Period Acne: Why It Happens and How to Treat It

As if bloating, cramps, crankiness, mood swings, and fatigue weren’t enough to dread Mother Nature’s monthly visits, we also have to deal with period acne! 

As a matter of fact, 65% of women report a worsening of their acne during their period. These breakouts usually strike about 7-10 days before menstruation begins and then subside as soon as it starts. 

Here’s what you should know about period acne and how to tackle the problem from the inside out. 

Causes of acne before your period

The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days long and hormones fluctuate continuously throughout the cycle. During the first half of the cycle, estrogen level rise, and during the second half, progesterone level rise. As your period approaches, the level of both hormones falls, while your testosterone level stays the same. This means that before and during your period, the level of testosterone is relatively higher than that of estrogen and progesterone. 

In layman’s terms: these hormonal shifts can cause all sorts of changes in the skin. All these hormonal changes can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This increased production of sebum can cause premenstrual acne after pores become clogged with dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. Increased sebum also creates a perfect breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria: Cutibacterium acnes, which causes inflammation and pimples before your period.

How to treat Period Acne – Ingredients to use

• Retinoids: Retinoids are known to have anti-aging benefits, but they are used in anti-acne treatments. According to studies, retinoids can decrease the appearance of acne by up to 70%! Always start with low concentration and see how your skin is adjusting to it, as they are quite strong. 
• Salicylic acid: A type of BHA, Salicylic acid is one of the most popular topical exfoliants when it comes to treating acne. It removes the accumulation of dead skin cells and prevents them from clogging the pores. 

• Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a mild exfoliant that focuses on acne-causing bacteria – P. acnes. According to studies, benzoyl peroxide can effectively reduce P. acnes on our skin. 
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide is both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory and it regulates the production of oil in our skin. It effectively combats acne while remaining gentle on your skin. According to studies, 4% niacinamide can be just as effective as other popular acne treatments while having almost no side effects.

Habits to follow to deal with period acne:

• Do not pop any pimples: Popping pimples is a no no! Popping them can cause scarring and increases the risk of infection.
• Avoid touching your face frequently: Touching your face frequently can transfer dirt and bacteria from your hands directly to your face, thus increasing the further risk of acne flare-ups. 
• Drink up: Keep yourself hydrated as it will improve your skin’s natural moisture level thus preventing it from overproducing sebum when your hormones fluctuate. 
• Use a cold compress: If your acne is inflamed and painful, you can relieve the pain and discomfort by using a cold compress gently. 

• Avoid a highly sugary diet or oily food: Maintain your diet and try to avoid dairy products, and sugary and oily foods as they can worsen acne flare-ups. 
• Wash your face twice a day: Washing your face twice a day is essential for removing oil, dirt, and sweat build-up that clog the pores to promote acne breakouts.  
• Limit your use of makeup: Certain types of makeup can clog your pores to worsen your acne breakouts. However, if you use makeup to cover up acne, try to use those labeled non-comedogenic as they won’t clog your pores.

Summing up

Period complexities are already quite a task, and period acne only worsens them. Follow the above habits and maintain your skincare routine to minimize the risk of acne during ‘that time of the month’.

Take rest, pamper yourself, avoid stress and lead a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

This article is in collaboration with Nancy Gupta!

Author bio: She watches, she reads, she analyzes, she feels, she thinks and she WRITEs! She is creative in everything, she has her own voice and she is always brewing stories in her mind. She might not speak a lot at first, but she sure can write everything she wants people to know, hear, feel, or read.

PS: You can lure her in with Pizza, Coffee, and a lot of Rasgullas! 

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