Menopause + Dry Skin = Acne

When you think of acne, you more than likely think of teenagers and oily skin. You probably don’t associate acne with dry skin and menopause. Welcome to the world of irony.

There are a few reasons why menopause and dry skin may cause you to break out in adult acne. Understanding those reasons can help you better combat the blemishes and keep your skin looking and feeling healthier.

Culprit #1: Estrogen

Estrogen plays a key role the health of your skin. It keeps your skin moist, elastic, and glowing. When estrogen levels drop, your skin loses its natural oils and becomes thinner and drier. Your skin is then more prone to being marred and developing acne.

Treatment: Consider using some hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to bring your estrogen levels up and restore the health of your skin.

Culprit #2: Testosterone

While your estrogen levels drop with menopause, your testosterone level may stay the same. The imbalance and higher testosterone ratio can stimulate oil glands. Unfortunately, dry skin from lack of estrogen can block those glands, causing you to develop acne from the trapped oil. If there’s excessive skin build up, the blocked pores may also become infected and painful.

Treatment: Besides using estrogen replacement, ask your doctor about topical or oral medications that help with testosterone triggered acne.

Culprit #3: Improper Washing

If you have developed acne and oily skin as you moved into menopause, you may have begun to use harsher cleansers and are washing your face more frequently. Unfortunately, those are likely to worsen the problem rather than helping. Too much washing and the wrong cleansers can strip your skin of it’s natural oils, causing it to become dry and putting it at risk for damage that can lead to more acne and other blemishes.

Treatment: Choose gentle cleansers that will clean your skin without causing more drying and damage.

Culprit #4: Changes of Life

Around the time menopause arrives, there can be a lot going on in your life which could put you at risk for developing adult acne. Your stress level may have increased as you cope with changes to your health, career, and family dynamics. New medications may be changing your skin and body chemistry. You may also find yourself slacking with diet and exercise as you cope with menopause symptoms, being more tired, and having less energy at this stage of life.

Treatment: Work with your doctor to manage your stress, medications, overall health, diet, exercise routine, and menopause symptoms.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.  Reprinted with permission: Menopause + Dry Skin = Acne