If you’re going through the menopause transition, you may notice redness, swelling, and pimple-like bumps on your skin. These red, bumpy skin eruptions are called rosacea. It’s not clear what causes rosacea during menopause, but changes in hormones are thought to be involved. On her blog, Well + Good, rosacea patient Melanie LaForce shares how she keeps her skin calm and healthy during her menopause journey.*

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a common skin condition that often causes inflammation, redness, and small acne-looking bumps. Scientists aren’t completely sure why it happens, but an overproduction of inflammation-related proteins, called cytokines and chemokines, may be involved. 

How does menopause cause rosacea?

Menopause does not cause rosacea, per se, but the symptoms that many people experience during this time can certainly make the condition worse.

In the years leading up to menopause, a period known as perimenopause, hormone levels undergo significant fluctuations. These changes in hormones are what can lead to many of the hallmark symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and even anxiety.

Heat and anxiety are common triggers of rosacea, and these menopause-related symptoms can easily cause a flare up.

What may help

There is no cure for rosacea, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition and keep your skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible during menopause.

Start with your skincare routine

Choose skincare products that are gentle on your skin. Board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., says, “using a cleanser that is too harsh or even using a product that is too drying may cause a flare up in rosacea and increase inflammation.” 

LaForce says that, per dermatologist recommendations, she looks for oil-based cleansers containing fatty acids each day to keep her skin hydrated and ward off bacteria and other pollutants that can cause irritation. Cleansers containing azelaic acid can provide additional hydration, and non-comedogenic (anti-pore-clogging) sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage.

Avoid “rough touch”

Many people find abrasive touch, such as getting a vigorous facial or even using makeup brushes, can trigger a rosacea flare-up. When applying makeup or skincare products, be gentle, LaForce says, and clean your hands before touching your face, to help avoid irritation. 

Using a pillowcase made with soft fabrics like bamboo or silk can also help you avoid unnecessary friction. 

Find your triggers

What triggers rosacea will be different for everyone, but there are some common culprits. Many people notice their rosacea gets worse after consuming dairy, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, or caffeine. 

If you need help identifying your triggers, La Force suggests keeping a diary every time you notice a flare-up. Write down your food, drinks, environment, and even stress level. Over time, you may see a pattern start to emerge.

Speak with your doctor about medication

Certain over-the-counter medications may be helpful in managing rosacea. Speak with your doctor about trying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or even antihistamines to keep redness and swelling under control. 

Just because rosacea is common during menopause doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. Speak with your doctor or possibly a dermatologist to find what can help keep your skin calm and healthy during this period of transition.

*LaForce, M. (2022, September 28). I Learned the Hard Way That Menopause Can Cause Rosacea—Here’s Exactly What I Do To Keep My Skin Calm. Well+Good. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.wellandgood.com/menopause-rosacea/

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