The Murad Skin Systems are two step-by-step routines built for the way skin changes during perimenopause. The Brightening System targets dullness and dark spots; the Tightening System targets loss of firmness. Both start with the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, add a serum matched to your skin, and finish with an eye treatment. They're designed to replace the guesswork of single products with a clear sequence built for hormonal change.

Both systems start the same way, with the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser to clear the surface, and both finish with an eye treatment, where hormonal change tends to show first. The difference is the step in between. The Brightening System treats dullness and dark spots and is built around the Vita-C Glycolic Serum or the Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum. The Tightening System rebuilds firmness over time and is built around the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum or the Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment.

The eye area shows hormonal change before anywhere else. The skin there is the thinnest on your face and never stops moving, so it loses firmness and turns dull earlier than the rest of your skin. It's also too delicate for most face serums, which is why the eye step is its own part of the system rather than an afterthought, matched to whichever system you're using. It's often where the difference shows first, and most.

Yes. The Murad Brightening System and the Murad Tightening System are designed to work together. Brightening in the morning, tightening at night. If you're seeing both dullness and loss of firmness, running them together is ideal.

As skin renews more slowly, dead skin cells build up on the surface and block your serums from being absorbed. The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser clears that layer a few times a week, so the rest of your system can reach the skin and work.

Murad's systems are dermatologist-developed and formulated for a range of skin types. If your skin is reactive, introduce active steps gradually and patch test first.

It varies by product and concern, but many women notice brighter, smoother skin within the first couple of weeks, with changes in firmness and pigmentation building over the following weeks.

Not necessarily, the systems are built for use at home. If you'd rather be guided in person, Murad partner clinics across Australia offer treatments that work alongside your routine.

The Murad Skin Systems are available at murad.com.au and through Murad partner clinics across Australia. Each product can be bought individually or as part of the system. If you'd prefer in-person guidance, you can find a Murad partner clinic near you [here].

The best anti-ageing creams for menopausal skin focus on improving hydration, firmness and the appearance of wrinkles while supporting skin that may become thinner or more sensitive over time.

Key ingredients to look for include:

• Retinal or retinol for skin renewal
  
• Peptides for firmness
  
• Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
  
• Ceramides for barrier support
  
• Antioxidants such as Vitamin C
  

A good menopause anti-ageing cream should help:

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
  
• Improve the appearance of sagging skin
• Deeply hydrate dry skin
  
• Support overnight skin renewal
  
• Improve skin texture and radiance
  

For hormonally ageing skin, many women benefit from combining a retinal treatment with a nourishing moisturiser to target both visible ageing and dryness simultaneously.

The best skincare products for menopause skin in Australia should address the unique effects of hormonal ageing, including dryness, sensitivity, loss of firmness, pigmentation and adult acne.

A well-rounded menopause skincare routine often includes:

• Gentle hydrating cleanser
  
• Vitamin C serum for brightness and antioxidant protection
  
• Retinal or retinol treatment for wrinkles and firmness
  
• Hyaluronic Acid moisturiser for hydration
  
• Daily SPF for UV protection
  

Australian conditions such as strong UV exposure can also make pigmentation and dehydration more noticeable during menopause, making daily sun protection especially important.

When shopping for menopause skincare in Australia, look for products formulated to support:

• Skin barrier repair
  
• Long-lasting hydration
  
• Collagen support
  
• Uneven skin tone
  
• Sensitive or hormonally reactive skin
  

Clinically proven ingredients such as retinal, niacinamide, peptides and ceramides can help support healthier-looking skin through every stage of hormonal ageing.

Menopausal skin dryness is often linked to declining oestrogen levels, which can reduce the skin’s natural oil production and weaken the moisture barrier.

The most effective ingredients for dry menopausal skin help attract, retain and seal in hydration while supporting barrier repair.

Best ingredients for menopausal skin dryness

• Hyaluronic Acid - helps draw water into the skin for lasting hydration
  
• Ceramides — help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss
  
• Squalane — lightweight nourishment that softens dry skin
  
• Glycerin — attracts moisture to the skin
  
• Niacinamide — supports barrier function and helps calm sensitivity
  
• Peptides — help support firmer-looking skin
  
• Shea Butter — deeply nourishes and comforts dry skin
  
• Retinal or Retinol — support skin renewal and visible signs of ageing when paired with hydrating ingredients
  

Using these ingredients consistently can help menopausal skin feel more comfortable, hydrated, smoother and healthier-looking over time.