Think about general descriptors, like red, puffy pimples, deep red bumps, or inflamed pores with a pinkish color. These characteristics are usually only applicable to non-melanated skin, making it harder for Black and Brown people to identify skin problems.

As if the hot flashes and mood swings weren’t enough, add “constant breakouts” to the list of menopausal symptoms. The root cause should come as no surprise; it all comes back to good old-fashioned hormonal changes. And these hormonal changes can cause acne not only during menopause but also before and after. In other words, it can be something you’re dealing with for years to come. But the good news (and don’t worry, there is some!) is that, with the right approach and treatment plan, there are ways that you can help keep menopausal acne in check.

Pimples are bad enough—but when they’re painful, it can feel like adding insult to injury. And that’s just one reason nodular acne can suck.

When it comes to acne-fighting ingredients, big names such as salicylic acid, retinol, safflower oil and benzoyl peroxide are the first to come to mind.

Although acne is commonly associated with oily skin, let it be known that dry skin can break out too. And while these breakouts on drier skin are certainly manageable, they can be a little harder to treat acne with because so many standard acne treatments are targeted specifically to oily skin types