Has anyone else found they have developed acne/rosacea during peri menopause? I assume it’s due to hormonal changes but this is a major symptom for me and causing distress.
– Alex, UK
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Nanny5 years ago
I’ve always had a problem with acne. Cystic acne, mostly on my chin. Since starting perimenopause, my acne has actually gotten much better. Almost non-existent except for when I have a period. At those times, I still break out, but not nearly as bad as it was before perimenopause.
Lisa5 years ago
Me too - awful cystic acne, which has lessened recently apart from the odd one
Krisreplying to Lisa5 years ago
I have to say that I’m jealous of you both!! ?? I’ve had severe cystic acne and HS since I was 16 and I’m now 37 and neither of those issues are beginning to clear up for me and I hate it!! I’m so sick of having acne and HS already!!
Mariareplying to Kris4 years ago
I’m almost 60. I’ve had cystic acne off and on for the last 50 years. I got my first zit when I was 10 yrs old. So be grateful that you haven’t had it that long, by comparison
Babareplying to Lisa5 years ago
Cystic acne is so ugly. I feel for you
Gil Zreplying to Baba4 years ago
Pffft! That’s just mean! I will counter it with this: Acne is actually not something that I particularly notice as a physical feature. I’ve had friends, even partners, complain about it and I had to focus on it to see that they did have acne or scars from it. I notice a person’s individual and collective physical features —big eyes or beautiful lips, a strong nose or curly hair or the scent that I associate with them, and I notice their personality, not their skin. If you think it’s “so ugly”, it’s probably because you find something of yourself to be ugly so you look for the equivalent in others so you can see them as “no better” than you. Sounds like you need to work on your self-esteem.
Suzannereplying to Lisa5 years ago
That is because you, me, and nanny probably all had allergies to female hormones throughout our lives. So when we hit perimenopause and menopause all of a sudden our acne clears up. I realized what my problem was when I was young and broke out if I went on birth control pills. Those made me break out too because they raise your female hormone level. So I stopped those right away. Most women it is the reverse- their acne starts or is worse during perimenopause and menopause.
Leelee5 years ago
Dear Alex; Hang in there I got the acne the rashes on my arms and it’s all due to hormonal change I went to the emergency I started freaking out I got like blisters all on my arms never had them before in my life and it was due to hormonal change I got scared lol like my skin was turning into alligator skin LOL anyways this will all pass use Aveeno the oatmeal Aveeno and they have it for sensitive skin hang in there there!!
Amy5 years ago
Yes, I experienced the same. The acne was worse than in puberty but it has improved again since I stopped having my periods (now almost ten months). It was actually one of the worst symptoms for me of becoming perimenopausal. During puberty I had the occasional pimple but being peri I suffered very regular rashes. For me a product called Gladskin helped. Hopefully you will find something to help you through this. It is a weird period of our lives.
Alex5 years ago
Hi, I’ve been trying Gladskin as well and it does seem to help. Thanks
Ange5 years ago
Hi Alex. I’ve had rosacea recently but it was temporary. Lasted about 6 months before clearing completely.
Blah...I get it!5 years ago
Hi Alex Yep...acne has been an issue for me. It gets quite painful on my head especially. It is cyclical and I am keeping all fingers and toes crossed it settles after menopause. My mum had rosacea as a result of peri and ended up taking HRT which calmed it down for her. I don’t mean to make you anxious, but she has continued to get flare ups after finishing HRT, but she uses a cream now that settles it quickly. All the best with your journey!
Lou5 years ago
Hi Alex, Yes yes yes!! My skin is terrible and I find it so embarrassing. I’ve had acne and rosacea on my face for around a year and a half. My forehead and cheek are the worst. I didn’t know what it was initially but self diagnosed after hearing someone on the radio. I’m yet to find anything that helps much.
Peg5 years ago
The only thing I’ve found that helps me is the SOOTHE like of Rodan and fields!
Nic5 years ago
I developed both a few years ago - I’ve since been using skinceuticals ‘PhytoCorrective’ (pricey but seems to work in calming my rosacea) and my doctor prescribed clindamycin lotion which really helped with the acne. My skin is relatively clear now - I also cut out refined sugar, and cut down on alcohol which has also helped - bonus - it shifted some pounds too! Worth trying different things out to see what works for you, but for ages I felt it was a lost cause until I found the right ‘recipe’ of methods that seemed to do the trick. Good luck with it all!
Toni5 years ago
Hi Alex I have always struggled eczema and now that I am peri menopausal the acne is on top of that. It’s apart of the par of the course, I guess. Anyway Aveno is my go to for the eczema flare ups and Neutrogeno acne wash for the acne. Both tend to work well separately and together and without killing my skin in the process. You could talk with a dermatologist and they very well prescribed something for the acne but I find it to be too harsh for my skin. Good luck and hang in their it will get better
Marcia5 years ago
Yeah me too. and it making me loosing self esteem
Naz5 years ago
Yes! All of a sudden I’ve gone from great skin to acne that scars badly ALL the time! I’m losing confidence. Sadly my GP is unavailable so I’m paying £20 a month to start skin topical treatments with Dermatica. Xx
Rose5 years ago
Yes indeed! My skin routine has been solid until now. I’m gonna have to make some changes.
Diana5 years ago
My rosacea is finally GONE ?? I have had it for nearly 10 years. I’m 43 now. I started using Soolantra and all my symptoms went away within 2 months.
Beth5 years ago
Hi Alex, Yes! I get painful cystic acne which scars each time & rosecea , both on my chin. Sometimes I think it looks not too bad & then I see myself on a photo & all that stands out is my red blotchy chin! I don’t really know what to do about it? I use Acnecide 5% w/w gel & Clean & Clear Advantage Rapid Gel, which contains Salycilic acid. I had clear skin as a teenager, but had terrible skin at the end of my pregnancy & after. So yes, guess it’s hormonal. I had my last period about 6 months ago. It feels a bit trivial to see the Dr, with all that’s going on Covid wise at the moment. It is the plus point of wearing a mask though, I get to cover up my chin! ??♀️
Liz5 years ago
Totally understand this - it’s left me feeling 16 again and every month my skin breaks out and then slowly over a few weeks it gets better and then it starts all over again! Hydration and gentle non perfumed products has helped but not stopped it.
Michelle5 years ago
I’ve found that gluten has caused my rosacea that I’ve had about three years now. I’ve cut gluten out for 39 days and it cleared up. Added it back and flared like fire during the holidays. I’m on week two of no gluten and it’s just today starting to calm down.
Katherine5 years ago
Yes,, I agree for some people their are certain food triggers, as was in my case ,off gluten, dairy, and processed foods ,, huge difference in so many ways ,, everything in moderation, not to overburden body with to many toxins ,, and exercise to burn them off
Gil Z4 years ago
Yes! My partner had terrible acne his whole life — his skin is scarred and pitted as a result — until he met me. I’m celiac, but I have the kind that affects my digestive tract, not my skin. His sisters had the same stomach effects from gluten, so he thought he probably had a sensitivity, but didn’t have stomach problems, so hadn’t so e anything about it. When he moved in with me, his diet changed drastically because I don’t have gluten in my house and I do a lot of the shopping and cooking. The first thing that happened was that a cyst he’d had on his lower back for years began to clear up and finally disappeared (it did leave a scar). Then the acne on the rest of his back, his shoulders, neck and face cleared up. When they served bagels or some other gluten-loaded food at his work for a meeting, he would have a sudden reoccurrence a day or two later. Since then, one of his sons discovered he had the same thing and has quit gluten with similarly dramatic results. So for those who have had little or no success with medications or other methods, or experienced bad side-effects, why not examine your diet? Begin by simplifying: pare your diet down to a few inoffensive non-allergenic basics for a week or two (I cut out all starches entirely and then added back potatoes, then corn, then rice, and then someone gave me a wheat biscuit and BAM — I reacted within minutes) and see if your symptoms clear up, then try adding things back in and see what triggers an episode. No guarantees, and you may find that it’s not diet-related at all, but this kind of experimenting certainly can’t hurt. Good luck.
Lol g5 years ago
I have, it’s awful. All over my chin every month. Have to use concealer.
Jo5 years ago
I developed rosacea this year and blepharitis . I had noticed my face was red across the cheeks and a few broken veins for a few years , but the burning sensation started in august , along with burning and itchy eyes . Dr prescribed metronidazole and it seems to have calmed the burning, but my face is very dry and flakey in places. Just trying to find a moisturiser that doesn’t make my face red on application.
Jussytopps5 years ago
I have developed rosacea in the last couple of years, mainly on my forehead and seems to get worse just before my period when it’s angry red, and sore. I have cut back on red wine, food that has sulphates ( love salami) cut back on cheese, and trying to eat more veg.. I haven’t taken out gluten but might try that as well. I use The Ordinary in terms of face creams etc. My Gp did prescribe metrogel and at it’s worst I will use it, but I don’t like how it drys my skin.
Shelly5 years ago
Yes quite badly during peri menopause got a cream from the dermatologist that has helped
Shelly5 years ago
I did get a led light mask that has helped with flare ups as well. Helps with several different skin ailments.
Michelle5 years ago
I’ve had acne since I was 11 and I’m almost 49 but now I get the cystic kind on my neck! One day I woke up to having white spots all over my neck and chest (my dermatologist says they’re actually dark spots) Talk about embarrassing!! I won’t leave my apartment (not to even get the mail) unless I have foundation on because I’m that self conscious about it. I’m prescribed a medication called Spirolactone for hormonal acne which is what my dermatologist says I suffer with now. It’s on my face, neck, back, shoulders and even my arms above the elbows. Feel like I’m back in high school This all started just a couple of years ago and I’ve tried everything! Some products and natural home remedies work for awhile but then I have to change things up. If anyone comes across a product miracle worker that’s affordable, please let me know!
Lynne4 years ago
Exactly the same, since I was 11, now 48 and horrendous painful acne on my neck. Can’t offer any suggestions you haven’t already tried but you do have my complete empathy!
NK5 years ago
Yes - falling estrogen unmasks the effects of androgens. Skin also becomes more fragile and prone to inflammation. For the acne, I’ve found that the only thing that works is Spironolactone, an anti-androgen med. I’ve been on it for years for PCOS. I just saw a new dermatologist about my rosacea and acne and she said that for acne control the Spironolactone should be taken twice a day, and often at higher doses than prescribed for other conditions (200mg). There are a number of topical treatments for rosacea but most are pretty pricey. I had to discontinue my meds years ago for that reason. For non-drug tricks, avoiding extreme heat and cold, staying out of the sun, avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine help many people. (I find the last 3 kinda suck the joy outa life, so I partake and then go splash cool water over my face!)
Hillary5 years ago
I don’t think it’s rosacea - but extreme flushing. Like my cheeks feel hot ( like on fire hot) and the splotchy redness goes all down my neck and chest and ears. It happens when I get nervous, excited, embarrassed , drink a sip of alcohol or sometimes things like ordering food ( so I don’t feel nervous at all but it just goes off anyway) , talking on the phone etc. I hate this so much because it happens all the time and not only do people always point it out ( which makes it worse-) but I’m actually a very confident person so I don’t get why this happens so I now tend to not go out, not talk too much , etc. it’s just not me. I just have this gut feeling it’s hormonal. Started sometime after I had babies. I’m 50 now.
Pauline5 years ago
Celery juice has helped a lot with acne and my skin condition.
Jennie5 years ago
I have rosacea and it never occurred to me that it could be from menopause. I also get random zits in places I’ve never had zits before in my life. The worst thing though - the dry skin. I didn’t realize how bad it was but in some places it was so dry that it would cause ingrown hairs, which led to zits. Since I started religiously using serums and more importantly, exfoliating I’m finding my skin is getting better. I had been avoiding both because I thought the serums would make me break out and I thought exfoliating would make my skin worse.
Vee5 years ago
I am peri menopausal and I got melasma on my face as a result of change in hormone. I just seen a dermatologist and I have started using some creams hoping it will get ride or fade it! It has completely affected my self esteem and made me very conscious of it every time I go out I feel like everyone looking at my ugly face which is very depressing :(
Lisa5 years ago
Yes!! I have never used cover up in my life and now I do!! It’s terrible!! Nothing I’ve tried works!!
Liz5 years ago
Are there certain foods that can help with red, blotchy, itchy and sore skin on forehead and chin, neck area? Also is this due to low oestrogen?
Liz5 years ago
Alex yes! I always had rosy cheeks but now I have terrible flare ups. I went to a number of doctors and they gave me creams but they were not very effective. I started a diet that was supposed to help with skin issues, but worsted my condition. I started to have painful inflammation and peeling skin. The diet had a big green smoothie with spinach, avocado and greens. Through that diet I discovered I am triggered by spinach and avocado. I stopped the diet and started to heal. It took months to heal and I watch the quantity of greens I intake.
Sue5 years ago
Hi Since having a hysterectomy two years ago and even though I am using oestrogen patches (75mcg) I now suffer with psoriasis, it began on my hands which swelled and became itchy, now I have patches on my back and I am undergoing investigation for psoriasis related arthritis. I’m hoping to combat this with self care, exercise and an improved diet but maybe that’s naive? It’s seems menopause is a constant battle.
Ali5 years ago
My doctor gave me soolantra 10mg/g cream for the flare up I have just on my right cheek. It works to calm it down and gets better for a few weeks then comes back mainly due to hormones and hot flushes. Also told to use a high factor 50+ face suntan cream as the sun makes it worse.
Amy5 years ago
Yes! Terrible acne on my chin. I have found washing with a mild glycolic acid wash every other day. And I recommend Rael’s Microcrystal Acne healing patches or a similar product from ZitSticka. They really work.
Kayli5 years ago
Yes! Me too and my doctor said it was definitely from peri menopause/hormone changes. I get it on my forehead nose chin cheek and neck. Prescribed metrogel which has helped as well as Cetaphil cleanser and lotion only for skin care
Kris5 years ago
Yes, I got awful cystic acne with perimenopause. It was the worst acne I’ve ever had (including teen years). I read that cutting out milk helps with acne, so I tried it and the cystic acne actually stopped. It was surprising though, because I’d been drinking milk for years without issue. I also just started washing my face regularly with a blemish regiment. Those 2 things greatly reduced it. Good luck!
Chaselee5 years ago
My skin is the worst it has ever been. Cystic acne in chin area - alternating sides. They leave my skin marked for a long time too. Cannot find right way to treat them. Very demoralising to be over 50 with terrible skin. Doesn't help with feeling pretty rubbish some days. Any tips?
Jackie5 years ago
Yes I suffer from rosacea on my cheeks and it’s horrible. I also suffer from dry skin.
CJ5 years ago
Most definitely. My nose started looking bad 2 or 3 years ago (I’m 44 now). I never suffered with acne as a kid, but my nose is red, more bulbous looking and spots which I stupidly scratch and make bleed. My brother says I look like I drink a lot of booze which is even more annoying as I’ve probably had no more than 10 alcoholic drinks in the last 3 years!
Pazley5 years ago
Hi, and yes for me too on the acne! It was horrible. I rarely had a breakout as a teen or beyond. I’m 51 now and somehow around 2017 I started breaking out with cystic acne around the perimeter of my face and it was horrible and painful. After trying so many things made for acne but clearly not for effective for cystic acne my doctor prescribed me spirolactone but quite honestly I don’t think it’s been very effective, however, I ended up going with curology and that’s the only thing that has helped my skin. If I stop using it, the acne starts coming back. I wish there was a treatment to help the root cause rather then just the symptoms.
Abarbee5 years ago
Hey Alex- I broke out in the worst way acne and melasma covered my face and made me look 3 shades darker. I visited my dermatologist and they prescribed “Spironolactone 100 MG. I have been on it for 4 years. It is great, my face is clear, helps your hair grow. Look it up! It does take time to work but it does great! Alita
Darla5 years ago
Yes
Caroline5 years ago
Hi, I’ve had rosacea for a couple of years now and spoke to a doctor who’s also a cosmetic doctor and he said there’s nothing we can do about it ?
Garnie5 years ago
Has anyone else noticed acne flairs from taking estrogen supplement? Every time I try to start any kind of menopause supplements my face immediately starts to break out with cystic acne. I’ve tried to tolerate the acne because the supplements seem to really work for me with hot flashes, but eventually I just can’t stand the acne anymore ? my dermatologist said stop taking it! That’s not really the answer I’m looking for. I want to take it for relief! So she’s starting me on an antibiotic to take long term for the acne and I guess I will see what happens…
Rebecca4 years ago
I’ve had rosacea for 5 or 6 years now… recently put on beta blockers (propranolol) for high BP and it has really cleared up… although can now see patches of melasma and white pin-prick spots (not sure what these are?) on my cheeks and around my nose!
Amy4 years ago
It’s like puberty all over again!!! I have found that washing my face with Thayers witch hazel in the morning and night, putting on a good hydrating lotion (I get mine from Etsy) and then using tea tree oil on my facial imperfections (acne) seems to help big time. I’ve read that a lot of rosacea is worse when your skin is dehydrated. Even though it seems wrong because you have zits and you assume oily lotions will make them worse lol but it’s really helped for me! I’m sure hormones being whack adds to the dryness. Super embarrassing going out with more acne on your face than your teens haha
Rachel4 years ago
I did at the beginning but have since cut out wheat and cut back on sugar and that has helped keep it at bay. It still flares up occasionally but only if I’ve had a sweaty sleep, or been stressed out.
Eliza4 years ago
Yes! Suddenly I have not only rosacea but an overpopulation of Demodex mites in my eyelashes. I’ve been treating with tea tree oil base washes as well as an OTC for Rosacea called Prosacea which contains sulfur. This helps enormously!
Abbey4 years ago
Had an eye as a teenager and treated it with the use of sunbeds which cleared it up straight away. Sun on holiday would clear it. Had a stroke a year and half ago and started having panic attacks and there it was back again out of the blue had hysterectomy 12 years ago but still kept my ovaries. Don’t know where I am.