Menopause is a natural and physiological event that affects all women. There are more than 10 million pre-menopausal or menopausal women in France, representing slightly 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 "change" when they spoke of it at all.
Recently, women have been taking steps to educate themselves about this transitional stage of life. And thanks to initiatives like "Menopause Awareness Month" in October, it is now being discussed as a health issue.
Every woman experiences menopause in her own unique way. Pre-menopause (or perimenopause) typically begins between the early and mid-forties and can last a few years or more than 10 years. Some women go through this period without noticing any changes until their periods stop, while others struggle for years with hot flashes (which affect approximately 60 to 80% of women at some point during menopause), sleep disturbances, weight gain, mood swings, skin rashes, 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 don't expect to develop acne as they approach fifty.
After perimenopause, the post-menopausal period is defined as the passage of a full year without menstruation.
So what are the causes of menopausal acne?
Adult acne is on the rise and affects 40% of women. Approximately 26% of premenopausal women are affected, and about 15% of women aged 50 and over.
The underlying cause is the same at any age: acne is hormonal. It reflects on the skin what is happening inside the body.
At menopause, the ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones, such as estrogen, eventually ceasing completely. Estrogen plays many regulatory roles in the body, and this significant drop disrupts hormonal balance, often leading to acne.
If the cause is hormonal, acne is a multifactorial skin condition. Other factors are also involved. Inadequate diet, stress, and lack of sleep all contribute to skin problems like acne, and all are common symptoms of menopause.
And how do you treat menopausal acne?
You have far more power to control acne than you realize. Even if you are genetically predisposed to acne, you can change the course of its progression.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate some menopausal 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 HRT.
There are also natural solutions. You can alleviate menopausal symptoms and control acne by adjusting your diet and lifestyle. A plant-based diet, rich in phytoestrogens (plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body) and high in fiber, will make a difference to both your symptoms and your skin.
When it comes to skincare, your routine should combine acne-fighting and anti-aging benefits. If the products are too harsh, you risk causing collateral damage to the skin, thus creating more problems.
Simple skincare routine
1. Cleaning :
AVOID double cleansing. Your skin is drier than ever during menopause, and removing its natural oils only dries it out further. Also avoid harsh ingredients that can damage the skin's protective lipid layers (such as sulfates in cleansers). If you wear makeup, use a makeup remover first, then cleanse.
Use a gentle formula like Triple Action Cleanser . This non-foaming, glycerin-rich cleanser contains Protium heptaphyllum resin, a rare botanical ingredient rich in phytochemicals with protective and anti-inflammatory properties. Gentle yet effective, Triple Action Cleanser helps quickly restore the skin's microbiome balance with a pioneering probiotic strain.
2. Regulate and protect :
If your skin has occasional blemishes or breakouts, apply the Regulation Serum to slightly damp skin after cleansing, focusing on the affected areas. This expert serum works at a cellular level to rebalance the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and target imperfections and dark spots.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate :
The Cellular Hydration Serum , Thanks to hyaluronic acid and magnesium, it boosts cellular hydration and restores skin's suppleness. At the same time, its prebiotic and probiotic complex supports the skin's microbiome, thus reducing the inflammation that causes many breakouts during this stage of life.
This serum also acts as a reinforcement of the skin barrier, thanks to a patented ingredient that stimulates vitamin D receptors. The result: stronger skin, more resistant to aggressions and 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 Regulating Serum]