As it's Rosacea Awareness Month, one group that is often overlooked in discussions about this chronic skin condition is menopausal women. According to the British Skin Foundation, an estimated one in ten people in the UK suffers from rosacea and it most commonly makes an appearance aged of 35 to 50.
If you're nodding along because you know the struggle of dealing with rosacea during menopause, trust me, you're not alone. If you're dealing with facial redness, acne-like breakouts and bumpy skin, then you'll know this is a condition that loves to make its presence known, during the menopausal years (not that we don't have enough to deal with, right?).
But why does it choose this time to rear its head? Well, blame it on the hormonal rollercoaster. As oestrogen levels dip, our skin's equilibrium gets thrown off balance, leaving us more vulnerable to those dreaded flare-ups.
How Does Menopause Play a Role?
Rosacea typically affects the central part of the face, including the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. While the exact cause of rosacea remains elusive, a combination of genetic, environmental and vascular factors is believed to contribute to its development.
During menopause, oestrogen levels decline and this leads to changes in the skin's structure and function. It's also is a time of increased sensitivity for many women, both emotionally and physically. Stress, anxiety, and hormonal changes can all contribute to rosacea symptoms and making it more challenging to manage.
What's Available To Help Rosacea?
While there is no cure for rosacea, various treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. For menopausal women dealing with rosacea, a comprehensive approach that addresses both skincare and lifestyle factors is essential.
Topical Treatments: Topical medications, such as Brimonidine, Ivermectin and Metronidazole, can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with rosacea. These prescribed medications are often applied directly to the affected areas of the skin and can provide significant relief from symptoms. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help control inflammation and prevent flare-ups, and target the underlying bacteria believed to contribute to symptoms.
Skincare Regimen: Establishing a gentle skincare routine tailored to sensitive skin is crucial for managing rosacea during menopause. Avoiding harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and abrasive products can help minimize irritation and reduce the risk of triggering flare-ups. You can read more about a recommended skincare routine in our blog post here.
Lifestyle Modifications: You can benefit from making certain lifestyle changes to help manage their symptoms. Avoiding triggers such as spicy foods, hot beverages, alcohol, and extreme temperatures can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate rosacea symptoms, incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation into daily life can be beneficial for menopausal women dealing with this condition.
And Remember: Sun exposure is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups because it increases skin temperature, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and subsequent flushing. UV rays can directly damage the skin's surface, causing it to become dry and sensitive. To minimise the impact , it's essential to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade when outdoors and wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
If you're struggling with rosacea during menopause, book a consultation with a dermatologist or skincare expert for personalised guidance and support.