Perimenopausal and Menopausal Acne: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Many women are surprised when acne appears during their 40s or 50s. After years of relatively clear skin, developing breakouts during perimenopause or menopause can feel unexpected and frustrating.

However, acne during this stage of life is far more common than many people realise.

Like other forms of adult acne, menopausal acne is usually driven by hormonal changes rather than poor skincare or hygiene. Understanding why it happens is the first step towards managing it successfully.

Why does acne develop during perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause and menopause are accompanied by significant hormonal changes.

As hormone levels naturally fluctuate and rebalance, the skin's oil glands can become more active, increasing the likelihood of blocked pores and inflammation.

This is why many women notice acne developing around the:

Jawline.
Chin.
Neck.

These areas are particularly sensitive to hormonal influences, making them common sites for adult acne throughout midlife.

It is the overall hormonal transition, rather than one specific hormone level, that usually contributes to these changes.

Why is menopausal skin different?

One of the biggest challenges during perimenopause and menopause is that the skin is changing in more ways than one.

While acne may develop, the skin also commonly becomes:

Drier.
Thinner.
More sensitive.
Less resilient.

This combination means that products designed for oily teenage skin can often make mature skin feel irritated, dry or inflamed.

Protecting the skin barrier becomes just as important as treating the acne itself.

How is menopausal acne different from teenage acne?

Teenage acne typically affects the forehead, nose and upper face where oil production is highest during puberty.

Menopausal acne is more likely to:

Affect the jawline and chin.
Consist of deeper inflammatory spots.
Occur alongside dry or sensitive skin.
Persist for longer periods.

Because mature skin behaves differently, treatment plans often need to be adjusted accordingly.

What skincare routine works best?

A gentle, consistent skincare routine is usually the best starting point.

Many women benefit from:

A gentle cleanser.
A moisturiser that supports the skin barrier.
Daily broad-spectrum sun protection.
Avoiding harsh scrubs and aggressive products.

Healthy skin is better able to tolerate appropriate acne treatments when the skin barrier is maintained.

When should I seek assessment?

If acne is persistent, becoming more severe or affecting your confidence, it is worth seeking professional assessment.

An assessment can help determine whether your acne is primarily related to hormonal changes, whether another condition should be considered, and what approach is most appropriate for mature skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting acne during menopause?

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect the skin's oil glands, increasing the likelihood of acne, particularly around the jawline and chin.