How The Menstrual Cycle Affects Acne: The Science Behind It
The hormonal changes and fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and increased androgen (testosterone) levels trigger breakouts (1), (2). The average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, and the hormone levels can differ significantly during this period. During the first half of the menstrual cycle (before ovulation), estrogen production is high and peaks a day before ovulation. Ovulation results in the formation of the corpus luteum (a temporary endocrine structure involved in ovulation and early pregnancy), which produces progesterone in the second half (3). However, the progesterone and estrogen levels fall significantly as the bleeding time approaches (later half of the luteal phase). Only the testosterone levels (produced in small amounts by the ovaries) remain constant during the menstrual cycle. This means that before, during, and right after menstruation, the testosterone (one of the androgens) levels are relatively higher than estrogen and progesterone levels. A majority of the women reported acne and flare-ups in the week preceding menstrual bleeding (1). Also, high testosterone levels trigger excess sebum production, which may contribute to acne and flare-ups. Sarah Day, a YouTuber, details her experience with period acne and how it impacted her life. She said, “In year ten, I got my periods, and that’s sort of when things started to change. Once I had my period for around six months, my skin started to break out, and that was not normal for me(i).” Period acne is different from other types of acne. It usually occurs on the lower half of the face – on the cheeks and the jawline. Here are a few symptoms to look for.
Common Premenstrual Acne Symptoms
Period acne may appear like red and inflamed bumps (papules). They are tender to touch and may be painful. However, they rarely develop into pustules (pus-filled papules). If you have existing acne, you may notice flare-ups and increase in inflammation and redness. You can consult a doctor and use the following remedies.
Treating Period Acne: Topical And Oral Remedies
The doctor may also prescribe oral medications along with topical treatments for minimizing period acne.
Oral Medication For Period Acne
Next up, we have some practical home remedies that you can use to manage period acne.
Home Remedies For Period Acne
1. Turmeric:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to minimize acne lesions (7). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric paste or powder ½ teaspoon of water
Method
2. Cinnamon And Honey
Both cinnamon and honey have antibacterial properties and can minimize acne. (2) You Will Need
2 tablespoons of honey 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
Method
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used in traditional remedies to maintain the skin pH and soothe inflammation. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of ACV 3 tablespoons of water Cotton ball
Method
4. Aloe Vera Gel
The hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of aloe vera aid in reducing acne (8). You Will Need
A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
5. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties that help to remove excessive oil on the skin, unclog pores, and help reduce acne (9). You Will Need
A few drops of witch hazel 1 teaspoon of rose water
Method
6. Aspirin
Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effects may help to reduce swelling and redness caused due to pimples on the skin (10). You Will Need
A few tablets of aspirin (powdered) 1 tablespoon of warm water
Method If acne is your all-time concern and not just a monthly visitor, you might benefit from learning more about how to prevent acne. Start by keeping your skin clean and fast it occasionally to let it breathe and heal. In the section below, we have listed some lifestyle tips that can minimize acne outbursts that occur during your period. Keep reading!
Lifestyle Tips To Minimize Period Acne
1. Follow A Basic Skin Care Routine:
Pay special attention to your skin care routine and practice good skin hygiene. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to keep the dirt and sebum away. Use topical serums containing retinol, niacinamide, and tea tree oil to control and minimize breakouts. Also, avoid touching your face as it can introduce unwanted dirt and bacteria.
2. Stay Hydrate
Drink plenty of water as the spike in testosterone and dip in estrogen can leave your skin dehydrated and oily at the same time. Staying hydrated keeps the skin tissues nourished and healthy.
3. Follow A Healthy Diet
Focus on your food intake. Make sure to eat your greens, limit processed foods, and cut back on sugar and whole dairy products. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking to prevent breakouts and skin damage. What foods get rid of hormonal acne? Eat a diet high in nutrients that promote skin health and hormonal balance to help control hormonal acne. Incorporating the following foods may also improve hormone levels and promote a healthier complexion: • Healthy fats • Green vegetables • Probiotics • Foods rich in zinc • Omega 3 foods • Foods rich in antioxidants How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial? To determine whether the acne is hormonal or bacterial, assess its intensity, whether flare-ups occur during hormonal fluctuations, and whether topical therapies or systemic drugs are required.
This video talks about the origin of period acne, how it develops during periods, and how to effectively treat the condition. Watch now to demystify your ideas about period acne with insights from a doctor, (i). Hormonal Acne + The Pill: Curing My Hormonal Acne Naturallyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmrL4D1QHWU
