Making Changes
You might want to start by choosing a new moisturizer targeted for your age bracket and skin type. Ask the expert at the beauty counter for some samples to try before you buy.
I found night creams designed for women in their 40s were actually far too heavy for my skin, and my spots got worse. And I have to be sparing with serum, as that seems to bring out the blemishes on my skin too. I also find if I don't moisturize regularly my skin feels really dry. I now use an SPF 25 moisturizer with a built-in UV filter, which keeps my skin-tone even as well as appearing to help keep my worst wrinkles at bay (just).
You can even buy moisturizers designed to correct redness in your skin if that's an issue for you along with the acne, as well as ones with optical correctors to give you the appearance of a more even complexion.
Don't feel you have to spend lots of money – a generic supermarket brand costing the same as a bag of apples could be just as effective for you.
I have also switched from "proper" foundation to a moisturizer with a touch of colour for evening wear (or really bad skin days) as I found my poor embattled skin could not cope with my old brand any more. Save the full war-paint routine for big events - your face will thank you.
Look for water and mineral-based products avoiding those which are oil-based, for obvious reasons! And remember what your mum used to say – don't pick at your spots! You will make them worse.
Make sure you don't skimp on your cleansing routine and never go to bed in your make-up! Luckily nowadays you don't have to fiddle with cleanser, toner and moisturizer and cotton balls or tissues. You can buy quick and easy specially-designed facial wipes which do all three jobs in one.
There are medical products which can help - ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about topical, oral or hormone treatments.
Back to Basics
I'm sorry, but the rest of my advice is stuff you almost certainly know already. These things will help you holistically, as well as helping reduce your spots
- Eat well – more high fibre and calcium-rich foods, less fat and carbs. Try supplements too if you wish- Vitamins B and C are good for skin.
- Drink well – Water is good for your skin - keeps you hydrated and actually helps prevent water-retention and bloating.
- Sleep well – Just like back in your teenage days when exam nerves always made your skin break out, stress and tiredness is linked to menopausal acne too.
If all else fails, treat yourself to a good concealer and hold your head up high. After all, you are not a nervous teenager any longer. You are an experienced, mature woman – be proud of that fact!
