5 ways to deal with HORMONAL ACNE DURING THE PERIMENOPAUSE

I, like many other women, experience breakouts of hormonal acne at specific points in my cycle. Most of the time, the spots appear around my chin and jawline in the days leading up to my period. However, I've noticed that the kind of hormonal acne I get has changed now that I'm in the perimenopause stage of my life. The spots now look more like cysts; larger, subcutaneously deeper, and significantly more painful; in addition, they now cover my cheeks, hairline, and neck. Additionally, my pores are noticeably larger, which means that there is more room for bacteria to grow and dirt to accumulate, resulting in more spots. It now resembles a never-ending loop.

The hormonal fluctuations and imbalances that occur before menopause have a variety of effects on the skin. Our skin can become drier, more sensitive, and more prone to acne as collagen levels decrease, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and a dull complexion. Even though I don't have a magic wand that can stop aging completely, I can tell you five things that can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels and help you deal with hormonal acne during menopause.

Make Use of the Right Skincare Products

 As we age, our skin changes, and so do our skincare requirements. An item that might have served us well in our 20s and 30s will not really be arriving at our skincare needs as we move into our 40s, 50s, and then some. Therefore, if you have been applying the same products to your skin as you did when you were younger, it is time to toss them out, reevaluate your requirements for skin care, and make an investment in some products that are suitable for treating your skin as it is now.

As part of my 6-minute skincare routine, I've been using FOREO products for a while and have been pleased with the results. From cleansing and moisturizing to salon-standard non-invasive facials and now a device to help clear hormonal acne, they provide solutions for every skincare need. The ESPADATM is a medical device that has been approved by the FDA and has been shown clinically to treat acne-prone skin. This piece of beauty technology works by cleverly combining T-Sonic TM pulsations and laser-focused blue LED light to penetrate the skin and eliminate the harmful bacteria that cause acne.

The ease of use of all FOREO beauty products, but especially the ESPADATM, is something I absolutely adore. If we take the ESPADATM as an illustration, all you need to do is register the device using the FOREO app on your phone. This gets you your warranty and teaches you how to use it, among other things. despite the fact that you don't actually need the app to use the device itself), turn it on, make sure it's charged, and hold the end of the device over the spot you want to target. The device will do the rest. As the T-SonicTM pulsations stimulate microcirculation, you'll hear and feel a slight vibration. However, the device is completely foolproof because it only starts working when you apply it to the skin. The blue light that emanates from the device's end precisely targets the affected area, promoting blood circulation and encouraging new skin growth while also eliminating bacteria, and reducing breakouts.

The ESPADATM BHA+PHA Blemish Solution is another fantastic FOREO product that can be used in conjunction with the ESPADATM device or even on its own as a standalone spot treatment. This concentrated acne gel, one of FOREO's newest offerings, is packed with potent but gentle ingredients to treat and heal acne-prone skin. Recently, I've noticed that my skin becomes significantly drier; I still have the typical oiliness in my t-zone, but my cheeks also have dry patches. Additionally, the fact that previous spot products excessively dry out my blemishes, leaving them crusty and flaky, has always put me off. As a result, I become even more concerned about my skin's condition, which can sometimes lead me to pick at it, which only serves to exacerbate the issue!

On the other hand, ESPADATM Blemish Solution targets unwanted spots while also keeping skin moisturized. Witch hazel, salicylic acid, niacin amide, tea tree oil, pantheon, and Lacto bionic acid all contribute to the following:

1. Unclog pores
2. Gently exfoliate
3. Shrink blemishes
4. Fade imperfections
5. Reduce redness and inflammation
6. Soothe
7. Hydrate
8. Reduces excess sebum
9. Reduce infection
10.  Prevent breakouts

This gel is, therefore, a literal "skin lifesaver" for someone like me who suffers from large, clogged pores and deep, cyst-like spots. I find that applying a small amount of ESPADATM Blemish Solution to each blemish helps calm any anger and alleviates the potential stinging pressure pain. And because it doesn't dry out my skin, I'm less likely to pick at the spot and break it.

I am much more likely to stick with a good skincare routine that is quick and easy to follow. It really isn't a problem to dab some gel on and then supercharge it with the ESPADATM blue LED light acne device for 30 seconds at a time. It gives me the impression that I am taking action and that I am in charge, not my acne.

Acne caused by hormones is unpleasant. You think your acne issues as a teenager are over, but then the menopause hits and it comes back with a vengeance. Acne can make you feel less confident, vulnerable, and unattractive, as well as make you feel exposed and vulnerable. And in all honesty, the stress of dealing with acne is really not something you need to add on top of everything else because of the way your mind plays tricks on you during the per menopause when you have anxiety, low mood, and heightened emotions. ESPADATM Blemish Solution has earned a well-deserved place in my morning skincare routine because treating hormonal acne will help you feel better about yourself.

Eat Skin-Accommodating Food sources

Sound skin begins from the back to the front. What you eat—as well as what you don't! will have an effect on how your skin looks. Before we discuss some of the foods that are good for your skin and should be included in your diet, it might be a good idea to first consider some of the foods that are bad for your skin.

Sugar, caffeine, fizzy drinks, processed foods, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and fast food; The things that are bad for your skin are basically everything that tastes good but you know you shouldn't eat too much of it. I am not suggesting that you eliminate them completely; however, if you are able to do so, you are a stronger woman than I am! However, your skin's health will suffer if you cut back on their consumption.

The initial escalation of your outbreaks is perfectly normal as part of the detoxification process. The skin bears the brunt of the body's need to flush out toxins, but if you start eating a cleaner diet, improving your skincare routine, and following the other tips on this page, you will begin to see the results.

So, what are some of the best foods for the skin?

Healthy fats, complex carbs, lean proteins, whole grains, and nutrients like magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E are all important components of a hormone-balancing diet. These nutrients are abundant in the following foods:

·         Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring. This oversees oil creation, forestalls dryness, diminishes aggravation, and keeps skin hydrated and looking full.

·         Walnuts: Consuming walnuts can help tighten pores, improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and reduce acne. They are also a good source of vitamin B, antioxidants, and selenium.

·         Quinoa is a whole-grain carbohydrate that helps reduce the production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin in excess of which can cause acne. Quinoa is a rich source of vitamin B3.

·         Turkey: This low-fat protein is rich in zinc and vitamin B3, both of which can aid in the treatment of inflammatory acne.

·         Broccoli: In addition to being loaded with zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C, broccoli contains lutein, which aids in protecting the skin from oxidative damage that leads to dryness and wrinkles.

Getting a good night's sleep

Getting a good night's sleep—or not enough of it—is one of the most important aspects of one's lifestyle that can affect hormonal acne. Additionally, sleep deprivation is one of the main signs of menopause, which is unfortunate.

As women attempt to navigate per menopause, they frequently experience insomnia, vivid dreams, disturbed sleep, restless legs, night sweats, and sleep-disordered breathing. As if these symptoms weren't bad enough, the lack of sleep that comes from them also has many other effects on the body, one of which is how our skin looks.

Not getting sufficient rest causes pressure in the body. Cortical, a steroid hormone that controls processes like our metabolism and immune system, is released more automatically when the body is under stress. It's similar to the body's built-in alarm system, which goes off when it's stressed to try to calm it down, which sounds good in theory, right? The issue is that a spike in cortical can prompt irritation and expanded creation of sebum, which then brings about obstructed pores and that's right you got it, skin breaks out.

It's easier said than done to get a good night's sleep, but there are things you can do to make it better:

·         Establish a routine: Try to go to bed at the same time each night to ensure that you wake up at the same time each day.

·         Don't eat too late: If you eat too close to bedtime, the food won't have time to properly digest, so your body will still be working when it should be resting, which is not good for getting a good night's sleep.

·         Exercise: Many aspects of our health benefit from regular exercise, particularly the ability to get a good night's sleep. Just keep in mind that exercising too late in the day could have the opposite effect, leaving you feeling overly energized and unable to fall asleep.

·         Turn off screens. The body's response to melatonin, our sleep hormone, is influenced by the blue light from screens on phones and other devices. At least an hour before going to bed, turn off all screens and try reading or meditating instead.

·         Paint your walls with a lovely, light; calming shade of blue to create a calm sleeping environment because blue is the most calming color. Additionally, take into consideration the room's temperature, any potential sources of background noise, such as a ticking clock, as well as the level of firmness and comfort of your pillow and mattress.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Since water makes up just over half of a woman's body, staying hydrated is good for all aspects of our health. With regards to the presence of our skin, not drinking sufficient water can turn out to be plainly clear.

We become much more susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines, and acne if we don't drink enough water, which helps to maintain our skin's elasticity. The likelihood that your pores will clog decreases with increased hydration, lowering your risk of developing acne. Additionally, water aids in the elimination of toxins, so it effectively purifies us from the inside out. Once more, this diminishes the opportunity for skin break out.

Dryness—on the skin and in other areas as well—as one premenopausal symptom that women may experience. If you've noticed that your skin is getting drier lately, it's a good idea to drink more water because the body has a harder time retaining water as we get older.

It should be our goal to consume 5 to 8 glasses of water daily. The best beverage is water, but there are also squash, coffee, tea, and other beverages. Each contributes to your daily intake.

Ask your GP About HRT

If you follow all of the recommendations above, your skin will likely respond and begin to appear much clearer. However, since your hormone levels are beginning to decline as your body changes during menopause, it stands to reason that increasing these levels would be an effective treatment for hormonal acne. Adult acne and the many other symptoms of menopause can be effectively treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

It is profoundly impossible you will be recommended HRT only to clear up your skin, nonetheless, on the off chance that you are likewise encountering things like hot flushes, night sweats, unpredictable periods, joint agony, loss of moxie, rest issues, vaginal dryness, cerebral pains, temperament changes, or whatever else that isn't 'typical' for you then it merits looking for help from an expert like your GP or menopause trained professional.

HRT, like most things, is not a magic bullet. It may take some time and trial and error to discover the type of HRT that works best for you and the appropriate dosage. The length of time it takes for women to notice the effects of HRT will also vary. Although some people may notice minor changes within a few days, it typically takes at least three months before any significant changes are felt, and even then, it may not completely eliminate the issue. If you decide to use this treatment option, it's critical to talk to a medical professional beforehand and set up regular checkups.

You should start to notice that your skin looks better and that you sleep better when your hormone levels start to balance, which will also help your skin look better.

My journey through menopause is far from over; after all, we are always a work in progress, right? However, one thing I can be certain of is that I am doing everything I can to reduce my outbreaks of hormonal acne, to look good, but most importantly, to feel good in my own skin by following the aforementioned recommendations: changing my skincare to suit my current skin needs, eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and remembering to administer my HRT each day.