MANAGING SPOTS AND BLEMISHES DURING THE MENOPAUSE

Acne is often thought to be something you get in your teens so it can be really frustrating if it returns during the menopause, especially when you are already trying to deal with other skin changes such as sensitivity, dryness and loss of collagen. So why do some women start to experience acne in the menopause?

There are a few different factors that can all increase the chances of experiencing menopausal breakouts. Hormonal fluctuations such as estrogen decline with a increased predominance of androgens, a weakened skin barrier that is more vulnerable to irritants, and an increase in stress levels can all lead to spots and breakouts suddenly appearing, even if you haven't experienced acne before.

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to treat acne while also addressing wider menopausal symptoms.

BUILD A SKIN SUPPORTIVE SKINCARE ROUTINE

Acknowledging the changes that are happening to your skin and building a good, supportive skincare routine will help with symptoms, as well as giving yourself a much needed moment of self-care. Opt for a gentle, non-comedogenic (non pore blocking) cleanser which supports your skin barrier as well as clearing dirt and impurities to prevent clogged pores.

Gentle exfoliants such as Latic Acid can brighten skin and clear skin without drying, such as the Clear Skin Days Clarifying Toner.

For your moisturiser look for one that nourishes dry skin with ingredients like ceramides or collagen, but is also oil free or non comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.

ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS

If you experiencing breakouts regularly during the menopause then it may be time to build in some blemish-fighting ingredients into your skincare routine. Retinol not only helps with symptoms of aging, as well as encouraging cell turnover which can help to both prevent clogged pores and fade marks left from spots and breakouts. A retinol may initially cause skin irritation so start with a low concentrate and gradually increase as tolerated.

Salicylic acid is a go-to ingredient for exfoliating skin and unclogging pores. If you are trying to manage dry skin, it may be better to use Salicylic Acid at low levels or as a targeted treatment rather than all over the skin.

Niacinamide is also a great ingredient for helping to address menopausal breakouts as its generally tolerated by most skin types, while reducing pigmentation and supporting the skin barrier.

Just remember to add your supportive ingredients into your skincare routine, as well as your acne-fighting ones, to make sure you have a balanced skincare regime that supports your skin in every area it needs during the menopause.

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause contribute to acne, making HRT a potential treatment option to address all menopausal symptoms including skin concerns. HRT involved supplementing estrogen and progesterone to balance hormone levels and address hormones that are at lower levels than pre-menopause. Your doctor can advise on whether this is the best approach for you.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

There are lifestyle changes which you may want to try out anyway during menopause which can help with managing breakouts.

Experts suggest a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins may be benefical for general wellbeing, alongside minimising processed food and sugar intake. Although these don't directly trigger acne, its always helpful to focus on general health and wellbeing to reduce stress levels and improve energy levels.

Regular exercise and stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also help balance hormone levels and reduce stress-induced acne flare-ups. Do what feels right for you to improve your sense of wellbeing and feeling good about yourself.

SPF PROTECTION

Some acne treatments can increase sun sensitivity, such as ingredients such as Retinol and exfoliators such as AHAs.

Although its always advised to use a SPF30 or higher everyday, if you are using blemish control ingredients such as these then always apply an SPF, even on cloudy days and in winter.

If you are worried about an SPF causing further issues with breakouts then look for an oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreen formulations to avoid clogged pores.

IN SUMMARY

Acne during the menopause can be really frustrating but it can be managed. It's important to remember that everyone's skin in unique, so it may take time and patience to find the most effective treatment for your needs.

Try our range of treatments such as the amazing Clear Skin Days Blemish Repair Paste (a personal favourite!), Hydrocolloid Patches or Clearing Drops to target areas of breakouts and calm inflamed skin.

Give our game-changing Clear Skin Days Retinol Recovery Serum or the BHA PHA Pore Refining Solution a go to help brighten and even skin while it recovers from breakouts.

GET IN TOUCH

We hope that you've found this blog helpful - if you have any questions or would like to share your skincare journey with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via the form below or by DM on IG.