Acne

• Nearly two-thirds of women going through menopause report experiencing skin problems, including blemishes and acne.
• Declining oestrogen and progesterone levels can lead to an excess of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone stimulates sebum production and can cause skin issues.
• Collagen production also decreases as you age. Reduced collagen can lead to various skin problems.
• Numerous other factors also affect your skin, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. It’s important to take all these factors seriously and nourish your skin from within.

During menopause, progesterone and oestrogen levels in your body gradually decline. This creates a hormonal imbalance, giving the male hormone testosterone the upper hand. Testosterone stimulates the skin’s sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores, blemishes, and acne.

Additionally, oestrogen promotes collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides firmness and elasticity to the skin. When oestrogen levels drop during menopause, collagen production also decreases. This can result in sensitive skin, irritation, and red patches. Reduced collagen can also lead to dry skin and signs of ageing.

Research shows that about 64% of women with menopausal symptoms also experience skin problems, including spots and acne. Skin issues are most common during perimenopause when hormonal fluctuations are at their peak. After menopause, hormone levels stabilise at lower levels, and skin problems often diminish. However, every woman is different. While some may not notice any changes in their skin, others may struggle with blemishes for years.

Other factors can also contribute to acne and blemishes. That’s why it’s important to understand the various causes and address your skin concerns with a comprehensive approach.

For example, smoking is known to reduce blood circulation in the skin, slow down the healing process, and increase sebum production.

The sun also has a significant impact on skin health. Unprotected sun exposure dries out the skin, increases sebum production, and damages the skin barrier.

Pay attention to the products you apply to your skin. Using the wrong skincare or cosmetics can irritate the skin, disrupt sebum production, and clog pores.

Additionally, diet, lack of sleep, and stress can disrupt hormonal balance, affect the skin’s healing process, and worsen inflammation.

There are various ways to effectively address blemished skin. You don’t have to live with it. You can support your body naturally with a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, and rest. Additionally, supplements and medication can help. Below are several options to reduce acne.

When your hormonal balance changes during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how you feel.

When using medications or supplements, a balanced lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications, making supplements and medications more effective. Experts recommend the following for acne:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is beneficial for the skin. Vitamin A regulates sebum production and promotes cell renewal. Vitamin C supports collagen production. You can find vitamin A in carrots and sweet potatoes, and vitamin C in citrus fruits, kiwis, and red peppers.
• Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. These can cause blood sugar fluctuations, worsening inflammation and skin problems.
• Consume enough healthy fats. Healthy fats strengthen the skin barrier and help the skin retain moisture. Eat foods rich in omega-3, such as nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Additionally, the evening primrose oil supplement is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties.
• Drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated skin produces less sebum. Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres per day.
• Choose the right skincare products. Avoid products with alcohol or strong fragrances, as these can irritate and dry out the skin. Instead, use skincare products with proven active ingredients such as retinol (vitamin A), collagen, squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and/or vitamin E.

Many women are unaware that, in addition to hormone therapy, there are proven effective hormone-free medications to relieve menopausal symptoms. While hormone therapy can address multiple symptoms simultaneously, hormone-free medications often target a specific issue. For example, certain antidepressants (SNRIs) for hot flushes, anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain, or antacids for heartburn.

Hormone-free medication is always prescribed by a doctor. It can be a good option for those who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy. These medications work directly on the specific symptom without affecting your hormonal balance, allowing you to relieve your symptoms in a targeted way and support your body.

During menopause, your body undergoes changes in how it produces energy, builds muscle, and repairs the skin. You can naturally support these processes with high-quality supplements. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 are recommended for every woman going through menopause.

The effectiveness of supplements depends on factors such as your lifestyle and overall health and can vary from person to person. The quality of the product also determines how well it works. Therefore, choose high-quality supplements without unnecessary fillers.