Part 3: An increase in androgens can cause acne.
Your skin changes along with your hormones
In the first two blogs of this series, we looked at estrogen and progesterone and their influence on the skin during (peri-)menopause. But there is another group of hormones that plays an important role: androgens.
Androgens are hormones that we often associate with men, but women also produce these hormones, with testosterone being the most well-known. During (peri-)menopause, the balance between the different sex hormones changes. Estrogen eventually drops sharply, while androgens do not always decrease at the same rate. As a result, their influence on the skin can become relatively stronger.
Androgens can lead to more sebum, impurities, and breakouts
Among other things, androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands and therefore play an important role in sebum production and acne. During perimenopause, you may suddenly suffer from impurities again, a greasier T-zone, or breakouts, for example around the chin and jawline. At the same time, other parts of your face may be dry and sensitive. Skin that is both dry and troubled is therefore not unusual during this life stage.
Change in hair growth
Androgens also play a role in the hair follicles. Due to the new hormonal balance, more visible hair growth can occur on the chin or upper lip, for example, while the hair on the scalp can become thinner. Genetic predisposition, age, and the sensitivity of hair follicles to hormones partly determine how much you notice this. Hormones do not tell the whole story, but they do help explain why skin and hair can suddenly react differently during menopause.
Do not scrub harshly
If you suddenly get breakouts, you might be tempted to cleanse your skin extra thoroughly or exfoliate strongly. But especially during (peri-)menopause, that can be counterproductive. Due to the other hormonal changes, the skin may have become drier and more sensitive at the same time. Skin with impurities does not need to be over-stripped of oils. The goal is to care for the skin and keep sebum and impurities in balance, without unnecessarily burdening the natural skin barrier .
Choose mild products.
Even with troubled skin, a mild, balanced routine remains the foundation. Cleanse without drying out and opt for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Support the skin barrier with good fats and ceramides and use calming ingredients when your skin is sensitive or red. Niacinamide can help support the skin barrier and regulate sebum. For impurities, mild exfoliation can be used in moderation. And don't forget your SPF30 during the day.
Which Witlof Skincare products are suitable for this?
We have put together a special menopause bundle. The set contains products that fit our mild, natural approach that supports the skin when its needs change.
The set contains a fine basic routine that starts with the Gentle Cleansing Milk and Balancing Toner, followed by the Hydrating Calming Lotion for hydration and soothing. The Regenerating Oil Serum nourishes and protects, while the Rich Facial Cream offers extra care when the skin feels drier or more vulnerable. During the day, you finish with the Tinted Day Cream SPF30 or the Nourishing Day Cream SPF30.
Is your skin temporarily a bit more troubled? Do not immediately start cleansing more harshly or exfoliating, but keep the base mild and give your skin time to come back into balance. Easy does it!
