Frequently I speak with women who are experiencing a condition they thought they had left behind years ago: they discover that they are developing acne once they hit perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Who would have thought it would happen?

Why am I experiencing acne now?

However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, women who are in menopause are most likely to discover acne blemishes near their mouth, chin, and jaw, but these skin eruptions also could pop up on their back and chest as well.

I guess you should take some consolation in the fact that whether you are 18 or 48, acne outbreaks have the same basic cause over which we have no control: Hormonal changes affect the way your skin regulates, protects, and regenerates itself, sometimes with less than desirable results.

Here’s the scoop: around the time we enter perimenopause and menopause, the levels of estrogen drop. However, male sex hormones (namely, testosterone) remain steady or rise. When these levels rise, the sebaceous glands in the skin produce excess sebum, which is an oily substance that blocks the pores in your skin.

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This change in your skin’s health is made more serious by the fact that the regeneration of skin cells is slower among older adults. Because the cells cannot regenerate themselves fast enough, the pores become clogged with sebum, which contributes to inflammation and infection and the ultimate formation of acne.

How to treat menopausal acne naturally

If you really want to rock menopausal associated acne, then you need to make some changes to your lifestyle. Let’s look at some self-care suggestions.

• Daily cleansing. Twice a day, wash your face with an all-natural, nondrying cleaning product. Make sure you remove all makeup completely. After you rinse off the cleanser, use a light, all-natural moisturizer. You may even want to make your own cleanser and moisturizer using one of these DIY recipes!
• Maintain hands-off. It’s so tempting to pick or squeeze pimples! However, although women frequently tackle their skin problems in this way, I strongly discourage you from doing so, especially since there are many treatment options available.

• Steer clear of oil-based cosmetics. These products will only make your skin problems worse because they add to already clogged pores. If using commercial products, look for mineral or water-based items only.
• Try vinegar. Applying apple cider vinegar to your face can fight bacteria, including the ones associated with acne, called Propionibacterium acnes. Apple cider vinegar contains several acids that are effective, such as succinic acid, which can reduce inflammation and scarring.
• • Here’s an easy recipe for an apple cider vinegar wash to fight acne. Combine 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water (you can use more water if you have sensitive skin). Apply the mixture to your skin using a cotton ball or soft cloth. Let sit for 5 to 20 seconds, then rinse with water and pat dry. You can repeat this process one to two times a day, as needed.
• Go sweet. Research shows that applying antioxidants to the skin can reduce acne as well as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Two sweet foods are great antioxidants and may be effective when applied to your skin: honey and cinnamon. Both of these foods can reduce inflammation and fight bacteria associated with acne. Here’s a honey and cinnamon mask you can use on your face:
  • Combine 2 tablespoons of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to form a paste. After you have washed your face, apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with warm water and pat your face dry.
• Let’s moringa! The Ayurvedic herb moringa can reduce pore size and help manage acne when applied to the skin. Moringa powder, mixed with organic rose water to form a paste, can be applied to the skin, where it can perform its antibacterial magic! Leave the paste on your face for 5 minutes, then wash off with warm water and pat your skin dry. Try this acne remedy once a week.
  • You can make your own acne treatment at home: simply combine moringa powder and enough organic rose water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your skin and let it stay on for 5 minutes. Wash off the paste with warm water and pat your skin dry. Use this remedy once a week. Combine this treatment with a daily oral supplement of moringa to enhance your acne treatment program.

Read about try these 6 herbs to clear your acne

when to see a health provider

Typically acne associated with menopause is mild. However, if you experience more pimples and papules than are comfortable for you, if any of them are painful, or if none of the natural methods are providing results, then it’s probably time to call your dermatologist.

bottom line

Acne at any age can be a challenge, but when you reach a “certain” age, you think you’ve put this skin problem behind you. Not always so! However, if you incorporate a few lifestyle changes and try a natural remedy or two, you can beat this annoying skin issue!