Menopause Skin Changes: Acne, Wrinkles, and More

I thought I left acne behind in my high school yearbook—along with shoulder pads, spiral perms and my hopeless crush on he who will not be named. But nOOoo. Menopause had other plans.

One morning, I looked in the mirror and thought: Are those wrinkles AND zits? Together? Yes, my friends, menopause acne had arrived—loud, angry, and ready to set up camp. And it wasn’t a quick visit. This “rager” has been ongoing, unpredictable, and the stuff of psychological warfare.

If you’re in the same boat, you know the drill: finding the right combination to calm it down is trial-and-error. What works for me might send you running to the pharmacy, and vice versa. But after years of testing (and a few tears), I’ve learned a few truths.

Why Acne Shows Up (Again)

It comes down to hormones playing musical chairs. When estrogen dips, testosterone suddenly gets the microphone, stimulating oil glands. Add in slower cell turnover as we age and pores clog faster. Stress hormones like cortisol pile on and—Bam! You’ve got breakouts along your chin and jawline that laugh in the face of drugstore spot treatments.

And let’s be real—this isn’t just skin deep. It messes with your confidence, your patience and even your makeup bag.

Food & Lifestyle: What You Eat Shows Up on Your Face

I used to roll my eyes at people who said “Drink more water.” But hydration really does matter—it keeps cells plump and helps balance oil production.

Other helpful foods:

• Omega-3 alternatives: Of course, salmon is a super Omega-3 source, but I can’t stomach fish. Instead, I turn to walnuts, flaxseed, or chia seeds for that anti-inflammatory boost.

• Antioxidants: Berries, leafy greens, and anything colorful from the produce aisle help fight the stress your skin is under.

• Lower sugar/refined carbs: Blood sugar spikes can trigger more oil. I’ve learned to keep an eye on sweets and processed foods, since they can throw my skin into chaos.

• Dairy: This one is tricky. I’m kind of addicted to milk and dairy products, and while some women swear their skin clears when they cut them out, I’ll admit this one’s hard for me to give up. Balance, not banishment, is my current strategy.

As for tea or coffee? Neither one’s in my daily lineup. Maybe one day I’ll give tea a try, but for now—water is my ride-or-die. And honestly, it’s the simplest skin helper of them all.

A Skincare Regimen That Helps (Most Days)

Everyone’s skin is different, but here’s a routine that’s been helpful:

Morning:

• Gentle cleanser (skip the harsh, foamy ones).

• Vitamin C serum (brightens + collagen booster).

• Lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

• Sunscreen, SPF 30+ (non-negotiable).

Evening:

• Gentle cleanser again.

• Salicylic acid toner (helps unclog pores).

• Retinol or retinoid (boosts cell turnover, fights acne and fine lines).

• Richer moisturizer with ceramides/hyaluronic acid.

As Needed:

• Clay mask once a week.

• Spot treatment with sulfur, salicylic, or low-strength benzoyl peroxide.

I’ll be sharing some of my go-to product picks in a future article—because sometimes it helps to know exactly what’s worth trying without wasting money.

Makeup: The Tricky Cover-Up

Covering acne on menopausal skin is a special kind of challenge. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Powder foundations: Normally a no-go, but Laura Geller’s baked formulas have been a lifesaver for me—light, buildable and they don’t cake in fine lines. Another favorite: Boom sticks for the natural look & quick touch-ups.

• Concealer caution: Liquid concealers can actually highlight a blemish by catching the light and texture. A cream concealer, applied sparingly and tapped in with a fingertip or clean brush, gives better coverage without spotlighting the bump.

• Green-tinted primer: Neutralizes redness before you even add foundation.

Some days, though, the best cover-up is just kindness toward yourself. (And a magnifying mirror put far, far away.)

Taming the Flame

Hot Flash Hack of the Day: Store your moisturizer and jade roller in the fridge. Cold cream calms inflamed breakouts and soothes hot skin during a flash. It feels like a mini spa moment at 2 a.m. when you’re wide awake anyway.

Cooling Down ❄️

Menopause acne is a cruel joke, but it doesn’t get the final say. With diet tweaks, a thoughtful skincare routine, and a sense of humor (plus a pair of tweezers always nearby), we can survive this chapter with grace—and maybe even a glow.

To my fellow midlife warriors: you’re not alone in this “wrinkles + zits” rollercoaster. Grab your water bottle, your gentle cleanser, and your chilled jade roller. We’ll tame this acne beast together.

💙 Until next time, keep taming the flame—and remember: your reflection tells only part of your story.

And THIS is why we love avatars, y'all. Thank gootness—because my real skin story is staying safely offline.