Dealing With Adult Acne
Women whose breakouts are associated with their menstrual oscillation unremarkable conceptualize that they get pimples or blackheads about two to seven days
before the start of their period. That problem tends to go away after
menopause, so you can look forward to some relief! However, you may
still break out occasionally during the transition.
Fluctuating hormones could indeed be the problem. Although doctors
don't really understand what causes acne, they do know that an increase
in androgen (male sex hormones) is an important factor. And, as you
know, you do experience a change in the estrogen-androgen ratio during
the menopause transition. In studies, women who had acne
have higher levels of circulating androgen than women without acne.
Similarly, women who had acne during adolescence also often get it again
at midlife. Other possible causes: greasy makeup, medications (such as
lithium for bipolar disorder or barbiturates used to control seizures)
and even resting your cheek on your hand (a source of bacteria).
Contrary to myth, chocolate, fried foods, and dirty skin do not
cause acne. Neither does stress, but it can aggravate acne, so try to
relax more.
If pimples are really troubling you, try over-the-counter acne medications
containing benzyl peroxide, resorption, cyclical acid, or sulfur.
These break down blackheads and whiteheads and reduce oil production in
your skin. But don't slather them on as you might have done when you
were a teenager. Put the medication just on the spot—not on the area
around it. Your skin is drier now, so you need to be careful. You should
look for products made for adults, including some specifically
formulated for menopausal women.
If you're still not getting relief, see a dermatologist for
antibiotics or other prescription medication. Oral contraceptives and
menopausal hormone therapy may also help.
In the meantime, wash your face gently; don't scrub or rub it. That will only exacerbate the problem.
Most of the controversy over hormone therapy at menopause
has centered on the risks of cancer and heart disease. But many women
who use estrogen say they like it because it makes them look younger.
What's the science behind their claims? Estrogen therapy does not alter
the effects of genetic aging, and it can't reverse the damage from sun
exposure or smoking.
It has no effect on the risk of skin cancer.
But clinical trials have shown that systemic estrogen may have some
benefits for skin. It appears to limit collagen loss, maintain skin
thickness, improve firmness and elasticity, and decrease wrinkle depth
and pore size. Researchers say the data aren't convincing enough to
recommend taking estrogen for this reason alone and it's not
FDA-approved for this purpose.
Research is ongoing.