The Resurgence of Acne During Perimenopause and Menopause
Acne isn’t just for teenagers. For many, acne can resurface during later reproductive stages, perimenopause, and menopause. Many individuals don’t realize that this can occur in the late 30s and 40s. This is a time of significant hormonal fluctuations that can trigger acne flare-ups. Let's delve into the reasons behind this resurgence and discuss effective ways to manage it.
Why Acne Resurfaces During Perimenopause and Menopause
As people approach menopause, their bodies undergo significant hormonal changes. The balance between estrogen, progesterone, and androgens shifts, leading to a cascade of effects that can contribute to acne. Let’s look into a couple of ways these changes happen:
Decline in Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen helps maintain skin's elasticity and reduces inflammation, while progesterone regulates sebum (oil) production. When these hormone levels drop, there's often a relative increase in androgens, particularly testosterone. This shift can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and ultimately, acne.
Increased Androgens
The relative increase in androgens, also known as ‘male sex hormones’, can stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more oil, contributing to the formation of acne. The skin can become more prone to breakouts due to this excess oil.
Stress and Cortisol
Perimenopause and menopause can be stressful periods. Higher cortisol levels due to stress can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, leading to more inflammation and increased sebum production, creating a perfect environment for acne flare-ups.
Reduced Skin Regeneration
Estrogen plays a role in skin regeneration and collagen production. As estrogen declines, the skin's ability to heal and renew itself slows, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells. This buildup can clog pores, causing or worsening acne.
Dealing with acne during perimenopause and menopause?
Managing acne during this phase requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies to help you regain control over your skin:
Balanced Nutrition
Adopt a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limiting refined sugars and processed foods can help reduce inflammation and balance hormone levels.
Stress Management
Stress and it’s hormone, cortisol, are often overlooked when addressing acne. Engaging in stress-reducing activities can help lower cortisol levels, reducing sebum production and inflammation. Some ways to lower stress include yoga, breath work, regular exercise, and psychotherapy.
Skincare
The beauty industry is overwhelming and it can challenging to figure out what your skin truly needs. Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products. Avoid harsh scrubs, and consider incorporating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide to combat acne, but with caution to prevent irritation.
How can a Naturopathic Doctor Help?
Naturopathic doctors can provide a holistic, personalized approach to managing acne during perimenopause and menopause. Here's what you can expect if you seek help from The Clara Clinic.
Bloodwork
We run comprehensive lab work to assess hormone levels and other key indicators contributing to acne. This provides a clearer understanding of what's happening in your body.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every person is unique, so we make sure to create a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs, whether that's balancing hormones, managing stress, or adjusting your diet.
Holistic Approach
We focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. This means we look at all aspects of your health, which allows us to create a treatment plan that aligns with your overall well-being.
A Final Word
If you're experiencing acne during perimenopause or menopause and would like to explore a natural approach, The Clara Clinic and myself are here for you!
To understand my approach, and to see how I can help you, feel free to book a complimentary consult with me here. Let’s work together to find the best solution for you!
Ready to make a change?
If you're searching for more guidance on how you can get rid or lessen acne when dealing with menopause and perimenopause, I invite you to book an appointment with me here.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Simone Pirita, ND