As women, we are all destined for menopause. This inevitable stage in life is accompanied by hormonal changes that affect us both physically and emotionally.

Sun exposure, stress, and environmental factors all go into our skin’s appearance, and these signs of aging affect each of us at different rates. Preventative anti-aging measures can be taken, such as always wearing sunscreen, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, using effective skincare products, and having laser treatments

With acne specifically, while environmental factors such as air pollution and stress can lead to breakouts, but the biggest contributor is still a genetic predisposition, said Genevieve Vielbig, a nurse at med spa Just Ageless in New York City.

“All acne is not created equal, and there is no magical cure for individuals with acne,” she said. “Acne is misunderstood by many, especially adult acne. It has been oversimplified by the wellness industry, and often acne is masking a much deeper issue of a hormonal imbalance or genetics.”

What is it? Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin condition that causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. It usually presents on the cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. While Melasma does not cause any physicla symptoms, the concern is the way melasma makes the skin look.

What causes it? Women are far more likely than men to get melasma, It is so common during pregnancy often referred to as the pregnancy mask. Hormones, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can trigger melasma.