Perimenopause breakouts: why spots appear in your 40s

Many women are surprised to find spots returning in their forties, sometimes for the first time since their teens. Breakouts around the chin and jawline are a common, and frustrating, part of perimenopause.

Why it happens

Through perimenopause, hormone levels rise and fall unevenly. As oestrogen drops, the effect of androgens (hormones such as testosterone) on the skin can become relatively stronger. That can encourage more oil around the lower face, which can lead to clogged pores and spots.

At the same time, skin is often getting drier and more sensitive. So you may have breakouts on the chin and dry, tight patches on the cheeks, all at once.

Why teenage spot treatments can backfire

Strong drying products, scrubs and high-strength acids were made for oily, resilient teenage skin. On midlife skin they can strip the barrier, leaving it red, flaky and more irritated. The aim now is to keep pores clear while keeping skin comfortable.

A gentle routine for breakouts in your 40s

1. Cleanse twice a day, gently. A soft gel cleanser removes oil and make-up without stripping. Refresh uses aloe and blackberry and leaves skin clean, not tight.
2. Balance, don’t punish. Harmony is a lightweight prebiotic jelly serum with hyaluronic acid, made to help skin feel calmer and more balanced.
3. Refine the look of pores. Niacinamide is a well-researched ingredient for the look of pores, uneven tone and shine. New Chapter pairs it with exosomes in a light serum.
4. Keep moisturising. Skipping moisturiser can make skin produce more oil. Choose a light, non-greasy moisturiser and mix your serum into it.
5. Wear SPF every day. Marks left behind by spots darken in the sun and linger longer on midlife skin.

Habits that help

• Change pillowcases often and clean your phone screen.
• Remove make-up every night, however tired you are.
• Don’t pick: it leaves marks that take longer to fade after 40.
• Introduce one new product at a time, so you can see what suits you.

When to speak to your GP

If breakouts are painful, deep, leaving scars or not settling, speak to your GP or a dermatologist. Hormonal changes can be looked at properly, and there are treatments that cosmetics cannot replace.

Read next: Understanding your skin through perimenopause and menopause.