Why Skin Changes After 45 (and What Actually Helps)

At some point in our mid-40s and beyond, many women notice that their skin just feels different.

It’s not just fine lines. Skin may feel drier, thinner, more sensitive, or slower to bounce back. Products that once worked suddenly don’t. Makeup sits differently. And for women who’ve always taken good care of themselves, this can feel confusing or even frustrating.

I see this all the time, both personally and professionally. As someone who works in the beauty and wellness space and helps women navigate skincare and wellness options every day, I can tell you with confidence that these changes are normal. They’re happening for very real biological reasons, and understanding what’s going on makes all the difference.

One of the biggest shifts after 45 is collagen loss. Collagen is what gives skin its firmness, structure, and elasticity, and it also plays a critical role in joints, hair, nails, and overall tissue support. Starting in our 30s, collagen production naturally declines, and that loss accelerates as we move through our 40s and 50s, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

This is why skin can suddenly feel less plump, less resilient, and more fragile, even if you’ve always taken good care of it. It’s not just about what you’re putting on your face. Your body simply isn’t producing collagen the way it used to, and that shows up over time.

This is where internal support becomes just as important as topical skincare. I’m very open about the fact that collagen is a non-negotiable part of my routine. I sell collagen, I use it daily, and it’s one of my personal secrets to feeling good in my skin at 55. My granddaughter Mila keeps me humble and honest. She once told me, “Gigi, you’re old, but you don’t look old,” which still makes me laugh. Kids are brutally honest, and I’ll take that compliment any day.

Liquid collagen, in particular, has been a game changer for me. As we age, absorption matters. Supporting collagen from the inside helps nourish skin at a deeper level while also supporting joints, mobility, and overall wellness. When collagen intake is consistent, many women notice their skin looks firmer and more hydrated, and their bodies simply feel better overall. If you’re curious, this is the liquid collagen I personally use every day and recommend to the women I work with. CLICK HERE

This is also why I believe beauty and wellness are inseparable, especially after 45. You can have the best skincare routine in the world, but when you support your body internally with things like collagen, hydration, and proper nutrition, your skin responds differently. It becomes more resilient, more balanced, and better supported in this season of life.

Hormonal changes also play a major role in how skin behaves after 45. As estrogen fluctuates and declines, skin often becomes drier and more reactive. Estrogen helps skin retain moisture and thickness, so when levels shift, hydration and barrier support become essential, not optional.

This is where many women make a common mistake. They try to fix aging skin by doing more. More products. More exfoliation. More treatments. But in my experience, both personally and working with women 45+, mature skin usually responds better to simplicity and consistency rather than aggressive routines.

A supportive skincare routine at this stage focuses on cleansing without stripping, rebalancing the skin, delivering targeted treatment through serums, and sealing everything in with a moisturizer. When these steps are done consistently, morning and night, skin has the chance to calm down, repair itself, and function the way it’s meant to.

If you’re curious, this is the simple skincare routine I stay consistent with.
👉 Shop My Skincare Favorites page

Inflammation is another important piece of the puzzle. As we age, skin can become more reactive to stress, lack of sleep, travel, and even seasonal changes. Supporting the skin with gentle, consistent care, both internally and externally, helps reduce that reactivity over time.

The good news is this: aging skin isn’t failing you. It’s simply asking for different support.

When women understand why their skin is changing, they stop chasing every new trend and start making more confident, informed choices. That’s where real results come from. Not from doing everything, but from doing the right things consistently.

Healthy, glowing skin after 45 isn’t about reversing time. It’s about supporting your skin so it can thrive in this season of life.

Enjoy your day!

Love, LA xo