The menopause is a natural, physiological event that happens to all women. And yet, until relatively recently, it was referred to in hushed voices and euphemisms. People talked about ‘the change’, if they mentioned it at all.
Despite there being around 13 million pre-menopausal or menopausal women in the UK, equivalent to a third of the entire female population, a 2021 survey of UK universities reported that some doctors may leave university with no education in menopause.
Women are taking steps to educate themselves about this transitional stage in life. And thanks to initiatives like October’s ‘Menopause Awareness Month’, it is now talked about as a health topic.
Every woman travels through the menopause in her own, unique way. Pre-menopause (or perimenopause) normally starts in the early to mid-40s and can last a few years or more than 10 years. Some sail through, barely noticing any change until their periods stop, while others struggle for years with hot flushes (affecting an estimated 60%-80% of women at some point during menopause), poor sleep, weight gain, low mood, skin breakouts and many other troubles.
And for some, acne is the most surprising symptom of all. Whether they’ve been acne-free for decades or never had it at all, most women don’t expect to struggle with acne as they approach 50.
After the perimenopause, the post-menopausal period is defined as when a full, period-free year has passed.
So what causes Menopausal Acne?
Adult acne is on the rise, reportedly affecting 40% of women. About 26% of pre-menopausal women are affected, and about 15% of women 50+.
The root cause is the same at any age; acne is hormonal. It is a reflection on the skin of what is happening inside the body.
At menopause, the ovaries start producing fewer hormones, such as oestrogens, eventually stopping completely. Oestrogen plays many regulating roles in the body, and this huge drop disrupts the hormone balance, often causing acne.
While the cause is hormonal, acne is a multifactorial skin condition. Other factors are at play too. Poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep all contribute to skin issues like acne, and all are common symptoms of menopause.
And how should you care for Menopausal Acne?
You have a lot more power to control acne than you may think. Even if you are genetically predisposed to acne, you can change the course of how acne develops.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms and target acne. Bear in mind that sudden and dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels can bring on acne breakouts for the weeks and months after starting HRT.
There are natural solutions too. You can alleviate menopausal symptoms and control acne by adjusting your diet and lifestyle. A plant-based diet that’s rich in phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that mimic oestrogen in the body) and rich in fibres will make a difference on the symptoms and the skin.
On the skin, the skincare routine should combine acne-targeting with anti-ageing. Too harsh, and you risk causing collateral damage to the skin, creating even more problems.
Here is a simple skincare routine to follow
Cleansing:
AVOID double cleansing. Your skin is drier than ever during menopause and stripping the natural oils dries the skin even more. Also avoid harsh ingredients that can damage the skin’s protective lipid layers (sulfates in cleansers for example). If you wear makeup, use a makeup remover first, and then cleanse.
Use a gentle formula like Skin Diligent Triple Action Cleanser. This non-foaming, glycerin-rich cleanser contains Protium heptaphyllum resin, a rare botanical ingredient rich in phytochemicals with a protective and anti-inflammatory action. Gentle yet effective, Triple Action Cleanser quickly helps restore the balance of the skin's microbiome thanks to a pioneering probiotic strain.
Repair and prevent:
If your skin shows imperfections or occasional breakouts, apply the Regulation Serum onto slightly damp skin after cleansing, directly on the blemishes. This expert serum works at a cellular level to rebalance the skin, strengthen the barrier, and target both imperfections and dark spots.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate:
The Cellular Hydration Serum, powered by hyaluronic acid and magnesium, boosts cellular hydration and restores suppleness. At the same time, its prebiotic and probiotic complex supports the skin microbiome, helping to reduce inflammation at the root of many breakouts during this stage of life.
This serum also reinforces the skin barrier with a patented ingredient that stimulates vitamin D receptors. The result: stronger, more resilient skin, less prone to acne flare-ups.
During the menopause, avoid overstimulating the skin with too many actives.
And don’t forget to hydrate those giveaway areas; the neck, chest, and hands.