The menopause is a transformative phase in a woman's life, marked by hormonal shifts that impact not only overall health but also the skin. As estrogen levels decline, collagen production slows down, leading to loss of elasticity, increased dryness, and the formation of fine lines. Menopause typically begins in the late 40s but can start as early as 40, making proactive skincare essential.
While many turn to aggressive treatments like laser therapy, LABAREAU founder Lindsay van der Looij, who has over 20 years of hands-on experience treating skin, knows exactly what the skin needs during this phase. Through years of working closely with clients, she has witnessed firsthand how hormonal changes accelerate skin aging and how many skincare solutions, including machine-based treatments like lasers, can even produce the opposite effect by weakening the skin’s barrier and reducing its natural resilience. Seeing the need for a more effective, science-backed approach, she developed LABAREAU, high-performance formulas designed to restore, strengthen, and deeply rejuvenate the skin.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her expert insights on why collagen is crucial during menopause and how LABAREAU is redefining skincare for mature skin.
Q: Can you explain what happens to the skin during the menopause?
Lindsay van der Looij: “Absolutely. The menopause is a pivotal time for the skin because of the sharp decline in estrogen. This hormone plays a crucial role in collagen production, hydration, and overall skin thickness. Once estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to sagging. Essentially, the aging process accelerates at a visible level.
Q: We see a lot of women turning to laser treatments to counteract these effects. What is your take on this?
Lindsay van der Looij: “I’m not against laser treatments, but they need to be approached with caution, especially in menopausal skin. Many people don’t realize that laser works by creating controlled damage to the skin, triggering a repair response. But if your skin already has a diminished collagen reserve, excessive lasering can actually weaken the skin barrier instead of strengthening it. The key is to ensure that the skin has enough collagen to regenerate effectively before undergoing such procedures.”
Q: Let’s talk about collagen. Why is it so vital during the menopause?
Lindsay van der Looij: “Collagen is the foundation of youthful, resilient skin. It’s what keeps the skin firm, plump, and hydrated. During the menopause, collagen production drops by about 30% in just the first five years with an additional steady decline of about 2% per year thereafter. This is why skin starts to feel thinner and less elastic. The logical approach is to replenish collagen at the source. That’s exactly what LABAREAU’s premium collagen skincare does, it delivers 97% skin-identical atelocollagen, the highest possible grade, directly where it’s needed.”
Q: What makes LABAREAU’s collagen serums unique?
Lindsay van der Looij: LABAREAU is built on science. Our formulas go beyond hydration, they restore the skin at a cellular level. We use premium atelocollagen, which is fully bioavailable, allowing the skin to recognize and absorb it effortlessly for real rejuvenation. What truly makes our Day and Night Formulas so powerful is the unique synergy of high-performance ingredients. Active peptides stimulate collagen production, premium native atelocollagen enhances skin elasticity and firmness, and three molecular hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates. Epigenetic technology helps protect the skin and slow down visible aging. It’s this combination, together with our patented formula, that sets LABAREAU apart.
Q: Collagen supplements are incredibly popular right now. Do they actually work?
Lindsay van der Looij: “Collagen supplements are everywhere, and while they may have general health benefits, there are no scientific studies yet that prove their direct effect on the skin. Most supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken down in the digestive system before it ever reaches the skin. At LABAREAU, we take a different approach by using native collagen, which is fully bioavailable and recognized by the skin. This ensures deep penetration and real rejuvenation, making topical application a far more targeted and effective solution for maintaining firm, youthful skin.”
* The differences shown between Premium Native Atelocollagen and Hydrolyzed collagen in the image above.
Q: What’s your ultimate advice for women going through the menopause who want to maintain youthful skin?
Lindsay van der Looij: “First and foremost, be kind to your skin. Over-processing it with aggressive treatments can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on strengthening the skin barrier with clinically effective skincare that replenishes collagen, hydrates deeply, and supports cellular repair. LABAREAU is designed to work with your skin, not against it. When science and luxury come together, you don’t just slow down the aging process—you redefine it.”
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is a choice. With the right knowledge, a healthy hormonal balance diet, and high-performance skincare, menopausal skin can remain radiant, firm, and deeply nourished. At LABAREAU, innovation meets efficacy, because true beauty doesn’t fade, it evolves.
