MENOPAUSE ACNE... 🩷

Hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle factors can contribute to this skin condition – but don't despair, because it can be treated! For some people, during the menopause acne can return. You may have had acne in younger years, and this isn't your first rodeo. This might be the first time for you... As a former sufferer, i know how awful and distressing it can be, whatever your age or situation ❤️ Based on my personal experience and on expert opinions, simplifying your skincare routine is often helpful. Acne prone skin is also often sensitive, so go easy on the quantity of products used, and also avoid using harsh motions on the skin - e.g. scrubbing and rubbing. Both over-the-counter treatments and dermatologist care can help bring it under control. If it's scarring, painful, and/or getting you down, please do seek medical help. In the same way as puberty’s hormonal turbulence can contribute to acne, so too can the peri/menopause. Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and founder of dermatology clinic Self London, says: ‘"Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly declining oestrogen levels and increased androgen activity, can contribute to acne development in some women during this period.’ If you experienced acne as a teen or young adult, you may be more likely to have a flare-up of acne during perimenopause or menopause compared to those who have never experienced it before. ‘This is because the hormonal fluctuations associated with perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate existing acne or reactivate dormant acne tendencies. However, women who have never experienced acne before may also develop the condition due to hormonal changes and other factors such as genetics, lifestyle and underlying health conditions,’ says Dr Anjali. ❤️ Why do hormones affect acne? Oestrogen plays an important role in your skin’s health, promoting hydration, reducing oil production and helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production. "As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause, the relative increase in androgens (AKA male hormones present in both men and women) can lead to an imbalance,’ explains Dr Anjali. ‘Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can clog pores and contribute to acne development." Sometimes, an increase in testosterone levels relative to oestrogen levels can cause acne symptoms and/or make them worse. Progesterone also has a role to play. It is anti-inflammatory and levels can fluctuate during perimenopause and reduce during menopause. These wobbly levels can trigger inflammation, excess oil production, and changes in skin cell turnover, all of which can contribute to the formation of acne, clogging pores and/or causing cysts. Stress and other factors associated with the perimenopause can also contribute to acne development. You may be genetically more likely to have acne, but your lifestyle, diet, skincare habits, and underlying health conditions can all have an effect on your skin. ❤️ How should I look after my skin? Keep it simple, and seek medical help if you're struggling. Nobody needs products with MENOPAUSE labels slapped on them! Gentle products are most suitable to help calm and prevent... ⭐️ Use a gentle cleanser: looks for ones including ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. ⭐️ Moisturiser: hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E are all helpful. (I've found using a super simple product such as Epaderm really useful, as both a cleanser and moisturiser! It's cheap and effective. Apply and gently massage onto skin, take a damp lukewarm clean flannel and gently wipe away. Wait a few moments, then apply a thin layer to moisturise) ⭐️ Sunscreen: choose a broad-spectrum mineral SPF30 or higher formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for physical protection and additional antioxidants for added defence. Using gentle products is key! Avoid using harsh , drying products - what was suitable in younger years may well irritate skin now. Just go for the gentle stuff as mentioned above, those for sensitive skin are likely to be OK. Also, patch test if in doubt! ❤️ What about HRT? Some people do find that their skin improves with using HRT, as it generally helps to 'smooth out' the more extreme hormonal fluctuations, and oestrogen helps (as mentioned up there ☝️). However, some may find that acne persists... ❤️ Other treatments? Treatments vary according to the severity and type of spots but the over-the-counter options for acne include topical creams and gels such as retinoids (vitamin A based products), and benzoyl peroxide (which can reduce bacteria in the skin). Some of these can be a bit harsh and 'searching', so please do a patch test before using! Again, I speak from experience in my younger years here, and have facial scars to prove it... If acne still persists after simplifying things and making other adjustments, and giving these a couple of months or so to have an effect, then medical guidance would be wise. Hormonal changes through peri/menopause can affect your skin’s ability to heal, and this may lead to scarring. Treatments are available - and medical support with this might be appropriate depending on severity. Some find that topical retinoids, vitamin C, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help for mild scarring. Professional procedures like chemical peels, microneedling and laser treatment can help with moderate to severe scarring, and you should consult a dermatologist to determine what is most suitable for you. If you're affected by acne it really can get you down, knock your confidence, and damage self-esteem. Please don't struggle on thinking "it's *only* acne". You're not being vain, and if it's making you flipping miserable then that's plenty reason to do something about it. Be lovely to yourself, M-bracers, and do it for you 🙂❤️ (Any information or guidance we provide is not a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of your doctor or healthcare provider. You must not rely on any information or guidance we provide you with as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and we expressly disclaim all responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered by you or any third party as a result of your reliance on any information or guidance we provide you with.)