Perimenopause Acne: Why You're Breaking Out in Your 40s
Perimenopause acne happens because as estrogen falls, androgens become relatively higher, stimulating oil production and clogged pores. Breakouts often cluster on the jaw and chin. Retinoids, salicylic acid, and sometimes hormonal treatment help.
Treating perimenopause acne
Adult acne needs different strategies than teenage breakouts.
- Retinoids to speed cell turnover and prevent clogging.
- Salicylic acid and niacinamide to manage oil.
- Hormonal treatment (HRT, spironolactone) for stubborn cases.
- Be gentle—perimenopause skin is also drier and more sensitive.
Get a skincare routine built around your cycle
PhaseBloom maps your breakouts to where you are in your cycle and builds an AM and PM routine that changes as your hormones do, so you treat skin before it flares.
Get a skincare routine built around your cycle
PhaseBloom maps your breakouts to where you are in your cycle and builds an AM and PM routine that changes as your hormones do, so you treat skin before it flares.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I getting acne in my 40s?
Falling estrogen shifts the estrogen-to-androgen ratio, making androgens relatively higher. This stimulates oil production and causes hormonal acne, especially on the jaw and chin.
Can HRT help perimenopause acne?
For some women, yes. Hormone therapy can rebalance estrogen and androgens. Spironolactone is another option that blocks androgen effects on skin.