Menopause can unfortunately cause cystic acne breakouts in some women. The hormonal fluctuations and imbalances associated with perimenopause and menopause can trigger increased sebum (oil) production, irritation, inflammation, and bacterial overgrowth - all of which can contribute to cystic acne.
Key reasons menopause can cause cystic acne:
- Estrogen levels start to decline and drop significantly during menopause. This shifts the balance with testosterone. Low estrogen causes increased androgen production. Higher testosterone activates sebaceous glands in the skin, triggering more oil production. Excess oil is a major acne culprit.
- Progesterone levels also start to fluctuate and drop during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone normally helps balance sebum production. When levels fall out of sync, sebum overproduction occurs.
- The body may start overproducing androgens like testosterone to try to compensate for declining estrogen levels. Higher androgens overstimulate sebaceous glands and increase oil production.
- Inflammation is common during menopause due to hormone changes. Inflammation triggers can activate inflammatory pathways that lead to inflammation, irritation, redness, and breakouts.
- The skin barrier often becomes compromised during menopause as collagen production declines with age. A weakened moisture barrier allows acne-causing bacteria to penetrate into pores more easily.
What does cystic acne from menopause look like?
Cystic acne related to menopause consists of large, red, painful breakouts deep under the skin. Common locations include along the jawline, chin, mouth area, and less frequently the cheeks. Breakouts tend to form one at a time versus groups of small whiteheads or blackheads. Cysts can get inflamed and tender to the touch.
- Cysts - hard bumps embedded deep in the skin that are tender, painful, and rarely come to a head. Cystic pimples often recur in the same areas.
- Nodules - hard, large, movable lumps under the surface of the skin that are sensitive and painful due to inflammation. Nodule breakouts are common with hormonal acne.
- Papules - Small red, tender bumps that may feel sore. Papules usually indicate inflammation or irritation is present.
What makes cystic acne worse during menopause?
Several factors can exacerbate cystic acne from hormonal shifts during menopause:
- Stress - increased cortisol production can worsen hormonal acne
- Diet - sugary and high glycemic foods can trigger inflammation
- Products - skin care products with pore-cloggers or irritants may cause breakouts
- Medications - some medications contain hormones or prolactin that stimulate sebum production
- Genetics - women with a family history of adult acne prone to breakouts
Can other menopause symptoms also cause acne?
Yes. Both
hot flashes and
night sweats - two of the most common menopause symptoms - can aggravate acne. Profuse sweat helps trap debris and oils in pores, leading to clogged pores and blemishes. Excessive warmth also expands pores. Heat also aggravates inflammation, making inflammatory hormonal acne worse.
What is the best way to treat menopausal cystic acne?
To treat cystic acne associated with menopause, a
multi-pronged approach works best:
- Hormonal treatments - Medications like low-dose birth control, spironolactone, or metformin can treat hormonal imbalance and regulate cycles to improve acne. Talk to your gynecologist or endocrinologist.
- Targeted skincare - Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibacterial ingredients reduce P. acnes bacteria inside pores while exfoliants help unclog pores and calm inflammation. Try Hormone Harmony Bright & Clear Regimen - developed by endocrinology experts specifically to treat hormonal acne without irritating delicate mature skin.
- Stress relief - Relaxation techniques, sufficient sleep, exercise, and social connection can lower cortisol, inflammation, and acne triggers.
- Healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle - Diet, exercise, routine, and self-care all help balance hormones for clearer skin. Try Hormone Harmony Nutritionist-approved Skin Health Shake.
The right combination approach can significantly improve cystic acne breakouts due to menopause. Be patient as it can take 3-6 months to see full improvements as hormones re-regulate. See your healthcare provider or endocrinologist to explore medical-grade treatment options. Lifestyle measures and targeted skincare also go a long way to treating the source causes and annoyances of menopausal cystic acne flares.
You don't have to live with painful cystic acne through menopause. Today's solutions make clear, comfortable skin possible at any age!
