Menopause is a natural and physiological event that concerns all women. There are more than 10 million pre-menopausal or menopausal women in France, which is a little less than a third of the total female population.
And yet, until relatively recently, it was referred to in hushed tones and with euphemisms. People spoke of "the change," when they spoke of it at all.
Recently, women have been taking steps to inform themselves about this transitional stage of life. And thanks to initiatives like October's "Menopause Awareness Month," it is now discussed as a health topic.
Every woman goes through menopause in her own unique way. Pre-menopause (or perimenopause) normally begins in the early to mid-forties and can last a few years or more than 10 years. Some people go through this period without noticing any changes until their periods stop, while others struggle for years with hot flashes (which affect about 60 to 80% of women at some point during menopause), sleep disturbances, weight gain, mood swings, skin breakouts, and many other issues.
And for some, acne is the most surprising symptom of all. Whether they haven't had acne for decades or have never had it, most women do not expect to have acne as they approach fifty.
After perimenopause, the post-menopause period is defined as the passage of a full year without a period.
So what are the causes of menopause acne?
Adult acne is on the rise and is thought to affect 40% of women. About 26% of pre-menopausal women are affected, and about 15% of women aged 50 and over.
The root cause is the same at any age: acne is hormonal. It is a reflection on the skin of what is happening inside the body.
At menopause, the ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones, such as estrogen, eventually stopping completely. Estrogen plays many regulatory roles in the body, and this considerable drop disrupts the hormonal balance, which often causes acne.
While the cause is hormonal, acne is a multifactorial skin condition. Other factors are also at play. Inadequate diet, stress, and lack of sleep all contribute to skin problems like acne, and all are common symptoms of menopause.
And how to treat menopause acne?
You have much more power to control acne than you think. Even if you are genetically predisposed to acne, you can change the course of acne progression.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate some menopause symptoms and target acne. Keep in mind that sudden and significant fluctuations in hormone levels can cause acne flare-ups in the weeks and months following the start of hormone replacement therapy.
There are also natural solutions. You can alleviate menopause symptoms and control acne by adjusting your diet and lifestyle. A plant-based diet, rich in phytoestrogens (plant components that mimic estrogen in the body) and high in fiber, will make a difference to symptoms and the skin.
On the skin, the skincare routine must combine acne-targeting and anti-aging. If the products are too harsh, you risk causing collateral damage to the skin, thus creating more problems.
Simple skincare routine
1. Cleansing :
AVOID double cleansing. Your skin is drier than ever during menopause and removing the skin's natural oils dries it out even more. Also avoid harsh ingredients that can damage the skin's protective lipid layers (sulfates in cleansers, for example). If you wear makeup, use a makeup remover first, then cleanse.
Use a gentle formula like the Triple Action Cleanser. This non-foaming cleanser rich in glycerin contains Protium heptaphyllum resin, a rare botanical ingredient rich in phytochemicals with protective and anti-inflammatory action. Gentle but effective, the Triple Action Cleanser helps to quickly restore the balance of the skin's microbiome thanks to a pioneering probiotic strain.
2. Regulate and protect :
If your skin has blemishes or occasional breakouts, apply the Regulation Serum to slightly damp skin after cleansing, on blemishes. This expert serum acts at the cellular level to rebalance the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and treat blemishes and spots.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate :
The Cellular Hydration Serum, thanks to hyaluronic acid and magnesium, boosts cellular hydration and restores suppleness to the skin. At the same time, its complex of prebiotics and probiotics supports the skin microbiome, thereby reducing the inflammation behind many breakouts at this stage of life.
This serum also acts as a reinforcement for the skin barrier, thanks to a patented ingredient that stimulates vitamin D receptors. The result: stronger, more resilient skin that is less prone to acne breakouts.
During menopause, avoid overstimulating the skin with too many active ingredients.
And don't forget to moisturize other visible areas: the neck, chest, and hands.
Enjoy 10% off your first order with the code BIENVENUE10.
[Click here to discover the Regulation Serum]