As if wrinkles and greying hair weren’t enough to deal with during menopause, Mother Nature has one more trick up her sleeve, which comes in the form of menopausal acne. And the pimples you get during menopause may not always resemble what you’ve experienced in the past.
It’s not uncommon for women to experience acne breakouts during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen. If HRT consists of both estrogen and progesterone, the progesterone may cause an acne flare-up.
Something that may come as a surprise is — We recommend using the same products for menopausal acne as we would for our younger clients. However, it’s important to be cognizant of an older persons hydration levels and start with lower-strength topical actives and our ultra moisturizing creams and sun protection.
What Causes Menopausal Acne?
Menopausal acne develops for much the same reasons it does in puberty.
Fluctuating hormone levels lead to hormonal imbalance. In menopause, estrogen levels start to drop, so you have less estrogen compared with your male hormones (androgens). Androgens therefore have more of an impact on your body. Testosterone is the androgen that has the greatest impact on menopausal acne. It can cause your body to produce more sebum (an oil-like substance) which can block pores and trigger breakouts.
Decrease in estrogen is where our skin changes take a turn.
Studies show that within the first 5 years of menopause, the skin loses 30% of its collagen and an additional 2% every year. This results in loss of volume, jowls, and wrinkles. Decreasing estrogen levels may also cause a decline in oil production. Causing the skin to become drier as well as hormonal and environmental-induced hyperpigmentation.
Menopausal acne can appear as sometimes large, usually painful cysts, often referred to as “undergrounders,” that typically appear along the lower half of the face and jawline. And while they are inconvenient at best and painful at worst, they aren’t untreatable.
Treating Menopausal Acne
Whether you’re dealing with dry or oily skin after menopause, you’ve got options for menopausal acne treatment. You don’t have to live with breakouts! Here’s how you can fight hormonal acne and oily skin during and after menopause — focus on a few no-brainer whole body wellness tips:
- 1. Minimize Stress
Stress contributes to menopausal acne by adding to your body’s existing hormonal fluctuations. When we live with elevated stress, our bodies react by producing cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Too much cortisol can affect oil production and result in oily skin and menopausal acne.
Practicing self-care is key to minimizing stress and managing the chaos of life. If we don’t consciously carve out time for ourselves, it’s easy to forget that we need to rest and recharge to feel our best. No matter what self-care looks like for you—a spa day, quiet time alone to read or a solo walk for some fresh air—it’s essential to prioritize your inner wellbeing because this impacts your whole body.
2. Clean Up Your Diet
I know. We have been preaching this since day one! But researchers have found that avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugar reduces breakouts, as well as all of the other nutrition guidelines we provide in our program.
Feeding your body the nutrients it needs for healthy, glowing skin is an easy way to fight menopausal acne! Adding probiotics and eating vibrant fruits and vegetables can help support healthy skin and prevent breakouts.
3. Get Restful Sleep
Insomnia is a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause, so this might sound like a tall order. But getting plenty of quality, restful sleep can help reduce high cortisol levels, which are linked to sleep cycle disruptions.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Avoid watching TV or playing on your phone in bed, and avoid caffeine late in the day. Go to bed around the same time each night, make your bedroom as conducive to sleep as possible with comfortable pillows and blankets, and turn the thermostat down. (Science shows we sleep better in colder rooms, regardless of menopausal hot flashes!)
Products that Minimize Menopause Acne
Nutri Cream
Promotes collagen, reduces wrinkles, and plumps the skin! This healing moisturizer has anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe your skin.
Revital C with 3% Oligopeptide-68
Contains a sophisticated time release tyrosinase inhibiting peptide that inhibits the MITF gene that contributes to excess production of melanin via the melanocytes. SAP and 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid – brightens the skin, reduces inflammation, boosts collagen and plumps the skin.
A Plus Refining Serum
A Plus Refining Serum takes your skincare routine to the next level. This serum improves photo aging and menopause-related aging by initiating the increase of epidermal proliferation, which leads to skin thickening.
Moisture Boost + with Beta Glucan
We formulated this serum special for those who have an acne prone skin type. Moisture Boost + is an exquisite serum that helps to restore hydration and plump the skin with ingredients such as beta-glucan, hydrating fruit extracts, and glycerin to prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
The Takeaway
Finally, not everyone is going to run into the same issues during menopause. We all still have our unique skin types and concerns. We don’t ascribe to a “one-size-fits-all” skincare, and this applies to people at all stages of life.
If you have any more questions about menopausal acne treatment options or how to support your menopausal skincare routine, schedule an appointment and we will take a look at what your specific skin needs are.
Cheers to clear!
Rene