With so many of us women in or approaching that menopausal, or maybe we should call it period-free (sounds much better, don't you think) demographic, a few words on this topic seems good.

Change of life acne is common and often starts a year or two prior to actual cessation of our periods. Acne evolves during our lifetime, and the acne we have 40s-50s is usually concentrated around the jawline, chin, and sometimes the upper neck - a normal pattern for this age. It is less "T-zone." Also, it tends to be deeper, i.e., not surface plugs (comedones), small pustules, or red bumps. Neither is it the big cysts (nodulocystic) that teens have. Instead it is usually deep, small, often tender cysts and sometimes called microcystic acne. And, no surprise, it is related to hormones. Next week I'll give you some strategies and treatment options.

See Dr. Irwin's article Acne In Depth

Some skin care products Dr. Irwin recommends for mature skin with oil and acne.