Menopausal acne can occur due to hormonal changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Women navigating through this phase of life can also experience menopause acne due to other factors such as stress, diet, and changes in skin texture, which can impact hormone levels and trigger hormonal breakouts.
Hormone Fluctuations and Acne During Menopause
During menopause, hormones fluctuate, causing acne to appear more frequently. As estrogen levels begin to decline and androgen hormones like testosterone increase, adult acne may appear. The shift in hormones can increase oil production, leading to blocked pores and menopausal acne. This time around, lumps may be tender and appear deep beneath the surface of the skin. Unlike acne in our younger years, menopausal acne tends to appear lower on your face, around your chin, jawline, mouth and neck. It’s not just menopausal acne, it can occur during perimenopause too.
Stress and Menopausal Acne
Ask any woman, menopause is stressful! Stress can be a trigger for acne during menopause. Managing stress effectively can help reduce the severity of menopausal acne.
What can I do about it?
Acne during menopause can require a different approach from teenage acne. These treatments should balance oil production without drying the skin. Here’s how to manage acne in a way that supports skin’s health through menopause:
Topical Treatments for Menopausal Acne
There are several topical treatments that can be effective when dealing with acne during menopause. Ingredients like salicylic acid and retinoids are often common options for menopausal acne. However, some women in menopause find that these treatments can make their skin more sensitive.
Professional Treatments for Menopausal Acne
For those dealing with persistent acne during menopause, professional treatments may be beneficial. Chemical peels can help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores and improve skin texture. Light therapy (LED) targets acne related bacteria and inflammation which affect skin health. Hormonal Therapies (HRT) have also been shown to provide relief from menopausal acne. Talk to a menopause-trained doctor to determine if hormonal acne treatment or other medications may be right for you
Lifestyle Tips to Support Skin Health and Minimize Acne in Menopause
Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle can help reduce acne during menopause. Here are a few tips that can support skin health and reduce menopausal acne:
Healthy Diet
Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Stress Reduction
Practices like yoga, meditation, journaling and other stress relieving activities.
Regular Sleep
Quality sleep helps support healthy skin and balance hormones.
Gentle Skincare Routine
Wash your face every day with gentle cleansers. Be sure to remove any makeup, moisturize daily and don’t pick at your face!
Fitness Routine
Exercise 3-4 times a week.
Most Important
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Menopausal acne may be surprising and frustrating, but with the right approach to skincare, treatment, and lifestyle, it is manageable. They may just take a little time.
