Skin Changes

The onset of perimenopause can mean spots, pimples, rosacea, and wrinkles, seemingly overnight! These unwelcome, often painful, breakouts of acne in menopause are most likely to appear around your chin, jaw, and mouth, but can put in an appearance on your chest and back, too.

All of these symptoms can trigger self-consciousness and confidence problems, especially when you have to deal with them in the workplace.

What causes perimenopause skin changes?

Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can make it your skin’s most challenging time since puberty. Less oestrogen means possible menopause allergies and less skin-boosting collagen leading to stiffer joints, dry eyes, and wrinkles. Acne breakouts may be caused by the overproduction of the male sex hormone testosterone and unfortunately, there’s evidence to suggest women who suffered from acne in their teens may be predisposed to it again during menopause.

Notice you bruise more too? Just a minor bump can leave you black and blue. That’s because thinning skin and depleting collagen levels in menopause means your skin bruises more easily.

Hot flushes associated with menopause may cause rosacea flare-ups, a skin condition that affects the face, neck, or chest - characterised as a rash, pimples, redness, and broken blood vessels. The warmth from a hot flush sweat may trigger a rosacea flare-up. It could be helpful to treat the symptoms of menopause and rosacea at the same time.

Consider checking your thyroid: symptoms of low thyroid in menopause — dry, dull skin — are easy to miss as they are very similar to menopausal symptoms. If you are feeling cold all the time, fatigued, or sluggish, and have noticed not just changes to your skin but also your hair and nails, it may be time to get your thyroid function checked out by your doctor.

What medical treatments improve menopause skin problems?

If your angst is acne in perimenopause, talk to your doctor about topical, anti-bacterial gel medications and gels that can be applied directly to the skin or used as a cleanser. 

If rosacea flare-up is triggered by hot flushes it might be beneficial to discuss this with your doctor, especially if it is causing you additional anxiety or impacting your self-esteem.

In less severe rosacea cases, medications may help control the symptoms:

• oral retinoids, which prevent skin glands from producing oil

• topical medications for treating inflammation

• topical and oral antibiotics to treat inflammation and redness

Can HRT help with skin problems in menopause?

HRT increases oestrogen levels which helps skin retain elasticity. It may keep acne and blemishes at bay, but in some cases, it can spark acne problems. HRT is typically taken to improve a number of other menopausal symptoms rather than for dermatological issues.

What about natural treatments for changes to skin during perimenopause?

Natural remedies, treatments and therapies come at a cost, they again may treat other menopause symptoms such as hot flushes that trigger skin problems.

Can supplements help menopause skin conditions?

Consider taking a daily multivitamin including Vitamin C and zinc, which is good for skin health. Zinc may decrease oil production in your skin, and could protect against bacterial infections and inflammation. 

• Omega-3 fish oil or flaxseed supplement, essential fatty acids may help balance your skin’s oil production.

• Magnesium, vitamin B5, and the amino acid L-theanine help to combat stress.

• Tea Tree Oil has similar effects to acne creams, decreasing oil production and bacteria. Can cause side effects like itching, burning, and peeling.

• Viridian Clear Skin Complex contains zinc which can contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.

Supplements come in different strengths and can interact with other medications and/or have limits on how long they can be taken safely.  

A good skincare regime, plus diet and lifestyle changes can make a real difference to your ageing skin. Nows is the time to be proactive and take better care of your skin!

Menopausal acne is generally a temporary condition that improves once your hormones level out.