple helix structure that keeps collagen fibers strong and functional. A daily dose from whole foods ensures your supplement has what it needs to work.
• Zinc (found in pumpkin seeds, lentils, and cashews) supports skin repair and helps enzymes that stabilize collagen. A zinc deficiency can make collagen break down faster.
• Protein and Omega‑3s are building blocks for new tissue. Skin is made of amino acids, so your body needs a consistent supply from sources like dals, tofu, fish, and walnuts. Omega‑3s also reduce inflammation, which protects collagen from being broken down by stress hormones or UV exposure.

Sleep is when your skin does its deepest repair work.

Your skin follows a natural circadian rhythm. At night, cell turnover speeds up, blood flow to the skin increases, and repair enzymes get to work. But you need deep, restful sleep to make that happen.

If sleep is patchy or interrupted, a common issue in perimenopause, your skin’s regeneration slows. That’s where pairing Be. SEXY with Be. ON DND can make a real difference. The latter supports deep, restful sleep, allowing your body to fully use nutrients for skin repair and collagen synthesis.

Hydration Keeps Your Skin Firm and Plump

Dehydration makes skin look older than it is. When the body is short on water, it pulls moisture from the skin’s dermis to supply more critical organs, leaving your face looking dull, tired, and crepey.

Aim for 2 to 2.5 litres of water a day. Add in water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and coconut water for bonus hydration.

Sun Protection is Non-negotiable

UV rays are collagen’s worst enemy. Just 15 minutes of unprotected sun can trigger enzymes (like MMPs) that break down collagen fibers. The damage is often invisible until it adds up into wrinkles, pigmentation, or sagging.

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even indoors if you’re near windows. Think of sunscreen as your skin’s seatbelt.

Create a consistent routine.

• Morning: Take your Be. SEXY with water post-breakfast.
• Midday: Eat a lunch rich in antioxidants and plant protein.
• Evening: Wind down with Be. ON DND and prioritise sleep by 10:30 PM.
• Always: Use SPF and moisturise with a barrier-friendly cream.

Small, repeated actions build the conditions where collagen thrives, not just for today, but for the next 10 years of your skin’s health.

How to Tailor Your Collagen Routine by Menopausal Stage

Your skin doesn’t age overnight, it evolves through distinct stages. From the early hormone dips of perimenopause to the deeper shifts post-menopause, each phase demands a slightly different strategy. The key isn’t just what you take, it’s when you start, how consistent you are, and how you layer support.

Below is a simple stage-by-stage roadmap to help you protect and restore collagen at the right time.

Perimenopause: Build Your Foundation Early

This phase can begin in your mid-to-late 30s or early 40s, and while hormone levels may still be cycling, they’re often erratic. You may notice:

• Mild dryness or dullness,
• First signs of fine lines,
• Skin reacting more sensitively to products or weather.

Here’s what to do:

• Prioritize phytoestrogens. These plant compounds (from soy, flaxseed, sesame, etc.) provide mild estrogen-like activity to support the skin’s collagen matrix naturally.
• Eat collagen-supportive foods. Include vitamin C-rich fruits (amla, oranges), zinc from seeds, and protein with every meal.
• Start using Be. SEXY proactively. It gives your skin the marine collagen it needs to stay firm and radiant, long before damage becomes visible. Think of it as skin insurance, not repair work.

Early Postmenopause (0–5 Years): Act Fast During the Collagen Crash

This is your critical window. Most of the 30% collagen loss happens here due to sharp estrogen decline. The visible signs?

• Deepening wrinkles
• Sagging cheeks or jawline
• Thinner skin and slower healing

Here’s your action plan:

• Use hydrolyzed collagen daily: Be. SEXY’s Type I & III marine peptides are designed for high absorption, delivering results where the skin needs it most, deep in the dermis.
• Enhance with antioxidants: The glutathione and Vitamin E in Be. SEXY help fight oxidative stress that accelerates collagen breakdown.
• Discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor: If appropriate for your health profile, estrogen therapy can significantly improve skin density and texture when started during this stage.

Mid to Late Postmenopause (5+ Years): Stay Consistent to Maintain Gains

At this stage, the initial collagen loss has occurred but it’s not too late to maintain, protect, and gradually improve what’s left.

Signs often stabilize, but skin may:

• Feel thinner or more fragile
• Show deeper folds or dryness
• Take longer to respond to skincare

Here’s what to focus on:

• Continue Be. SEXY daily: Consistency is where most people fall short but this is when long-term use truly shows up in skin quality.
• Double down on phytoestrogens: Include them in every major meal to gently support your skin’s structural health from within.
• Invest in active skincare: Pair collagen with topical retinoids, peptides, and barrier-restoring creams to keep skin firm, bright, and resilient.

Consistency Is What Creates Visible Change

It’s tempting to expect results in a week, but collagen remodeling takes time.

• Weeks 4 to 8: You’ll notice smoother skin and better hydration.
• Weeks 8 to 12: Deeper results, improved elasticity, plumpness, and brightness start to show.
  

Just like with fitness, the people who see the biggest transformation are the ones who stick with it. Let Be. SEXY become a non-negotiable in your morning routine, just like SPF or brushing your teeth. Your future self will thank you.

How Do You Know Collagen is Working?

Look for these functional markers:

• Smoother texture
• Improved hydration
• Fewer new fine lines
• Better healing and glow

In clinical settings, tools like ultrasound skin thickness measurements or biopsy data confirm deeper results (often used in HRT trials).

Ready to Start?

Aging is natural. But how your skin ages, especially during menopause, is up to you. With the right tools, like Be. SEXY, smart nutrition, and an informed approach to hormonal support, you can move into your next phase feeling strong, radiant, and fully supported.

Check out the entire range of holistic supplementation by Be. here.

Key Takeaways

• 30% of skin collagen is lost within 5 years of menopause.
  
• Estrogen directly influences collagen production and skin health.
  
• Hydrolyzed collagen and phytoestrogens are effective for menopausal skin aging.
  
• Topical collagen is less effective than oral peptides like in Be. SEXY.
  
• Be. SEXY includes clinically proven ingredients for dermal repair and radiance.
  
• Lifestyle and supplements together lead to long-term skin resilience during and after menopause.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much collagen do women lose during menopause?

Women lose about 30% of skin collagen in the first five years of menopause, followed by a 2% yearly decline if not addressed.

Does estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) actually restore collagen?

Yes. Studies show that HRT can increase skin collagen by 6 to 30% and improve elasticity, thickness, and hydration.

Are collagen supplements effective during menopause?

Yes, especially hydrolyzed collagen peptides like those in Be. SEXY, which improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkle depth over time.

Should I use topical collagen?

Not as a primary solution. Topical collagen does not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. Oral supplements reach the dermis and work from within.

Can phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) help collagen?

Yes, foods rich in soy and flaxseed contain phytoestrogens that can support collagen production and mimic some benefits of estrogen.

Can I pair Be. SEXY with other wellness products?

Yes! For example, Be. ON DND complements Be. SEXY by supporting sleep, which is vital for skin regeneration.