In this Quick Hits clip, Karen sits down with Amitay Eshel, co-founder and CEO of Young Goose, a skincare company built around the biology of cellular aging. Amitay brings a background in longevity science to an industry that is often more focused on texture and fragrance than on what's actually happening inside the skin. This conversation cuts through the noise and gets into the real science behind ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, NAD, NMN, collagen, and spermidine — and why the skin changes you're experiencing during perimenopause and menopause go far deeper than the surface.

Key Takeaways

• Effective anti-aging skincare works at the cellular level — targeting mitochondrial function, cellular energy, and the skin's ability to repair damage — not just surface moisture.
• Ingredient stability matters as much as the ingredient itself. Vitamin C, NMN, and other sensitive compounds can degrade before they ever reach the skin if not properly formulated or encapsulated.
• Topical skincare cannot fully compensate for poor internal hydration. What you drink and how your hormones are functioning affects skin quality in ways that a serum cannot fix.
• Stronger concentrations of retinol are not necessarily more effective — and in some cases, aggressive treatments can compromise the skin barrier rather than improve it.
• Collagen and NAD function differently when taken internally versus applied to the skin. Both routes have value, but they are not interchangeable.
• Menopause accelerates changes in collagen, hydration, pigmentation, and skin resilience — making personalized, targeted skincare more important than ever.

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What We Discuss in This Episode

• How vitamin C and hyaluronic acid influence skin rejuvenation and what limits their effectiveness
• Why ingredient stability and encapsulation are critical in skincare formulation
• The connection between mitochondrial health, cellular energy, and visible skin aging
• How the skin's ability to repair damage declines with age — and what supports that repair
• Why retinol dosing matters and when more is not better
• How collagen, NAD, and spermidine work differently depending on how they're used
• The specific ways menopause affects the skin — and why generic routines often fall short
• When laser resurfacing may be appropriate, and when aggressive treatments cause more harm than good

Listen to the full Apple Podcast Episode here 

Common Questions About Anti-Aging Skincare for Menopause

Why is my skin changing so fast during perimenopause?

Declining estrogen accelerates changes in collagen production, moisture retention, and skin cell turnover. These shifts can happen more quickly than the gradual aging that preceded them, which is why perimenopause can feel like a sudden change in skin quality. Supporting hormone levels and adjusting your skincare routine to address cellular-level needs — not just surface hydration — may help slow these changes.

Does vitamin C serum actually work for aging skin?

Vitamin C can support collagen synthesis and provide antioxidant protection, but its effectiveness depends heavily on formulation stability. Many vitamin C products oxidize before they reach the skin, rendering the ingredient inactive. Look for formulations that prioritize stability through encapsulation or protective packaging.

Is stronger retinol always better?

No. Higher concentrations of retinol can disrupt the skin barrier and trigger inflammation, which may worsen the appearance of aging over time. Consistent use of a well-formulated, appropriately dosed retinol product is generally more effective than periodic high-strength applications.

Can skincare fix menopausal skin dryness on its own?

Skincare can support and improve skin hydration, but it cannot fully compensate for the hormonal and cellular changes driving dryness during menopause. Addressing internal hydration, hormone levels, and overall cellular health alongside topical skincare is likely to produce better outcomes.

What is the difference between taking collagen supplements and using a collagen cream?

Ingested collagen provides amino acids and peptides that may signal the body to produce more of its own collagen. Topical collagen primarily conditions the surface of the skin — the molecules are generally too large to penetrate deeply. Both approaches may be useful, but they work through different mechanisms.

What is spermidine and why is it in skincare?

Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound studied for its role in autophagy — the process by which cells clear out damaged components and regenerate. In skincare, it is used in formulations aimed at supporting cellular renewal. Research into its topical applications is ongoing. [VERIFY AND ADD PRIMARY SOURCE]

Should women in menopause use a different skincare approach?

Yes. Menopause changes the skin's hormonal environment, moisture dynamics, and collagen production in ways that affect what ingredients and approaches are most useful. A routine built around cellular energy, barrier support, ingredient stability, and internal hydration is likely more appropriate than a standard anti-aging routine designed for younger or pre-menopausal skin.

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About Amitay Eshel

Amitay Eshel is the co-founder and CEO of Young Goose, a skincare company focused on longevity science and cellular health. His work draws on research in mitochondrial function, cellular energy, and ingredient bioavailability to develop formulations designed to address the biology of skin aging rather than surface symptoms alone