Many women notice that their acne flares up just before their period, while others experience new breakouts for the first time during menopause. This can be confusing and sometimes frustrating as acne is often thought of as a teenage problem. In reality, hormonal changes play a big role in female skin health and that’s why acne can appear or worsen at these stages of life.
Why does acne flare before periods?
The menstrual cycle involves monthly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. Just before the period, estrogen levels drop while progesterone remains relatively high. This imbalance increases oil (sebum) production in the skin. More oil can clog pores and along with bacteria and dead skin cells it triggers inflammation.
That’s why many women get pimples or even a cluster of breakouts on the lower face, jawline, and chin in the days leading up to menstruation.
Menopause and new breakouts
During menopause, estrogen levels fall significantly while androgens (male hormones like testosterone) remain unchanged or relatively higher. Androgens stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to more oil. This sudden hormonal shift explains why some women notice acne appearing for the first time in their 40s or 50s.
In addition, skin tends to get drier and thinner after menopause, which means acne lesions may take longer to heal and may be accompanied by sensitivity.
Other contributing factors
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Stress: Both PMS and menopause can bring emotional stress, which further worsens breakouts.
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Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, processed food or high sugar intake can amplify hormonal acne.
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Skincare habits: Over-cleansing or using harsh products can strip the skin barrier, making acne worse.
How Clinderma manages acne during periods and menopause
The good news is, acne linked to hormonal changes can be controlled with the right approach.
1. Skincare basics
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Use a gentle cleanser twice daily.
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Choose oil-free moisturizers to keep the skin barrier healthy.
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Daily sunscreen is important, as UV rays can worsen pigmentation left behind by acne.
2. Medical treatments
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Oral and Topical medications: Help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
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Anti-androgen tablets: Medicines like spironolactone can reduce oil production in women with stubborn hormonal acne.
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During menopause: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may indirectly influence acne, but needs careful medical supervision.
3. Lifestyle support
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A balanced diet with less sugar and more whole foods supports stable blood sugar and hormones.
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Managing stress through yoga, meditation or simple breathing exercises helps both skin and mind.
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Adequate sleep gives skin time to repair.
Realistic expectations
Hormonal acne does not clear overnight. Improvement usually takes a few months and flare-ups may still happen around cycles. The aim of treatment is to reduce the number, severity and duration of pimples and to prevent scarring or dark marks.
The Clinderma approach
At Clinderma, our team of dermatologists, nutritionist and skincoach recognize that acne in women is closely linked to life stages and hormonal shifts. We combine dermatology care with nutrition guidance, stress support and long-term maintenance plans. The goal isn’t just to treat today’s breakout, but to give you healthier skin throughout your cycle and beyond menopause.
Acne at any age is manageable with the right approach and consistency. Your skin can adapt, heal and glow again.
