3 Tips For Acne Treatment During Menopause

Posted on: 15 December 2015

If you expected your acne to have been a thing of the past as a teenager, it was probably a very unpleasant surprise to experience its return as you go through menopause. However, the hormonal changes associated with menopause are often sufficient to cause a return of that problem. Fortunately, there are now more options for acne treatment than there were in previous generations, and you do not have to live with the embarrassment of acne at this already-challenging part of your life.

#1-Do Not Automatically Buy The Standard Tubes Of OTC Medicine That Are Marketed To Teens

Given that the average age for a woman in the United States to have her last menstrual cycle is 51, it is obvious that your skin care needs will usually be very different from those of teenagers that many acne treatments are marketed for. For instance, one problem common during menopause is thinner skin. Another problem experienced by many women is the presence of fine lines and wrinkles.

Thinner skin is prone to irritation. Unfortunately, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are common over-the-counter acne treatments and can further irritate your skin. Therefore, treating your acne from the pharmacy, without medical assistance, can make your skin much worse.

#2-Ask Your Physician About Your Hormone Levels

Once you know what not to do, it is necessary to consider what you should do. For instance, there is an excellent possibility that acne at this stage of your life is related to the hormonal changes that menopause brings with it. As a result, one of the best steps you can take to treat the problem could be to address the reason for the hormonal imbalance.

If warranted and appropriate for your situation, hormone replacement therapy, alone or in conjunction with other treatments; will often effectively treat your acne.

#3-Talk With Your Dermatologist

It is frequently a good idea to combine balanced hormones with skin care treatments from an expert. By extension, that means that you should consult with a dermatologist. There are many prescription medications that can help with your acne without excessively drying your skin or exacerbating the problem.

In addition, it is not unusual to use antibiotics to address aggressive adult acne, since the normal bacteria on your skin can enter acne and make the problem much worse. The American Academy of Dermatology has reported that virtually every case of acne can be controlled with patience and the help of your dermatologist, so you should not assume that it's just a part of aging that you need to accept.

Share