Menopause, and the perimenopausal period leading up to it, can bring about significant changes to the skin, just as earlier teenage years can.
Acne and rosacea are two of the many skin issues that peri- and post-menopausal women can suffer. There’s also another condition, known as acne rosacea, which is a variety of rosacea that looks and acts very much like teenage acne. It’s more properly known as papulopustular rosacea, because it’s characterised by bumpy, inflamed, spotty skin.
Unfortunately, the years around menopause tick several boxes for acne rosacea attacks:
Age: rosacea occurs most frequently in women aged 30-60; right in the middle of that period is when perimenopause tends to start, so there’s a correlation between the two.
Heat: changes in temperature, both external and internal, are a major cause of rosacea attacks, with triggers including hot drinks, hot baths or heat from the sun. Hot flushes are no exception, and, when severe, seem to be able to provoke outbreaks of rosacea acne.
Hormonal changes: hormonal imbalances in perimenopause are responsible for acne-like outbreaks on the face, with drops in oestrogen and peaks of androgens being the main culprits.
Stress: the perimenopausal years tend to be very stressful for women, not just because of the social and economic circumstances they often find themselves in at that age, but also because of physiological changes to the body. Stress is also a major culprit for rosacea.
---
For more information about what can provoke flares of acne rosacea, see our article Top 6 Triggers of Acne Rosacea.
For more information on managing the condition naturally, see our article on the Best Natural Treatment For Acne Rosacea.
---
Recommended products:
Balmonds Scalp Oil with tea tree, nettle, borage & rosemary (£14.99 for 50ml): apply as a topical rescue oil, dabbing on spots as required.
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream with shea butter, calendula and hemp (from £13.99 for 100ml): a nourishing but non-comedogenic daily moisturiser, for use anywhere on the body, face and hands.
Balmonds Intensive Facial Oil with rosehip, calendula, lavender & chamomile (£22 for 30ml): a rich, regenerative oil to help balance and restore sensitive skin.
