Perimenopause will usher many physical and emotional changes into your life. These shifts, caused by fluctuating hormone levels, can affect everything from your mood and energy levels to your sleep patterns and comfort.
You may also experience new skin conditions, including frequent breakouts. Thankfully, you can implement a comprehensive skin care routine to clear up this hormonal acne.
Beating Perimenopausal Acne
While many people associate acne with adolescence, you can also develop it during the transition to menopause. Many women start this phase between 45 and 55 years old, and it can last for a couple of years. The resulting hormonal fluctuations can inadvertently affect your skin health.
Hormonal acne is a natural part of the adjustments your body makes during this stage of your life. However, knowing this does not make it less frustrating. A few changes in your daily regimen might help manage the skin issues that arise due to perimenopause.
The Best Skin Care Routine to Clear up Hormonal Acne
If you’re among the 27% of U.S. adults who don’t follow a regular skin care routine, it’s high time to change that and take control of your perimenopausal acne.
1. Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm removes cosmetics and impurities by breaking down oils. Look for water-based cleansers, which are less abrasive than alcohol-based makeup removers and allow you to skip using cotton rounds.
2. Mild Cleanser
Cleansing balms can still leave residue behind after you rinse. Complete your double cleanse with a mild face wash. Gel versions can soothe inflamed skin, but you can use trial and error to find what works for your complexion. It’s a best practice to wash your face twice a day — once in the morning and again at night.
3. Facial Mist
Hydration is foundational for your skin care regimen. Use facial mist throughout the day to refresh your complexion and give it extra love. This product can be especially beneficial for on-the-go women who need a quick pick-me-up.
4. Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid can minimize wrinkles and fine lines by hydrating and plumping your skin. The extra moisture boost will also address dryness, which can worsen perimenopause acne. This naturally occurring molecule attracts and retains water, enhancing your skin’s elasticity and smoothness. Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your routine will also strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, combating sensitivity and maintaining balance during hormonal changes.
5. Glutathione Supplements
Glutathione supplements provide internal hydration. The ingredient can stop oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, which protects your skin cells from chronic inflammation, pollutants and toxins. Additionally, it promotes cell regeneration for your immune system and skin barrier in the long run.
6. Skin Cream
A good moisturizer can do wonders in making your skin look and feel good. Aside from keeping acne at bay, it can even diminish premature aging. What are the best skin care products for perimenopausal skin?
- Essential Skin Cream: The Essential Skin Cream targets collagen production. It can plump the skin and restore elasticity, getting rid of dryness and dullness. The estriol within can also shrink your pores.
- GHK-Cu Peptide Skin Cream: Your skin will get thinner and less elastic with age. The GHK-Cu Peptide Skin Cream uses advanced cellular regeneration to reverse that process, leaving you with tighter, more youthful skin.
- Luxe Skin Cream: The Luxe Skin Cream combines estriol and GHK-Cu peptide, giving you the best of both worlds. It also uses niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to further brighten and moisturize your skin.
7. Blue Light Therapy
At-home blue light therapy devices are becoming more mainstream. Some find that light therapy can manage the appearance of lesions and prevent an acne outbreak, which is ideal for the unpredictability of perimenopausal skin. However, results can still vary per individual and only appear after several weeks.
8. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have at every age. Sun damage can affect existing acne scars, so applying this product can avoid further irritation to the skin. Make sure to find a non-comedogenic formula that works for your skin type. While many creams double as moisturizers, gels can feel much more lightweight.
9. Water-Based Makeup
Supplement your healthy skin care regimen with water-based makeup. Oil-based cosmetics can cause acne breakouts, and continual use will result in blemishes, especially when you already have oily skin. Be conservative and hygienic with your application for the best results.
Care for Your Skin Every Day
Acne breakouts don’t only happen to teenagers. These recommendations are well worth incorporating into your skin care routine to clear up perimenopause acne. Be consistent and don’t neglect your complexion’s cries for attention.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can be unpredictable, so patience is essential. Consider consulting a dermatologist for tailored advice to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
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About the author: Beth Rush
Beth is the fitness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about how women with PCOS can hack their exercise routines to balance hormones naturally. Shecovers topics like plant-based recipes for athletes and preaching the benefits of green exercise. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag.
