{"id":1699183,"date":"2025-12-29T11:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T08:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1699183"},"modified":"2025-12-29T11:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T08:10:00","slug":"menopausal-acne-happens-and-you-have-options-find-the-best-treatment-for-you-here","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1699183","title":{"rendered":"Menopausal Acne Happens, And You Have Options\u2014 Find the Best Treatment For You Here"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">Menopausal Acne Happens, And You Have Options\u2014 Find the Best Treatment For You Here<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">According to derms.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Melanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Melanie Rud<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"person on black background wearing black clothing posing for the camera\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2.webp\" title=\"screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"person on black background wearing black clothing posing for the camera\" title=\"screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nMelanie Rud\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMelanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">and<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Abby is a former associate editor at Byrdie and has three years of experience in beauty editorial.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Abby Dupes<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Byrdie associate editor Abby Dupes\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3.webp\" title=\"abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Byrdie associate editor Abby Dupes\" title=\"abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nAbby Dupes\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Abby is a former associate editor at Byrdie and has three years of experience in beauty editorial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on December 29, 2025 06:10AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Lucy Chen, MD<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Byrdie review board member Lucy Chen headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f.webp\" title=\"3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Byrdie review board member Lucy Chen headshot\" title=\"3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nLucy Chen, MD\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Jennifer Klump has been a fact checker for Byrdie since 2019. She is a professional librarian with 22 years of experience using research databases to find authoritative and up-to-date information.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Jennifer Klump<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Jennifer Klump wearing glasses headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47.webp\" title=\"jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Jennifer Klump wearing glasses headshot\" title=\"jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nJennifer Klump\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nJennifer Klump has been a fact checker for Byrdie since 2019. She is a professional librarian with 22 years of experience using research databases to find authoritative and up-to-date information.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is Menopausal Acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What I Looks Like<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Causes and Prevention<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Menopausal Acne Treatment Options<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Stocksy<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Menopausal acne, often featuring deep cysts and whiteheads, occurs during hormonal changes in menopause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Oral medications like spironolactone effectively target the hormonal imbalance to manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can help, but avoid salicylic acid to prevent dryness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopause signals the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. While the process can be transforming and empowering for many, it can also be less than glamorous at times. Hot flashes, mood swings, and constant breakouts are just some of the many symptoms that go along with it. Acne does not discriminate against age\u2014the hormonal changes during menopause can result in acne before, during, and after, too.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The good news? With the right approach and treatment plan, there are ways to help keep menopausal acne in check without derailing your other skincare goals. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Ife J. Rodney, MD, and Jessie Cheung, MD, explain everything you need to know about what sets menopausal acne apart from other types of breakouts.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><strong>Keep reading to learn more about menopausal acne and what you can do to clear your skin.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ife J. Rodney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.<\/li>\n<li>Jessie Cheung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Willowbrook, Illinois.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is Menopausal Acne? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs during, you heard it, menopause. &#8220;Hormonal changes are one of the biggest reasons for acne, and there&#8217;s no bigger time of hormonal change in life than menopause,&#8221; says Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The condition is somewhat of a misnomer, given that menopause occurs in stages, and menopausal acne occurs not just during menopause but also during perimenopause, too. &#8220;Perimenopause is the transition period that leads up to menopause, usually happening two to eight years earlier,&#8221; explains Rodney. &#8220;Since the average age of menopause is 51, it\u2019s not uncommon for [people] in their early 40s to experience menopausal acne.&#8221; Cheung agrees, noting that initial hormonal changes may not be enough to stop your period fully, but they are enough to make your skin (and emotions, for that matter) go haywire, It can then extend even into postmenopause, sometimes well into a person assigned female at birth&#8217;s 50s, adds Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Does Menopausal Acne Look Like? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like other types of hormonal acne, the defining characteristic is deep, tender bumps or cysts, mainly around the mouth, chin, and jawline, as well as whiteheads. This is in contrast to non-hormonal acne, which can look like blackheads and sebum-filled bumps on oily areas of the face, like the T-zone. Another tell-tale sign that you&#8217;re dealing with menopausal acne? Its location. &#8220;It often manifests along with excess facial hair, especially on the chin and upper lip,&#8221; says Cheung.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Causes and Prevention <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ultimately, the main cause of menopausal acne is hormonal changes, but let&#8217;s unpack that a bit further:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Decreased estrogen: <\/strong>Levels of estrogen, the sex hormone responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics, plummet rapidly during menopause, throwing off the delicate balance of androgens, most specifically testosterone. &#8220;As estrogen levels fall, the relative increase of testosterone results in oily skin and clogged pores,&#8221; explains Cheung. That spike of testosterone also causes increased facial hair growth and is why this type of acne shows up on the lower face, as it seems that this is where more androgen receptors live, she adds. Estrogen and testosterone are the same key hormones at play when acne pops up at other times, for example, during puberty and early adulthood. But during those periods, it&#8217;s more of a function of either an increase of both or the two fluctuating and not remaining stable rather than this drastic drop in estrogen. It&#8217;s also worth noting that decreased estrogen impacts the skin in other ways as well (but more on that to come). Attempting to level off these hormonal imbalances\u2014as much as possible\u2014is ultimately the best way to both prevent and treat menopausal acne.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress: <\/strong>As any person who has experienced or is experiencing menopause will quickly tell you, it&#8217;s a stressful time. Unfortunately, this becomes a double-edged sword: &#8220;Stress due to the many other changes happening within the body also contributes to acne,&#8221; Rodney says. Along with impacting hormone levels in general, stress increases cortisol in the body, the aptly dubbed stress hormone. &#8220;It wreaks havoc on the skin in many ways, triggering breakouts through increased oil production being just one of them,&#8221; she says. While it&#8217;s obviously easier said than done, attempting to reduce stress as much as possible during, before, and after menopause is paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Menopausal Acne Treatment Options <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Unlike the topical approach often favored for other types of acne, treating menopausal acne requires an &#8220;inside out&#8221; approach. &#8220;The most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance,&#8221; says Rodney.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Oral Medications <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. It gets right to the root of the issue, an anti-androgen medication that blocks the androgen receptors in the skin, helping to prevent both acne and excess facial hair growth, says Cheung. While it&#8217;s often used to treat adult acne for those in their 20s and 30s, it&#8217;s even a better option in an older patient population, she adds. Spironolactone may cause birth defects in those who are pregnant\u2014that&#8217;s obviously not a concern during menopause.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Oral contraceptive pills can also help with regulating hormone levels, but these should only be used when prescribed by your gynecologist, as there are potential side effects in menopausal people, cautions Rodney. Similarly, it&#8217;s worth pointing out that while hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is often used to treat other issues associated with menopause (such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness), it may actually exacerbate hormonal acne due to the synthetic hormone progestin, she says.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Topicals <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> From a topical standpoint, many of the same tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can play an important role in combatting menopausal acne\u2014but with one important caveat. That major drop in estrogen also affects the dermal matrix of the skin, in short, leaving you with drier, more reactive skin, explains Cheung. What does that mean when it comes to creating an effective anti-acne routine? She says to be wary of another common acne-fighter, salicylic acid, as it can make dry skin even drier. As far as the other topical ingredients go, seek out gentle formulas\u2014ideally ones that use time-released versions of the actives, to help minimize the likelihood of increased dryness and irritation.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs when people assigned female at birth go through menopause. This type of acne can manifest as deep cystic acne or inflamed whiteheads. Luckily, &#8220;The changes that happen with drops in estrogen around the time of menopause are inevitable, but hormonal acne doesn&#8217;t have to be,&#8221; according to Rodney. Oral medications (like birth control and spironolactone), topical treatments, in addition to preventing stress, can reduce the effects of hormonal acne. If you think you are experiencing signs of menopausal acne, speak with a trusted board-certified dermatologist who can better advise you of your treatment options based on your medical history.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Can menopause cause cystic acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>If the balance between testosterone and estrogen levels in the body fluctuates (as they do during menopause), sebum production in the skin can increase. This not only can result in whitehead breakouts but also in deep, under-the-skin cystic acne.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Khunger N, Mehrotra K. Menopausal Acne \u2014 Challenges and Solutions. <em>Int J Womens Health<\/em>. 2019;11:555-567. doi:10.2147\/IJWH.S174292<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Bagatin E, Freitas THP, Rivitti-Machado MC, et al. Adult Female Acne:A Guide to Clinical Practice. <em>An Bras Dermato<\/em>l. 2019;94(1):62-75. doi:10.1590\/abd1806-4841.20198203<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Elsaie ML. Hormonal Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: An Update. <em>Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2016;9:241-8. doi:10.2147\/CCID.S114830<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Cleveland Clinic. How to Reduce Cortisol and Turn Down the Dial on Stress. Updated Aug. 27, 2020.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-5\">\n<p>Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. Oral Spironolactone in Post-teenage Female Patients With Acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations for the Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience. <em>J Clin Aesthet Dermatol<\/em>. 2012;5(3):37-50.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with a contemplative expression resting their arm on a surface\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" 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and chin\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-2.webp\" title=\"hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-2.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Woman applying skincare product to her face with eyes closed focusing on her cheeks and chin\" title=\"hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">These Are the Hormonal Acne Treatments Dermatologists Swear By<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person washing their face on the left and holding a bottle of La RochePosay foaming cleanser on the right\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-drugstore-face-washes-tout-recirc-f01e2067d52144b98dfc8e4034033971-4.webp\" title=\"byr-best-drugstore-face-washes-tout-recirc-f01e2067d52144b98dfc8e4034033971-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-drugstore-face-washes-tout-recirc-f01e2067d52144b98dfc8e4034033971-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person washing their face on the left and holding a bottle of La RochePosay foaming cleanser on the right\" title=\"byr-best-drugstore-face-washes-tout-recirc-f01e2067d52144b98dfc8e4034033971-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 12 Best Drugstore Face Washes That Rival High-End Cleansers (We Put Them to the Test)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A circular, elongated drop of honey on a textured white background.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/honeydropletforface-6e639624c7f04029a5effd87eda389c2-1.webp\" title=\"honeydropletforface-6e639624c7f04029a5effd87eda389c2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/honeydropletforface-6e639624c7f04029a5effd87eda389c2-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A circular, elongated drop of honey on a textured white background.\" title=\"honeydropletforface-6e639624c7f04029a5effd87eda389c2-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Honey on Your Face: Benefits and How to Use It, According to Dermatologists<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two individuals using derma rollers one on the left holding the device and the one on the right wearing a headband\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-derma-rollers-tout-recirc-d76dd17931814c0db3fcf998cdf26430-4.webp\" title=\"the-best-derma-rollers-tout-recirc-d76dd17931814c0db3fcf998cdf26430-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-derma-rollers-tout-recirc-d76dd17931814c0db3fcf998cdf26430-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two individuals using derma rollers one on the left holding the device and the one on the right wearing a headband\" title=\"the-best-derma-rollers-tout-recirc-d76dd17931814c0db3fcf998cdf26430-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The Best At-Home Derma Rollers for Radiant, Even-Toned Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person with closed eyes wearing layered necklaces\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/occlusive-f79ec795d56c41a5859e617ce878e2ca-5.webp\" title=\"occlusive-f79ec795d56c41a5859e617ce878e2ca-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/occlusive-f79ec795d56c41a5859e617ce878e2ca-5.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person with closed eyes wearing layered necklaces\" title=\"occlusive-f79ec795d56c41a5859e617ce878e2ca-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Humectants vs Emollients vs Occlusives: Which One Does Your Skin Need?<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person with visible blemishes on the cheek focused on the side profile of the face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr_lutealacne_leadrecirc_alt3-ad44e19dbdd84a308801f3d8b9dce720-1.webp\" title=\"byr_lutealacne_leadrecirc_alt3-ad44e19dbdd84a308801f3d8b9dce720-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr_lutealacne_leadrecirc_alt3-ad44e19dbdd84a308801f3d8b9dce720-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person with visible blemishes on the cheek focused on the side profile of the face\" title=\"byr_lutealacne_leadrecirc_alt3-ad44e19dbdd84a308801f3d8b9dce720-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">So, You Have the &#8220;Luteal Uglies&#8221;\u2014Here&#8217;s How to Stop the Breakout Cycle<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two people applying over the counter retinol products to their faces\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-over-the-counter-retinols-tout-recirc-1-231b2adb3b8644c2b4d15f8aae6fb17e-1.webp\" title=\"byr-best-over-the-counter-retinols-tout-recirc-1-231b2adb3b8644c2b4d15f8aae6fb17e-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-over-the-counter-retinols-tout-recirc-1-231b2adb3b8644c2b4d15f8aae6fb17e-1.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two people applying over the counter retinol products to their faces\" title=\"byr-best-over-the-counter-retinols-tout-recirc-1-231b2adb3b8644c2b4d15f8aae6fb17e-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 8 Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) Retinols for Smooth, Even Skin, According to Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">Menopausal Acne Happens, And You Have Options\u2014 Find the Best Treatment For You Here<\/h1>\n<p id=\"article-subheading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-subheading mntl-text-block\">According to derms.<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Melanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Melanie Rud<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"person on black background wearing black clothing posing for the camera\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2.webp\" title=\"screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"person on black background wearing black clothing posing for the camera\" title=\"screenshot2024-06-26at3-38-07pm-45a75e26a15a4328ae69e7d46fc2ab7b-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nMelanie Rud\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--linkedin\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMelanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">and<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Abby is a former associate editor at Byrdie and has three years of experience in beauty editorial.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Abby Dupes<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Byrdie associate editor Abby Dupes\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3.webp\" title=\"abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Byrdie associate editor Abby Dupes\" title=\"abbydupesheadshot-952b509113e54977aa4f5bd54644cd90-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nAbby Dupes\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Abby is a former associate editor at Byrdie and has three years of experience in beauty editorial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on December 29, 2025 06:10AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"&lt;p&gt;Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Lucy Chen, MD<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Byrdie review board member Lucy Chen headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f.webp\" title=\"3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Byrdie review board member Lucy Chen headshot\" title=\"3a-lucy-chen-md-miami-a0851822038048c0a9c61529413a065f\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nLucy Chen, MD\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\n<p>Lucy Chen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, FL. She specializes in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Jennifer Klump has been a fact checker for Byrdie since 2019. She is a professional librarian with 22 years of experience using research databases to find authoritative and up-to-date information.\u00a0\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Jennifer Klump<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Jennifer Klump wearing glasses headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47.webp\" title=\"jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Jennifer Klump wearing glasses headshot\" title=\"jkheadshot-ee8d5c92524042428cffb4660f013d47\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nJennifer Klump\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nJennifer Klump has been a fact checker for Byrdie since 2019. She is a professional librarian with 22 years of experience using research databases to find authoritative and up-to-date information.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"true\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What Is Menopausal Acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">What I Looks Like<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Causes and Prevention<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Menopausal Acne Treatment Options<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Stocksy<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Menopausal acne, often featuring deep cysts and whiteheads, occurs during hormonal changes in menopause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Oral medications like spironolactone effectively target the hormonal imbalance to manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can help, but avoid salicylic acid to prevent dryness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopause signals the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. While the process can be transforming and empowering for many, it can also be less than glamorous at times. Hot flashes, mood swings, and constant breakouts are just some of the many symptoms that go along with it. Acne does not discriminate against age\u2014the hormonal changes during menopause can result in acne before, during, and after, too.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The good news? With the right approach and treatment plan, there are ways to help keep menopausal acne in check without derailing your other skincare goals. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Ife J. Rodney, MD, and Jessie Cheung, MD, explain everything you need to know about what sets menopausal acne apart from other types of breakouts.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><strong>Keep reading to learn more about menopausal acne and what you can do to clear your skin.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ife J. Rodney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.<\/li>\n<li>Jessie Cheung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Willowbrook, Illinois.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is Menopausal Acne? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs during, you heard it, menopause. &#8220;Hormonal changes are one of the biggest reasons for acne, and there&#8217;s no bigger time of hormonal change in life than menopause,&#8221; says Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The condition is somewhat of a misnomer, given that menopause occurs in stages, and menopausal acne occurs not just during menopause but also during perimenopause, too. &#8220;Perimenopause is the transition period that leads up to menopause, usually happening two to eight years earlier,&#8221; explains Rodney. &#8220;Since the average age of menopause is 51, it\u2019s not uncommon for [people] in their early 40s to experience menopausal acne.&#8221; Cheung agrees, noting that initial hormonal changes may not be enough to stop your period fully, but they are enough to make your skin (and emotions, for that matter) go haywire, It can then extend even into postmenopause, sometimes well into a person assigned female at birth&#8217;s 50s, adds Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Does Menopausal Acne Look Like? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like other types of hormonal acne, the defining characteristic is deep, tender bumps or cysts, mainly around the mouth, chin, and jawline, as well as whiteheads. This is in contrast to non-hormonal acne, which can look like blackheads and sebum-filled bumps on oily areas of the face, like the T-zone. Another tell-tale sign that you&#8217;re dealing with menopausal acne? Its location. &#8220;It often manifests along with excess facial hair, especially on the chin and upper lip,&#8221; says Cheung.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Causes and Prevention <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ultimately, the main cause of menopausal acne is hormonal changes, but let&#8217;s unpack that a bit further:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Decreased estrogen: <\/strong>Levels of estrogen, the sex hormone responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics, plummet rapidly during menopause, throwing off the delicate balance of androgens, most specifically testosterone. &#8220;As estrogen levels fall, the relative increase of testosterone results in oily skin and clogged pores,&#8221; explains Cheung. That spike of testosterone also causes increased facial hair growth and is why this type of acne shows up on the lower face, as it seems that this is where more androgen receptors live, she adds. Estrogen and testosterone are the same key hormones at play when acne pops up at other times, for example, during puberty and early adulthood. But during those periods, it&#8217;s more of a function of either an increase of both or the two fluctuating and not remaining stable rather than this drastic drop in estrogen. It&#8217;s also worth noting that decreased estrogen impacts the skin in other ways as well (but more on that to come). Attempting to level off these hormonal imbalances\u2014as much as possible\u2014is ultimately the best way to both prevent and treat menopausal acne.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress: <\/strong>As any person who has experienced or is experiencing menopause will quickly tell you, it&#8217;s a stressful time. Unfortunately, this becomes a double-edged sword: &#8220;Stress due to the many other changes happening within the body also contributes to acne,&#8221; Rodney says. Along with impacting hormone levels in general, stress increases cortisol in the body, the aptly dubbed stress hormone. &#8220;It wreaks havoc on the skin in many ways, triggering breakouts through increased oil production being just one of them,&#8221; she says. While it&#8217;s obviously easier said than done, attempting to reduce stress as much as possible during, before, and after menopause is paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Menopausal Acne Treatment Options <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Unlike the topical approach often favored for other types of acne, treating menopausal acne requires an &#8220;inside out&#8221; approach. &#8220;The most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance,&#8221; says Rodney.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Oral Medications <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. It gets right to the root of the issue, an anti-androgen medication that blocks the androgen receptors in the skin, helping to prevent both acne and excess facial hair growth, says Cheung. While it&#8217;s often used to treat adult acne for those in their 20s and 30s, it&#8217;s even a better option in an older patient population, she adds. Spironolactone may cause birth defects in those who are pregnant\u2014that&#8217;s obviously not a concern during menopause.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Oral contraceptive pills can also help with regulating hormone levels, but these should only be used when prescribed by your gynecologist, as there are potential side effects in menopausal people, cautions Rodney. Similarly, it&#8217;s worth pointing out that while hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is often used to treat other issues associated with menopause (such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness), it may actually exacerbate hormonal acne due to the synthetic hormone progestin, she says.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Topicals <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> From a topical standpoint, many of the same tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can play an important role in combatting menopausal acne\u2014but with one important caveat. That major drop in estrogen also affects the dermal matrix of the skin, in short, leaving you with drier, more reactive skin, explains Cheung. What does that mean when it comes to creating an effective anti-acne routine? She says to be wary of another common acne-fighter, salicylic acid, as it can make dry skin even drier. As far as the other topical ingredients go, seek out gentle formulas\u2014ideally ones that use time-released versions of the actives, to help minimize the likelihood of increased dryness and irritation.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs when people assigned female at birth go through menopause. This type of acne can manifest as deep cystic acne or inflamed whiteheads. Luckily, &#8220;The changes that happen with drops in estrogen around the time of menopause are inevitable, but hormonal acne doesn&#8217;t have to be,&#8221; according to Rodney. Oral medications (like birth control and spironolactone), topical treatments, in addition to preventing stress, can reduce the effects of hormonal acne. If you think you are experiencing signs of menopausal acne, speak with a trusted board-certified dermatologist who can better advise you of your treatment options based on your medical history.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Can menopause cause cystic acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>If the balance between testosterone and estrogen levels in the body fluctuates (as they do during menopause), sebum production in the skin can increase. This not only can result in whitehead breakouts but also in deep, under-the-skin cystic acne.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Khunger N, Mehrotra K. Menopausal Acne \u2014 Challenges and Solutions. <em>Int J Womens Health<\/em>. 2019;11:555-567. doi:10.2147\/IJWH.S174292<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Bagatin E, Freitas THP, Rivitti-Machado MC, et al. Adult Female Acne:A Guide to Clinical Practice. <em>An Bras Dermato<\/em>l. 2019;94(1):62-75. doi:10.1590\/abd1806-4841.20198203<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Elsaie ML. Hormonal Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: An Update. <em>Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2016;9:241-8. doi:10.2147\/CCID.S114830<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Cleveland Clinic. How to Reduce Cortisol and Turn Down the Dial on Stress. Updated Aug. 27, 2020.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-5\">\n<p>Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. Oral Spironolactone in Post-teenage Female Patients With Acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations for the Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience. <em>J Clin Aesthet Dermatol<\/em>. 2012;5(3):37-50.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4.webp\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A woman with long gray hair one hand touching her hair and the other on her shoulder\" title=\"menopause-2-22bdd503c94748e3b16a4a06ea77cca0-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Stocksy<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Menopausal acne, often featuring deep cysts and whiteheads, occurs during hormonal changes in menopause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Oral medications like spironolactone effectively target the hormonal imbalance to manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can help, but avoid salicylic acid to prevent dryness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopause signals the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. While the process can be transforming and empowering for many, it can also be less than glamorous at times. Hot flashes, mood swings, and constant breakouts are just some of the many symptoms that go along with it. Acne does not discriminate against age\u2014the hormonal changes during menopause can result in acne before, during, and after, too.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The good news? With the right approach and treatment plan, there are ways to help keep menopausal acne in check without derailing your other skincare goals. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Ife J. Rodney, MD, and Jessie Cheung, MD, explain everything you need to know about what sets menopausal acne apart from other types of breakouts.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><strong>Keep reading to learn more about menopausal acne and what you can do to clear your skin.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ife J. Rodney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.<\/li>\n<li>Jessie Cheung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Willowbrook, Illinois.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is Menopausal Acne? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs during, you heard it, menopause. &#8220;Hormonal changes are one of the biggest reasons for acne, and there&#8217;s no bigger time of hormonal change in life than menopause,&#8221; says Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The condition is somewhat of a misnomer, given that menopause occurs in stages, and menopausal acne occurs not just during menopause but also during perimenopause, too. &#8220;Perimenopause is the transition period that leads up to menopause, usually happening two to eight years earlier,&#8221; explains Rodney. &#8220;Since the average age of menopause is 51, it\u2019s not uncommon for [people] in their early 40s to experience menopausal acne.&#8221; Cheung agrees, noting that initial hormonal changes may not be enough to stop your period fully, but they are enough to make your skin (and emotions, for that matter) go haywire, It can then extend even into postmenopause, sometimes well into a person assigned female at birth&#8217;s 50s, adds Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Does Menopausal Acne Look Like? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like other types of hormonal acne, the defining characteristic is deep, tender bumps or cysts, mainly around the mouth, chin, and jawline, as well as whiteheads. This is in contrast to non-hormonal acne, which can look like blackheads and sebum-filled bumps on oily areas of the face, like the T-zone. Another tell-tale sign that you&#8217;re dealing with menopausal acne? Its location. &#8220;It often manifests along with excess facial hair, especially on the chin and upper lip,&#8221; says Cheung.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Causes and Prevention <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ultimately, the main cause of menopausal acne is hormonal changes, but let&#8217;s unpack that a bit further:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Decreased estrogen: <\/strong>Levels of estrogen, the sex hormone responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics, plummet rapidly during menopause, throwing off the delicate balance of androgens, most specifically testosterone. &#8220;As estrogen levels fall, the relative increase of testosterone results in oily skin and clogged pores,&#8221; explains Cheung. That spike of testosterone also causes increased facial hair growth and is why this type of acne shows up on the lower face, as it seems that this is where more androgen receptors live, she adds. Estrogen and testosterone are the same key hormones at play when acne pops up at other times, for example, during puberty and early adulthood. But during those periods, it&#8217;s more of a function of either an increase of both or the two fluctuating and not remaining stable rather than this drastic drop in estrogen. It&#8217;s also worth noting that decreased estrogen impacts the skin in other ways as well (but more on that to come). Attempting to level off these hormonal imbalances\u2014as much as possible\u2014is ultimately the best way to both prevent and treat menopausal acne.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress: <\/strong>As any person who has experienced or is experiencing menopause will quickly tell you, it&#8217;s a stressful time. Unfortunately, this becomes a double-edged sword: &#8220;Stress due to the many other changes happening within the body also contributes to acne,&#8221; Rodney says. Along with impacting hormone levels in general, stress increases cortisol in the body, the aptly dubbed stress hormone. &#8220;It wreaks havoc on the skin in many ways, triggering breakouts through increased oil production being just one of them,&#8221; she says. While it&#8217;s obviously easier said than done, attempting to reduce stress as much as possible during, before, and after menopause is paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Menopausal Acne Treatment Options <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Unlike the topical approach often favored for other types of acne, treating menopausal acne requires an &#8220;inside out&#8221; approach. &#8220;The most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance,&#8221; says Rodney.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Oral Medications <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. It gets right to the root of the issue, an anti-androgen medication that blocks the androgen receptors in the skin, helping to prevent both acne and excess facial hair growth, says Cheung. While it&#8217;s often used to treat adult acne for those in their 20s and 30s, it&#8217;s even a better option in an older patient population, she adds. Spironolactone may cause birth defects in those who are pregnant\u2014that&#8217;s obviously not a concern during menopause.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Oral contraceptive pills can also help with regulating hormone levels, but these should only be used when prescribed by your gynecologist, as there are potential side effects in menopausal people, cautions Rodney. Similarly, it&#8217;s worth pointing out that while hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is often used to treat other issues associated with menopause (such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness), it may actually exacerbate hormonal acne due to the synthetic hormone progestin, she says.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Topicals <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> From a topical standpoint, many of the same tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can play an important role in combatting menopausal acne\u2014but with one important caveat. That major drop in estrogen also affects the dermal matrix of the skin, in short, leaving you with drier, more reactive skin, explains Cheung. What does that mean when it comes to creating an effective anti-acne routine? She says to be wary of another common acne-fighter, salicylic acid, as it can make dry skin even drier. As far as the other topical ingredients go, seek out gentle formulas\u2014ideally ones that use time-released versions of the actives, to help minimize the likelihood of increased dryness and irritation.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs when people assigned female at birth go through menopause. This type of acne can manifest as deep cystic acne or inflamed whiteheads. Luckily, &#8220;The changes that happen with drops in estrogen around the time of menopause are inevitable, but hormonal acne doesn&#8217;t have to be,&#8221; according to Rodney. Oral medications (like birth control and spironolactone), topical treatments, in addition to preventing stress, can reduce the effects of hormonal acne. If you think you are experiencing signs of menopausal acne, speak with a trusted board-certified dermatologist who can better advise you of your treatment options based on your medical history.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Can menopause cause cystic acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>If the balance between testosterone and estrogen levels in the body fluctuates (as they do during menopause), sebum production in the skin can increase. This not only can result in whitehead breakouts but also in deep, under-the-skin cystic acne.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Khunger N, Mehrotra K. Menopausal Acne \u2014 Challenges and Solutions. <em>Int J Womens Health<\/em>. 2019;11:555-567. doi:10.2147\/IJWH.S174292<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-2\">\n<p>Bagatin E, Freitas THP, Rivitti-Machado MC, et al. Adult Female Acne:A Guide to Clinical Practice. <em>An Bras Dermato<\/em>l. 2019;94(1):62-75. doi:10.1590\/abd1806-4841.20198203<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-3\">\n<p>Elsaie ML. Hormonal Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: An Update. <em>Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol<\/em>. 2016;9:241-8. doi:10.2147\/CCID.S114830<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-4\">\n<p>Cleveland Clinic. How to Reduce Cortisol and Turn Down the Dial on Stress. Updated Aug. 27, 2020.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-5\">\n<p>Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. Oral Spironolactone in Post-teenage Female Patients With Acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations for the Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience. <em>J Clin Aesthet Dermatol<\/em>. 2012;5(3):37-50.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Menopausal acne, often featuring deep cysts and whiteheads, occurs during hormonal changes in menopause.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Oral medications like spironolactone effectively target the hormonal imbalance to manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Topical treatments with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can help, but avoid salicylic acid to prevent dryness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopause signals the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. While the process can be transforming and empowering for many, it can also be less than glamorous at times. Hot flashes, mood swings, and constant breakouts are just some of the many symptoms that go along with it. Acne does not discriminate against age\u2014the hormonal changes during menopause can result in acne before, during, and after, too.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The good news? With the right approach and treatment plan, there are ways to help keep menopausal acne in check without derailing your other skincare goals. Ahead, board-certified dermatologists Ife J. Rodney, MD, and Jessie Cheung, MD, explain everything you need to know about what sets menopausal acne apart from other types of breakouts.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"><strong>Keep reading to learn more about menopausal acne and what you can do to clear your skin.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ife J. Rodney, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland.<\/li>\n<li>Jessie Cheung, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Willowbrook, Illinois.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Is Menopausal Acne? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs during, you heard it, menopause. &#8220;Hormonal changes are one of the biggest reasons for acne, and there&#8217;s no bigger time of hormonal change in life than menopause,&#8221; says Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The condition is somewhat of a misnomer, given that menopause occurs in stages, and menopausal acne occurs not just during menopause but also during perimenopause, too. &#8220;Perimenopause is the transition period that leads up to menopause, usually happening two to eight years earlier,&#8221; explains Rodney. &#8220;Since the average age of menopause is 51, it\u2019s not uncommon for [people] in their early 40s to experience menopausal acne.&#8221; Cheung agrees, noting that initial hormonal changes may not be enough to stop your period fully, but they are enough to make your skin (and emotions, for that matter) go haywire, It can then extend even into postmenopause, sometimes well into a person assigned female at birth&#8217;s 50s, adds Rodney.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> What Does Menopausal Acne Look Like? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Like other types of hormonal acne, the defining characteristic is deep, tender bumps or cysts, mainly around the mouth, chin, and jawline, as well as whiteheads. This is in contrast to non-hormonal acne, which can look like blackheads and sebum-filled bumps on oily areas of the face, like the T-zone. Another tell-tale sign that you&#8217;re dealing with menopausal acne? Its location. &#8220;It often manifests along with excess facial hair, especially on the chin and upper lip,&#8221; says Cheung.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Causes and Prevention <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ultimately, the main cause of menopausal acne is hormonal changes, but let&#8217;s unpack that a bit further:\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Decreased estrogen: <\/strong>Levels of estrogen, the sex hormone responsible for maintaining the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics, plummet rapidly during menopause, throwing off the delicate balance of androgens, most specifically testosterone. &#8220;As estrogen levels fall, the relative increase of testosterone results in oily skin and clogged pores,&#8221; explains Cheung. That spike of testosterone also causes increased facial hair growth and is why this type of acne shows up on the lower face, as it seems that this is where more androgen receptors live, she adds. Estrogen and testosterone are the same key hormones at play when acne pops up at other times, for example, during puberty and early adulthood. But during those periods, it&#8217;s more of a function of either an increase of both or the two fluctuating and not remaining stable rather than this drastic drop in estrogen. It&#8217;s also worth noting that decreased estrogen impacts the skin in other ways as well (but more on that to come). Attempting to level off these hormonal imbalances\u2014as much as possible\u2014is ultimately the best way to both prevent and treat menopausal acne.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stress: <\/strong>As any person who has experienced or is experiencing menopause will quickly tell you, it&#8217;s a stressful time. Unfortunately, this becomes a double-edged sword: &#8220;Stress due to the many other changes happening within the body also contributes to acne,&#8221; Rodney says. Along with impacting hormone levels in general, stress increases cortisol in the body, the aptly dubbed stress hormone. &#8220;It wreaks havoc on the skin in many ways, triggering breakouts through increased oil production being just one of them,&#8221; she says. While it&#8217;s obviously easier said than done, attempting to reduce stress as much as possible during, before, and after menopause is paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Menopausal Acne Treatment Options <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Unlike the topical approach often favored for other types of acne, treating menopausal acne requires an &#8220;inside out&#8221; approach. &#8220;The most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance,&#8221; says Rodney.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Oral Medications <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. It gets right to the root of the issue, an anti-androgen medication that blocks the androgen receptors in the skin, helping to prevent both acne and excess facial hair growth, says Cheung. While it&#8217;s often used to treat adult acne for those in their 20s and 30s, it&#8217;s even a better option in an older patient population, she adds. Spironolactone may cause birth defects in those who are pregnant\u2014that&#8217;s obviously not a concern during menopause.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Oral contraceptive pills can also help with regulating hormone levels, but these should only be used when prescribed by your gynecologist, as there are potential side effects in menopausal people, cautions Rodney. Similarly, it&#8217;s worth pointing out that while hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is often used to treat other issues associated with menopause (such as osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness), it may actually exacerbate hormonal acne due to the synthetic hormone progestin, she says.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Topicals <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> From a topical standpoint, many of the same tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, can play an important role in combatting menopausal acne\u2014but with one important caveat. That major drop in estrogen also affects the dermal matrix of the skin, in short, leaving you with drier, more reactive skin, explains Cheung. What does that mean when it comes to creating an effective anti-acne routine? She says to be wary of another common acne-fighter, salicylic acid, as it can make dry skin even drier. As far as the other topical ingredients go, seek out gentle formulas\u2014ideally ones that use time-released versions of the actives, to help minimize the likelihood of increased dryness and irritation.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Menopausal acne is a type of hormonal acne that occurs when people assigned female at birth go through menopause. This type of acne can manifest as deep cystic acne or inflamed whiteheads. Luckily, &#8220;The changes that happen with drops in estrogen around the time of menopause are inevitable, but hormonal acne doesn&#8217;t have to be,&#8221; according to Rodney. Oral medications (like birth control and spironolactone), topical treatments, in addition to preventing stress, can reduce the effects of hormonal acne. If you think you are experiencing signs of menopausal acne, speak with a trusted board-certified dermatologist who can better advise you of your treatment options based on your medical history.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_36-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">Can menopause cause cystic acne?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>If the balance between testosterone and estrogen levels in the body fluctuates (as they do during menopause), sebum production in the skin can increase. This not only can result in whitehead breakouts but also in deep, under-the-skin cystic acne.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/menopausal-acne-11876695<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Menopausal Acne Happens, And You Have Options\u2014 Find the Best Treatment For You Here According to derms. By Melanie Rud Melanie Rud Melanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1699200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1699183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1699183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1699183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1699183\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1699200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1699183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1699183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1699183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}