Menopause and Dermal White Adipose Tissue Depletion: Mechanistic Links, Adipogenesis, and Regenerative Therapeutic Replacement

    January 2026 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Alan D. Widgerow, Mary E. Ziegler, Faiza Shafiq
    TLDR Menopause reduces skin fat, but treatments like magnolol and PLLA-SCA can help restore skin health.
    The study explores the impact of menopause on dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) and its role in skin health. Menopause-related estrogen decline disrupts adipogenic pathways, leading to reduced dWAT, affecting dermal thickness and structure. The research highlights magnolol and PLLA-SCA as potential treatments to promote adipogenesis and restore healthy adipose tissue, improving skin plumpness, texture, and elasticity. This dual approach, combining injectable boosters and topical maintenance, offers a new therapeutic paradigm for rejuvenating menopausal skin. While direct measurement of dWAT in menopause is not yet established, evidence supports the potential of these interventions.
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