Around the time of menopause, many women in their 40s and 50s are surprised to notice sudden changes to their skin, including acne and age spots.
Around the time of menopause, many women in their 40s and 50s are surprised to notice sudden changes to their skin, including acne and age spots.
Luckily, dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology note that while many of these changes are unavoidable due to hormones, there are many things women can do at home to lessen these effects.
For all these reasons, Dr. Diane S. Berson, a dermatologist at the American Academy of Dermatology, recommends some advice.
1. Soothe dry skin.
During menopause, estrogen levels drop, leading to skin changes such as dryness and itching. This can be especially noticeable when the air is dry . To help prevent dryness, wash your skin with a mild cleanser, as regular soap may be drying too much. After bathing or showering and throughout the day, apply a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Don’t forget to apply the moisturizer to your jaw and neck.
At the time of menopause, many women in their 40s and 50s are surprised to notice sudden skin changes, including acne and age spots.
2. Relieves itching.
To help soothe itchy skin, apply a cool, wet “compress.” To make this, soak a clean towel or washcloth in cold water and wring it out until it is damp. Apply it on itchy skin and after removing it apply moisturizer.
3. Treat acne.
Due to fluctuating hormones, some women develop acne during menopause. If you have it, wash your skin with a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide; However, if the cleanser dries your skin, stop using it and opt for a mild cleanser. Also, avoid vigorously rubbing your skin or pinching the pimples, as this can lead to scarring.
4. Treat age spots.
If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen, you may see the effects now. Age spots and larger areas of dark skin can appear on your face, hands, neck, arms, or chest. Skin cancer and precancerous growths can also become more common. To avoid age spots, protect your skin from the sun. Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. This can help fade age spots, prevent new spots from forming, and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Remember to also take other sun protection measures, such as looking for shade and wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
