The ESK blog
Why have I broken out in all this acne now I'm in perimenopause?
19 August 2024
Dr Anne Thomson
Why have I broken out in all this acne now I'm in perimenopause?
Another of the joys of perimenopause- where your skin decides to throw a teenage tantrum. Perimenopausal acne can be a frustrating experience, but understanding the underlying causes can help you manage it more effectively. Let's dive into what's going on and how you can reclaim your clear skin.
Why the Sudden Acne?
Hormonal Havoc: During perimenopause, oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen usually helps keep testosterone in check, so when oestrogen declines, testosterone has a bigger influence. This can lead to increased oil production in the skin, which clogs pores and causes acne.
Free Testosterone: Testosterone normally travels through the bloodstream tightly bound to a protein called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG.) This stops it from easily activating testosterone receptors in hair follicles and oil glands in the skin. During perimenopause, SHBG levels drop, so there's more free testosterone circulating in your body. More free testosterone can better stimulate your oil glands and exacerbate acne.
Lifestyle Gone off the Rails: Poor sleep, diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to acne. Stress and lack of sleep can increase cortisol levels, which can worsen acne. A diet high in sugar and refined carbs can spike insulin levels, leading to more oil production. And let’s face it, if your peri is giving you a hard time all round, sticking to an A Grade lifestyle can be tough! The family-sized block of chocolate is beckoning!! But we know that regular exercise, a decent night’s sleep, a good diet and stress management can all help regulate hormones and improve skin health.
Could It Be Something Else?
Perimenopausal acne can sometimes be a sign of other conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS, so it's important to get checked out if you're experiencing other symptoms like excessive hair growth, or significant weight gain. Your doctor can perform tests to rule out other potential causes and provide a tailored treatment plan.
Rosacea is another chameleon that you don’t want to miss. This inflammatory skin condition affects 5% of the population and often emerges coincidentally at the same time as peri or starts to flare up more often. With rosacea, your pimples are less in your T-zone and more widely spread across your face, and your skin is often very red and sensitive with little dilated capillaries.
Managing Perimenopausal Acne
Gentle Skincare Routine: Unlike the harsh chemicals you sometimes used for teen acne, peri is a time to be GENTLE with your skin! Stick to a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate your skin. Look for products with retinal (retinaldehyde), salicylic acid or niacinamide to help clear acne.
Hitting peri and menopause and noticing skin changes along with the rest of the hormonal wild rollercoaster ride? Irritable... (your skin too)? Dryer more crumpled looking skin? Looking for a skincare bundle that helps calm, hydrate and smooth your skin? Hello peri and menopause kit. Not thinking this is you, but: Retinal is not suitable for use in pregnancy or while trying to conceive. C Forte can be comedogenic in acne prone skin and can cause irritation in sensitive skin, including rosacea. We've swapped Ultimate A with the new Ultimate A Gold. If you prefer Ultimate A, you can build your own kit here.
Menopause / Perimenopause Kit
We’ve carefully crafted this bundle with evidence-based ingredients, to smooth plump and restore your skin!
Featuring;
*Ultimate A Gold (Retinal) may transfer onto white or light-coloured fabrics. For best results, we recommend using darker clothing or surfaces to avoid visible marks.
Hydrate and Moisturise: Even if your skin is oily, you still need to moisturise. Opt for non-comedogenic moisturisers that won’t clog your pores. Look for products with niacinamide, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin texture.
B Calm is formulated to support irritable and blemish prone skin while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Ceramides strengthen resilience, Salicylic Acid exfoliates and calms the skin, and Niacinamide helps regulate oil and reduce the appearance of blemished skin.
B Calm
Featuring:
- Ingredients to support an improved skin barrier
- Helps manage excess oil production
- Supports a clearer-looking skin
Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Reduce your intake of sugary and high-glycaemic foods as these can trigger acne.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or even a relaxing hobby. Lowering your stress levels can reduce acne flare-ups.
See a Doctor: Whenever acne rears its head as an adult, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist or your GP. They can help determine if there’s an underlying hormonal issue like PCOS. They can also prescribe hormonal treatments (the pill or HRT depending on your age and health) as well as antibiotics or other medications.
Navigating perimenopause can feel like you’re walking a tightrope, but with a bit of care and the right approach, you can keep your skin under control. Hang in there, and remember, you're not alone on this journey!