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Irish Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Perimenopausal and menopausal skin: How to tackle the most common problems
The dawn of my 40s has brought plenty of welcome changes, but along with the good, there have been a few unpleasant surprises, many of them showing up on my skin. My once occasional hormonal breakouts are, annoyingly, more frequent. Stubborn spots, often deep, painful ones, congregate around my chin and jawline, immune to my usual quick fixes, and my skin feels more prone to dullness than ever before. What is going on? I asked Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic to break down exactly what's happening to our skin during perimenopause and menopause – from dryness and dullness to breakouts and pigmentation changes – and what we can do about it. Why does it feel like our skin changes overnight during perimenopause and menopause? Because in many ways, it does. Hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in oestrogen, impact multiple systems at once, and skin is often the first place women see those changes. It's not your imagination – what used to work suddenly doesn't, and skin can go from stable to reactive, dull, dry or breakout-prone seemingly overnight. What is happening in the skin? Oestrogen plays a huge role in skin health. It regulates collagen production, moisture retention, wound healing and skin thickness. As oestrogen declines, so does the skin's ability to stay firm, hydrated and resilient. Cell turnover slows down, skin barrier function weakens and inflammation becomes more likely. Everything becomes just a bit more delicate. READ MORE What about collagen loss – does it speed up? Yes. The numbers are stark. Women lose about 30 per cent of their collagen in the first five years after menopause. After that, collagen continues to decline at roughly 2 per cent per year. This loss is one of the main reasons for accelerated signs of ageing, such as sagging, fine lines and thinner, less elastic skin. Eavanna Breen, aesthetician and clinical director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic What does that look like in the mirror? In clinic, the two most common concerns I hear are: 'My face looks like it's dropping' – a result of volume loss and skin laxity, and 'My skin looks dull and dry, no matter what I use' – due to impaired barrier function and reduced oil production. You mention 'impaired barrier function' – does that mean our skin becomes more sensitive? Absolutely. As oestrogen drops, so does the production of lipids and ceramides, otherwise known as the 'glue' that holds your barrier together. This makes skin more reactive, more prone to redness and less able to bounce back from irritation or environmental stress. What about pigmentary changes – is it common to see patchy, uneven skin? Yes. Melanin production becomes irregular, often leading to age spots, melasma and uneven tone. UV damage from childhood years starts to become more visible as the skin's repair mechanisms slow down. [ Róisín Ingle: It's been 590 days since my last period Opens in new window ] Let's talk about hormonal acne. Why does it happen during perimenopause and menopause – and why does it feel so intense? The drop in oestrogen throws off the balance with androgens like testosterone, which can lead to increased oil production and deeper, cystic breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin. At this stage, the breakouts feel more aggressive because the skin is drier, slower to heal and more reactive. What products are best for managing hormonal acne? Use gentle, non-stripping cleansers such as Skinmade Clean and Care Cleanser (€30 from ). I've personally trialled nearly every recommended cleanser out there and this is by far the best one. Spot treat with ingredients like salicylic acid, sulphur or benzoyl peroxide (in moderation), and avoid over-exfoliating or layering too many actives. Skinmade Clean & Care Oil (€30 from It's also important to pre-treat to reduce occurrence. Focus on supporting the skin barrier year-round. Try to keep hormones as stable as possible with lifestyle factors (managing your sleep, stress and blood sugar), and look at (under guidance from your GP) introducing supplements like zinc, DIM, omega-3s, or evening primrose oil. They can help support hormonal balance and inflammation levels. Are branded 'peri/meno' skincare lines helpful or just fear-based marketing? In many cases, it's more marketing than science. Skin doesn't need an entirely different product range because of your age – it needs supportive ingredients tailored to what your skin is going through. Look for products that respect barrier health, support collagen and calm inflammation, not just ones labelled for 'mature skin'. What do women actually need in their routine during this phase? A very simple and strategic approach. In the morning, a gentle cleanser, an antioxidant serum (like Vitamin C), a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid or peptides), a moisturiser and broad-spectrum, high-factor sunscreen. In the evening, a creamy, milky or oil-based cleanser, a retinoid (if tolerated – or bakuchiol as a gentler alternative), a ceramide-rich moisturiser and a nourishing oil or barrier repair balm as needed. What habits can work against us? During this phase, several habits can unintentionally work against us. One common mistake is over-exfoliating. In an attempt to combat dullness, many turn to acids too frequently, which only increases sensitivity and disrupts the skin barrier. Product hopping is another issue, where the search for quick results leads to constantly switching products instead of giving the skin time to adjust and respond. Neglecting sunscreen is especially problematic, particularly when pigmentation concerns are becoming more noticeable, as unprotected UV exposure can worsen uneven tone. Lastly, and often most damaging, is self-criticism. Being harsh about how your skin is changing instead of responding with understanding and support can undermine both your skin health and your confidence. [ 'There's too much talk about menopause? We're just making up for the last 20 goddamn years when women suffered in silence' Opens in new window ] Do supplements help, and which ones do you recommend? Yes, but think of them as support, not magic. My go-to supplements for skin support during perimenopause and menopause include collagen peptides (high-quality, hydrolysed), Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting), Vitamin D3, zinc (especially for inflammation/acne) and adaptogens (like ashwagandha or rhodiola for stress management). Consult your GP for advice. What in-clinic treatments do you use most for perimenopausal and menopausal skin? Microneedling with skin boosters to stimulate collagen and deeply hydrate, Inmode Lumecca IPL to tackle redness, pigmentation and overall skin clarity. Radiofrequency to lift and firm without downtime, and LED therapy to support healing, inflammation and mood regulation.
Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
8 Things To Get Rid Of Your Warts At Home
Warts are a prime example of a skin condition that's stubborn, bothersome and a possible source of embarrassment for some. We're told by board-certified dermatologist and skin care founder Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose that these potentially painful bumps and clusters are 'extremely common' and spread when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin through microscopic breaks or cuts. 'Common warts can occur on many areas of the body, especially the hands and fingers. Plantar warts typically develop on the soles of the feet and palms and can become painful due to pressure,' she says, adding that flat warts, which are often smoother in appearance, are often found in clusters on the face, legs, or backs of the hands. Given their high contraction rate and potential for reoccurrence (yes, they are contagious), you may be in search of some at-home solutions that can rid your complexion of these bumpy burdens once and for all — and Murphy-Rose says that these treatments certainly do exist. Both Murphy-Rose and another expert we spoke to suggest consulting your dermatologist before doing any of the at-home treatments that we've rounded up here, based on their product recommendations and guidance. A cryotherapy kit Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch at MDCS Dermatology said that cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, is a common in-office wart removal treatment. He suggested this Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away kit, which essentially replicates the process at home and claims to start working in just one treatment. Inside this kit is a pressurized canister with 12 freezing applications, 12 precision-tip applicators, and easy-to-follow instructions. Compatible for both common and plantar warts, many reviewers claim that this treatment is effective and minimally painful. "If you find that these treatments are not working, make sure to visit your dermatologist, although most are harmless, it is always good to make sure," Gratch said. Get it from Amazon for $21.07. A 40% salicylic acid wart-remover stick Board-certified dermatologist and skin care founder Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose said that salicylic acid-based treatments for warts exist over the counter, and we found this convenient, solid stick formula that contains a 40% concentration. Effective for both common and plantar warts, the Wart Stick has a non-greasy and waxy consistency and can be a good option for larger warts that medicated bandages can't cover or that might be too big for freezing treatments. This pain-free and odorless treatment contains up to 35 applications and claims to adhere to the surface of warts to penetrate to the root for a more effective removal. Get it from Amazon for $11.99. A freezing kit with a variety of precision tips Another freezing treatment recommended by Gratch is this advanced wart remover by Skin Clinic, which comes with 12 application tips that are two different sizes, so you can apply the cryogen solution with greater precision and avoid damaging the surrounding skin. The brand claims that this is a medical-grade formula that gets as cold as —67 degrees for effective results. Get it from Amazon for $16.49. A classic roll of Duck Tape for occlusion removal According to Murphy-Rose, occlusion therapy involves covering the wart with duct tape to restrict oxygen and suffocate the wart. It might even be useful to cover the wart with duct tape post-treatment Tape is a classic and trusted duct tape option that promises strong adhesion, a waterproof backing and conforms to uneven surfaces. If you don't already have a roll at home, you can grab one here in a variety of yard lengths. Get it from Amazon for $7.16+. Medicated and waterproof bandages "If you're waiting to see a dermatologist, it's best to keep the area covered with a bandage or medical tape to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other areas or to others," said on that guidance, we selected these Compound W bandages, which come in a discreet sheer material, come pre-medicated with a salicylic acid-based solution so you can treat your warts while you keep them covered. These strips promise to be waterproof and offer some cushion between the wart surface and high-friction areas like the inside of shoes for more comfort. According to the brand, apply the medicated strip to warts every 48 hours until it's gone. Get it from Amazon for $8.15 (also available in two other styles and a multi-pack). Medicated cushioning pads for plantar warts "[Warts] can grow deeper and more painful over time, especially on weight-bearing areas like the feet," said Scholl's treatment patches are specifically formulated and designed for plantar warts, which are common and appear on the soles of the feet, according to Gratch. We chose to include these medicated and adhesive pads because they contain a 40% concentration of salicylic acid and offer a surrounding cushion to make it more comfortable to stand on your them from Amazon for $10.15. Several pairs of fresh socks Murphy-Rose explained that warts contain virus particles that can easily be shed onto socks and shoes. "Wearing clean socks daily and avoiding shared footwear like sandals can also help reduce the risk of spreading," she said. In case you need to replenish your existing stock, this highly rated multi-pack from Amazon contains eight pairs of long-stapled cotton socks that are breathable, feature a no-show and non-slip design and promise to be breathable. Shop them in two sizes and four neutral colors. Get them from Amazon for $16.89. A popular pair of cushioned shower slides "Warts are more easily spread over moist skin, which helps warts to spread onto feet in areas like public showers or around swimming pools," said Murphy-Rose. These popular waterproof cloud slides, which we selected, can be a great option if you frequent gyms, swimming pools or shared shower spaces so you can avoid contracting warts. They have a lightweight, delightfully bouncy and cushioned sole with an anti-skid outer sole to keep you from slipping. You can get these in gender-neutral sizes and 16 colors. Get them from Amazon for $23.99.
