Period acne can be truly frustrating especially when you’ve had a streak of great skin days for over a month up until the day of your period. In this article, we will talk about what period acne is, what causes it, and how to prevent period acne in the first place.
Period acne can happen to any female of any age who gets her periods regularly. It is your body’s natural response to the changes it is undergoing during the days leading up to your period. As irritating as it can be, period acne is also a source of depression and anxiety for many girls who face body image issues.
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In this article, we will not only reinforce how common period acne is but also emphasize how it does not diminish your sense of self and shouldn’t be something you should worry about. Keep on reading to learn more:
What is Period Acne?
There are a lot of changes that happen in your body during your menstrual cycle that cause period acne. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall right before your period begins. Your sebaceous glands may release more sebum, an aqueous material that lubricates your skin, as a result of this. Excessive use might lead to breakouts and congested pores. Hormones can also promote the growth of germs that cause acne and increase skin irritation. Increased oil production and flare-ups of acne might result from hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Period-related acne can be lessened by controlling hormone levels with medication or lifestyle modifications.
Menstruating women of all ages can get period acne, especially if they have a history of PCOS or thyroid-related issues. For the uninitiated, PCOS is polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age.
How to Prevent Period Acne?
To prevent period acne you first need to be at peace with your body and accept your skin the way it is. Stressing over how bad your acne is getting will only make things worse. There’s a lot that can be done in the days leading up to your period to prevent period acne. Here are some tips to follow:
Have a Skincare Routine:
Have a basic skincare routine that prioritizes washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a gentle exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and remove any dirt or grime that might have built up. Use a moisturizer on top of that to prevent any excess oil production as oily skin also requires moisturization to prevent acne and hyperpigmentation. If you do not like the feel of a heavy moisturizer, use something water-based like a gell moisturizer.
Avoid High GI Foods:
Foods with a high glycemic index are known to spike blood sugar levels, trigger hormonal imbalance and increase sebum production, especially during periods. It is best you avoid foods that have a high glycaemic index altogether. Baked goods, sweets, fried foods, fast food, packaged foods, and anything that contains preservatives and artificial colors and sweeteners are high on the GI scale and should be avoided not only for acne-free periods but also for a healthy body.
Manage Stress Levels:
No medication, diet, or exercise regimen will work if you are irritated, aggravated, annoyed and constantly stressed. Stress increases cortisol levels in your body which causes the breakdown of muscle, hormonal imbalance, and thus acne. Try to stray away from things, people, and entities that cause you stress and manage your day in a way that isn’t a burden on you.
Use an Over-The-Counter Product:
If you have acne even before your period, it’s advisable you use an over-the-counter product to get rid of it and use it till you get your period to prevent further occurrences. Start with a milder strength, such as 2.5 percent, when applying an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. To keep pores free of dirt and grime, use an over-the-counter salicylic acid product, like a cleanser or cream. Apply a spot treatment with tea tree oil. It has been demonstrated that tea tree oil eliminates bacteria and helps with mild to moderate acne. Acne may be treated with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that is well-known for preventing free radical damage to skin cells. Although more research is required, topical vitamin C solutions may lessen inflammation caused by acne and improve hyperpigmentation.
Conclusion
As seen above, making lifestyle changes and sticking to a regular skincare regimen are two excellent ways on how to prevent period acne. Throughout your menstrual cycle, give careful washing, exfoliation, and hydration first priority. To address hormonal breakouts, think about utilizing products with components like tea tree oil or salicylic acid. Period acne can also be avoided by controlling stress, maintaining hydration, and eating a balanced diet.
What is period acne?
Estrogen and progesterone levels fall right before your period begins. Your sebaceous glands may release more sebum, an aqueous material that lubricates your skin, as a result of this. Excessive use might lead to breakouts and congested pores. Hormones can also promote the growth of germs that cause acne and increase skin irritation. Increased oil production and flare-ups of acne might result from hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Why should I avoid high-GI foods?
Foods with a high glycemic index are known to spike blood sugar levels, trigger hormonal imbalance and increase sebum production, especially during periods. It is best you avoid foods that have a high glycaemic index altogether. Baked goods, sweets, fried foods, fast food, packaged foods, and anything that contains preservatives and artificial colors and sweeteners are high on the GI scale and should be avoided not only for acne-free periods but also for a healthy body.
Does stress cause period acne?
Yes! No medication, diet or exercise regimen will work if you are irritated, aggravated, annoyed and constantly stressed. Stress increases cortisol levels in your body which causes the breakdown of muscle, hormonal imbalance and thus acne. Try to stray away from things, people, and entities that cause you stress and manage your day in a way that isn’t a burden on you.
