Although menopause is best known for hot flashes and mood swings, it can also be accompanied by many other less talked about symptoms, including: skin changes.
Studies have shown that the majority of women report skin problems as they age, especially skin problems they haven’t had since their teens.
Dr. Amy Wexler, a dual board certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in Manhattan, specializes in treatment. Perimenopause and menopause Women struggle with acne, sometimes for the first time in their lives.
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“And for them, it’s just scary because they’ve never experienced it. It’s so foreign to them,” she told FOX News Digital. “There are so many psychological overlaps and effects that acne has on people in terms of lowering their self-esteem and confidence. cause anxiety And sometimes it can lead to depression. ”
She said most women have two “acne peaks”: one during adolescence, and one during perimenopause and menopause.
“That’s why a lot of women have been acne-free for 20 years, and then around age 40 they start getting acne again,” she says. “And this time, I’m focusing on the lower half of the face, chin, and jawline. hormonal acne is likely to occur. ”
“Women between the ages of 35 and 55 often come to me with complaints of wrinkles and acne, but they feel too young for wrinkles and too old for acne,” she says.
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Men who are genetically prone to acne may continue to develop acne into adulthood, but for women, “certain hormonal components are present from the late 30s to the early 50s, that is, from perimenopause to menopause.”
Wechsler says breakouts usually stop after menopause.
Some studies have shown that taking GLP-1 reduces weight; diabetes medicine It may increase the incidence of acne, although some have not identified a link.
“I see patients all day long who are taking GLP-1, so if there was a connection, I probably would have noticed something by now,” Wexler said.
The main treatment for age-related acne is to take hormone-related medications.
”Spironolactone is particularly effective for hormonal acne in women. “Spironolactone blocks testosterone from binding to the testosterone receptors on the lower side of the face,” Wechsler said.
Do you receive hormone replacement therapy? oral contraceptives She noted that it can also be effective against acne, but treatments vary depending on each person’s situation.
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“Some people come in with just small blackheads or whiteheads, and they may not need oral treatment,” she says.
“Then we may prescribe something topical, often retinoids with trade names such as Differin, Retin-A, or Tretinoin. These are often very helpful for small pimples. They also… anti-aging,that’s nice. They grow collagen. ”
Wechsler said she sometimes prescribes low doses of doxycycline. antibiotics It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
“If your acne is different or covers large areas of your face or upper face, you may want to try a lower dose of Accutane,” she added. “It depends on the individual and the severity of the acne.”
Genetics and hormones can cause acne, but Stress also affects your skinsaid the doctor. One of the best ways to combat this is to get optimal sleep, which is an “anti-inflammatory” time for your body to heal.
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“Unfortunately, many Americans don’t.” get enough sleep“Adults need seven-and-a-half to eight hours,” Wexler said. That’s when the stress molecule cortisol is at its lowest and all the healing molecules like beta-endorphins, growth hormone, and oxytocin are at their highest. ”
In addition to sleep, doctors recommend looking for ways to lower cortisol levels during the day to reduce stress levels. such as exerciseget some fresh air, connect with friends, stretch and take deep breaths.
Wexler also emphasized the importance of choosing the right one for people who are prone to acne. skin care products.
“It’s very important that all products are non-comedogenic or oil-free,” she recommended. “That means the company has tested this product to ensure it doesn’t clog pores or cause acne.”
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It’s also important to wash your face after exercise and at the end of the day, and never sleep with your makeup on, the doctor advised.
If you suffer from acne and haven’t seen any results after taking over-the-counter products for two months, Wexler recommends the following: See a dermatologist for help.
