Worried about acne during menopause? You can take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone – nearly half of all adult women experience some form of skin eruption during perimenopause. The good news is that acne during menopause can be treated with outstanding results. Here’s what you need to know:
- Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands become inflamed, resulting in overproduction of sebum (skin’s natural protective oil).
- This oil combines with dead skin cells and other debris to form a plug that blocks the hair follicle.
- Blackheads and whiteheads result, frequently becoming infected with bacteria and causing welts, deeper lumps and pimples.
Prevention is of course, the best medicine. Clean skin is a good first step; but over-washing will further irritate the skin and stimulate oil production, so use a gentle, soap-free cleanser specially designed for acne such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Purify/Renovation Gel or Neostrata Oil Free Foaming Cleanser. The Neostrata product contains the benefit of salicylic acid, which acid can penetrate pores and is particularly effective at helping to unplug them.
To further protect your skin, follow your cleansing routine with a moisturizer such as La Roche Posay Effaclar M Mattifying Fluid, M2 Skin Care Skin Recovery or La Roche Posay Effaclar K Daily Renewal Fluid with salicylic acid. Maintaining appropriate moisture in your skin will calm oil production and reduce shine.
Another product you might consider is a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Neostrata Blemish Spot Gel contains both, can be used in problem areas, and works well under makeup. A retinoid such as Green Cream can also be useful in treating acne because it not only unplugs pores, but also helps to decrease production of the sebum involved in acne breakouts.
Refrain from touching the face, and above all do not squeeze or pick at your skin. This can spread acne-causing bacteria and push infected material deeper into the skin, causing more inflammation and even scarring.
Sometimes, as in menopause, prevention is simply not enough, as the root cause of this skin disorder is hormonal. So when it does occur, your goal is to control the excess sebum production and maintain a proper moisture level. A healthy lifestyle, home care program, nutritional supplements and a visit to your esthetician will lead to healthier, more radiant skin at any age.
