How to sort hormonal SKIN

No matter what havoc your hormones are wreaking, we help you tackle your complexion bugbears

- JESS BEECH

There are many unpleasant side effects of the menopause, but the fact that it upsets your skin is less well known. Just when you think you’ve got your skincare perfected, sore, flaking skin and long-forgotten acne flare-ups can be a shock. And as the hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause can last over seven years, it’s not always best to muddle through with your existing routine and hope for the best – it’s time for a shake-up. Get ready to overhaul your skin, whatever the problem…

Tackle breakouts

Menopausal acne is a common concern, triggered by the natural decline in oestrogen levels.

‘When oestrogen levels drop, our ovaries and adrenals will produce more androgen (the male hormone), which is responsible for hormonal acne,’ explains Pam Marshall, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of skincare clinic Mortar & Milk.

The good news is that hormonal acne tends to make itself scarce when you reach the other side of the menopause, but there are plenty of products to help keep it at bay until then. Gone are the astringent washes of our teens – the approach here is more ‘softly, softly’, combining hard-working actives with gentle, fuss-free washes and moisturisers.

WHAT TO TRY

Curél’s Foaming Facial Wash, £12.50, is rich and creamy and leaves skin comfortable, not tight. Follow your cleanser with a night-time dose of Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28. Laced with a potent beta hydroxy acid called salicylic acid, it works on the surface level of your skin as well as deep inside the pores, dissolving dead skin cells to rid skin of bumps and blemishes. For a targeted treatment,