A Galderma-supported clinical trial compared two treatment sequences using Restylane Skinboosters and Sculptra to determine which produced greater improvements in skin hydration and remodeling among menopausal women.
New clinical data from an investigator-initiated trial led by board-certified plastic surgeon Andreas Nikolis, MD, PhD, FRCSC, and supported by Galderma identified an optimized injectable aesthetics protocol for menopause-induced skin changes, finding that a sequenced approach using Restylane Skinboosters followed by Sculptra delivered significant improvements in skin hydration and dermal remodeling across the face and décolletage.
The announcement coincided with new global survey data pointing to a sizable knowledge gap among women about how menopause affects the skin.
The eight-month trial divided menopausal patients into two groups: one treated with Restylane Skinboosters first and Sculptra second, the other with Sculptra first and Restylane Skinboosters second. Patients who received Restylane Skinboosters first showed an earlier visible clinical response and greater dermal remodeling, with facial dermal thickness increasing by 27.3% compared with 15.7% in the Sculptra-first group.
Both treatment groups reported high satisfaction, with 98% describing natural-looking results, 96% saying they would recommend the treatments, and 92% stating they would undergo treatment again.
“This first-of-its-kind clinical study provides compelling evidence that sequencing treatments can deliver significantly greater benefits than either approach alone in menopausal skin. By first using Restylane Skinboosters to rapidly improve hydration and optimize the skin microenvironment, followed by Sculptra to stimulate collagen production and progressive tissue remodeling, more favorably, we are now able to address both the immediate and longer-term biologic changes associated with menopause,” says Nikolis, MD, based in Montreal, Canada, in a release. “The result is a strongly supported scientific treatment strategy that combines rapid improvement in hydration with sustained enhancement in skin quality and remodeling, while achieving high levels of patient satisfaction. These findings provide clinicians with a new evidence-based framework for treating menopausal skin.”
The ‘Menopausal Skin Misread’
Alongside the clinical findings, Galderma released survey data highlighting what the company calls “The Menopausal Skin Misread.” Among 5,090 women across the UK, US, Brazil, and China who have experienced or are experiencing perimenopause or menopause, 56% initially attributed menopause-related skin changes to general aging, while only 29% recognized menopause as the cause.
One in two women said they were unaware that hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect the skin, and 82% agreed that better understanding the difference between menopause-related skin changes and general aging would help them feel more informed and in control of their skincare decisions.
The misread also appears to be shaping purchasing behavior. Seventy percent of respondents said they had bought products designed to address signs of aging because they believed those products would help with skin changes experienced during perimenopause or menopause, and 62% said they had felt overwhelmed by skincare advice during the menopause transition. Nearly half of those who struggled to find clear information said the advice available was too general and focused on aging rather than menopause.
Industry Implications for Aesthetic Practices
The findings suggest a potential opening for plastic surgeons and aesthetic practitioners to differentiate menopause-specific treatment protocols from standard anti-aging offerings. The survey was conducted by Perspectus Global between August 25 and September 1, 2026.
“Too many women are navigating changes in their skin without recognizing that menopause may be playing a role. Our research shows the scale of this knowledge gap and the need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all ageing narrative,” says Anne-Cécile Chevrier, global head of injectable aesthetics at Galderma, in a release. “At Galderma, we are committed to advancing the understanding of menopausal skin and providing women with clear, trusted information and science-backed solutions, so they can make informed choices and feel confident in their skin throughout this important stage of life.”
