I’m a Shopping Editor Going Through Perimenopause, and the Beauty Products I Swear by Start at $5

Posted by Admin January 5, 2025 Shopping

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Olay (1); Target (1); Thrive (1)

Between night sweats, sugar cravings, and hormonal fluctuations, Perimenopause significantly affected my skin.

After making small changes to what I put into my body, I created a skincare regimen that keeps the worst perimenopausal symptoms — acne, dryness in targeted areas, and excess oil from sweating in others — from showing up on my face.

The goal is to stay away from anything pore clogging, greasy, or oil-inducing and protect my skin from the sun. Hormonal acne isn’t necessarily responsive to the acids I often use for other types of acne, but these products also prevent bacterial acne while combating perimenopausal breakouts.

For the past several months, certain products have helped me keep my adult acne from perimenopause in check while infusing my complexion with a radiant glow. Bonus: They’re all affordable (half are $10 or less) and most are available at the drugstore.

Perimenpausal Acne Must-Haves

Olay Cleansing Melts + Hyaluronic

I’ve sworn by these cleansers since they launched in 2024. I love that they’re water activated, making them easy to travel with and store in any temperature. The hyaluronic acid melts kickstart my morning cleansing routine, allowing me to wash my face without stripping it of moisture.

Olay Cleansing Melts + Retinol

At night I swap the hyaluronic acid formula for the Olay Cleansing Melts + Retinol, which are formulated with a potent vitamin A derivative known for warding off wrinkles and improving skin texture and tone.

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

This serum is so good, I try to get every last drop out of the bottle. I love that the Good Molecules hyaluronic acid serum works as well as more costly products; it keeps my skin hydrated and soft without a heavy “product” feeling.

Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

Since excessive sweating is a perimenopause symptom, I incorporated this niacinamide serum into my skincare routine to keep the sweat oil from having a negative impact on my complexion. Niacinamide is known to reduce excess oil and control sebum production, which in turn limits breakouts.

Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water Gel

This brand has yet to drop a product that I don’t love! I layer this serum on daily before applying moisturizer (because of its thin consistency), whether I’m going outside or not. My complexion actually looks dewy — a word I’ve never used to describe my skin before. Bonus: It includes SPF 50 for added sun protection.

Honest Ageless Firm + Even Serum

As someone with acne-prone skin, I’m typically afraid of face oil, but this serum surprised me. The first pump of product appeared oily, but it felt lightweight in my hand and even lighter when applied to my face. It goes on like a hydrating serum, dries down quickly, layers well under other skincare and makeup, and never pills. I mostly use it at night when my skin is in repair mode to hydrate, firm, and even out my skin tone.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Midnight Cream

I’ve boasted about my love for L’Oréal Midnight Cream before, and I still stand by it. The creamy moisturizer is ideal when my skin feels dry (hello hormones!) and looks dull. It has a pleasant fruity scent, and it doesn’t clog my pores or cause greasy skin. It’s the one thing I know Bethenny Frankel and I have in common.

Though its price keeps it from my regular rotation, the MDSolarSciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer is also worth mentioning. When I use it, my skin looks super radiant and feels hydrated but not greasy. Occlusive moisturizers tend to clog my pores or further irritate my volatile complexion, but I’ve never had an issue with this one. It’s one of the best, if not the best face moisturizer I’ve ever used.

Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream

While my other products are working their magic to keep my skin balanced, this CC cream provides extra hydration, sun protection, and cover for all the hyperpigmentation left behind from previous breakouts. It warms up my face and really melts into my skin after about 15 minutes. At that point the color match is so good, no one suspects I’m wearing anything; people just think I have flawless, healthy skin.