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Acne in (peri)menopause

Many women experience acne for the first time or again during (peri)menopause.

Pimples, redness, and troubled skin are unfortunately part of this hormonal transition and require a different approach than before.

 

FAQs

Why do I get acne during menopause?

During menopause, estrogen levels drop, while androgens have a relatively stronger effect. This stimulates the sebaceous glands and increases the likelihood of clogged pores and inflammation.

This leads to hormonal acne, even in women who previously had little or no acne.
Your body changes during menopause, and your skin changes with it. When estrogen drops, your skin loses an important protective and balancing hormone.

The sebaceous glands become more sensitive to hormonal stimuli, which can lead to acne during menopause. This is not a sign that you are doing something wrong, but a logical consequence of this transitional phase.

Why is my skin suddenly more sensitive than it used to be?

In menopause, acne often makes the skin more sensitive due to lower estrogen levels.

The skin barrier weakens, loses moisture and collagen, while sebum production sometimes remains elevated. This leads to the typical combination of sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Many women recognize this: products you used for years suddenly feel too strong. Your skin may sting more easily, become red, or feel tight.

This is because estrogen is also responsible for hydration and skin repair. At the same time, with hormonal acne, sebum production sometimes remains active. This combination requires a gentle, thoughtful approach that doesn't overstress your skin.

Do classic acne products help with menopausal acne?

Classic acne ingredients can remain effective for menopausal acne, but require milder formulations and a cautious build-up.

Due to more sensitive skin, many women can no longer tolerate harsh or drying products, making an adapted approach necessary.

What once helped does not always work the same now. Harsh acne products can further disrupt your skin barrier and worsen symptoms.

For hormonal acne during menopause, it's not about "stronger," but about a better-tailored approach.