The menopause and acne rosacea – how are they linked?

Acne may be an unwelcome side effect of menopause, but as you enter menopause and long into the years after, you may notice another skin issue…

Rosacea is a common skin complaint that tends to affect women aged between 40 and 60. The unsightly red rash and blushing on the face can be difficult to hide. Whilst the stinging and burning sensations that often accompany these visible symptoms also makes rosacea particularly uncomfortable.

In this blog post, we explore rosacea, how it’s linked to menopause, the treatments, and lifestyle changes that could help to get skin health back on track.

What exactly is rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that can affect both women and men in the long term. It can develop on all skin types but is more visible on fair-skinned people, with the nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks the most affected areas.

Rosacea is distinguishable due to its redness, a symptom that is caused by blood vessels over dilating. This redness is often accompanied by bumps and acne-like spots, and can even spread to the eyes and eyelids to cause inflammation as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) details:

“Some people with rosacea have eye symptoms. A few patients with rosacea may develop more serious eye problems, such as painful inflammation involving the front part of the eye (rosacea keratitis) and this may cause blurred vision. It is important that you consult a dermatologist or an optician if you develop symptoms affecting the eyes.”

Affected areas are usually hot to the touch, which can cause rosacea sufferers to experience burning or stinging sensations when applying products or water to the skin.

What causes rosacea?

Whilst the symptoms are obvious, the reasons behind the development of rosacea are not. The skin condition is shrouded in mystery. But from the research that has been conducted amongst sufferers, poor gut health, stress, illness, impaired immunity, and nutrient deficiencies have all been found to be triggers.

Rosacea has also been found to run in families, although a clear genetic link is yet to be established.

Alcohol consumption, intense exercise, exposure to high or low temperatures, hot baths, drinking hot beverages, and eating spicy foods are other factors that have been attributed to worsening rosacea symptoms.

You can find out more about rosacea and its causes here.

How are rosacea and menopause connected?

With hot flashes particularly common, the symptoms of rosacea can easily be triggered before and during menopause. Hormonal changes can make the skin more sensitive to conditions like rosacea, which explains the influx of rosacea sufferers during those years from peri- to post-menopause.

During menopause, the skin’s barrier can become particularly vulnerable to irritation. Whilst the stress and anxiety that accompanies the transition also won’t help to safeguard your skin against rosacea.

What treatments are available for rosacea?

There are various ways that you can step up your skincare routine to minimise the symptoms of rosacea.

Our organic face serum and organic hydrating face mask are both saviours for menopausal skin, including complexions with rosacea. Thanks to their inflammation-reducing, gentle formulas, you can take care of your sensitive skin, and fortify the barrier to protect against flare-ups.

Our Age-Defying Facial bundle provides all you need to nourish, protect and restore menopausal skin. In just three steps, you can pave the way for healthier, more radiant skin whilst reducing sensitivity and soothing rosacea symptoms.

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