It’s a common misconception that we leave breakouts and acne in our teen years. In reality, adult acne is extremely common, especially for women experiencing perimenopause. This intense hormonal change can usher a wave of new skin concerns, including persistent perimenopause pimples. 

It’s not just a teen thing - why maturing skin can trigger hormonal breakouts

Pimples are associated with puberty and hormonally charged up teenagers, but we often forget about the reality of adult acne, which can be especially prevalent in maturing, perimenopausal skin. It’s all due to hormonal imbalance that begins in a person’s 40s, when estrogen and progesterone levels start to drop as a woman’s natural reproductive window draws to a close. The body, in turn, may start producing too much androgen (aka male hormones) in relation to the levels of estrogen, increasing natural sebum production and the likelihood of breakouts.

Treating perimenopausal pimples:

Choose a hydrating cleanser

It’s important to strike a fine balance when cleansing perimenopausal skin, especially when dealing with recurrent breakouts. While a purifying cleanse is essential to remove excess sebum, skin must not be completely stripped of moisture in the process. Choose a gel or cream cleanser to use both AM and PM that will detox the skin and fight the formation of pimples, whilst also supporting it with hydrating and nourishing ingredients.

Seek ingredients to soothe inflammation

A key struggle with perimenopausal acne is inflammation, both as a result and cause. When curating a tailored skincare routine, seek ingredients that calm and soothe sensitivity. Vitamin E, aloe vera and hemp seed oil are all great examples of gentle ingredients that help bring down daily inflammation and reduce those painful, hormonal breakouts.

Balance your natural sebum production

Hormonal imbalances can alter your natural sebum production, increasing the likelihood of breakouts. When entering perimenopause, androgen hormones can increase and trigger an oiler complexion and a greater risk of blackheads and pesky pimples. Skin experts believe that retinoids are a key ingredient when looking to regulate your natural oil production, as well as assisting with unclogging pores, promoting cell turnover and aiding with hyperpigmentation from acne scars.

Support your skin barrier

We talk constantly about the importance of supporting your skin barrier, and this remains true when looking to prevent pimples during menopause. Your skin barrier is your armour, protecting you from infections and bacteria. The stronger and more supported it is, the better it can fight off damage from free radicals. Acne is a common signal of a skin barrier in distress, and suggests you should focus on hydrating, nourishing products to help build up its strength. Incorporate rich creams and serums that aim to rehydrate and repair, making your skin less reactive to triggers.

Make positive lifestyle changes

It’s not all about topical skincare, hormonal breakouts during perimenopausal require holistic treatment, considering both your diet and lifestyle. Acne-fighting foods include those rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, like a rainbow of fruit and cruciferous vegetables. It’s believed that high spikes in blood sugar can be a trigger for sebum production, so foods that include sugar and white carbohydrates, like bread and pasta, are best enjoyed in moderation.

Hormonal imbalances can play havoc with daily moods, often making feelings of stress more prominent and frequent. Dealing with regular breakouts usually exacerbates this stress, and so a vicious cycle begins. Invest time in mindful activities to reduce your cortisol levels and, in turn, limit the effects of inflammation in the skin.

Consider other avenues

When attempting to manage severe breakouts during menopause, there may come a point where you have to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional. They will be able to provide expert guidance and solutions for your hormonal acne, offering prescription medications or skincare suited to severe cases. Some women also opt to go down the route of HRT, which helps to address hormonal imbalances. 

Your simplified skincare routine to soothe pimples during menopause

Daily Cleanse

Both AM and PM, cleanse your skin of daily dirt and excess sebum build-up with a gentle, nourishing cleanser. Our Glycolic Facial Cleanser has been formulated with revitalising glycolic acid to assist with skin cell turnover and supportive, soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract. Wet your face and massage a few pumps of the gel into your skin to break down impurities.

Targeted serum for hormonal breakouts

Integrate a targeted serum into your daily routine to address recurrent hormonal breakouts and inflammation. The Facial Hydrator Serum has been created with perimenopausal skin in mind, blended with powerful, natural ingredients. Each of the formula’s 5 oils is non-comedogenic, allowing the serum to sink into the skin swiftly without clogging pores or leaving oily residue. Massage a few drops of the oil-serum hybrid into your freshly cleansed face, both morning and night.

Moisturise

When caring for pimple-prone menopausal skin, the key is finding a nourishing moisturiser that won’t exacerbate your acne. Both our Nourishing Day Cream and Hydrating Night Cream duo provide deep hydration without sitting uncomfortably on the skin. Formulated with breakout-friendly ingredients like niacinamide and bakuchiol, when used daily each cream offers a refreshed, healthy radiance. Use after cleansing or seal in moisture after a restorative massage with our Facial Hydrator Serum.

 SPF each morning

Sun damage from UV rays can significantly weaken your skin barrier, leaving you more susceptible to breakouts. In addition to this, existing breakouts are more prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation when left exposed. Apply a high-factor sunscreen each morning as the final step of your skincare regimen, no matter the weather or season.

Weekly clay mask

Natural clay masks help with gently drawing out impurities and stopping pimples in their tracks. Our Spa Clay Mask meets all the requirements of perimenopausal skin - detoxifying and balancing oil production while nourishing and soothing. Use weekly, applying a generous layer across the face or in target problem areas, like the t-zone. Leave for 10 minutes before gently rinsing off with warm water.