In addition to cramps and bloating, many women experience acne breakouts the week before their period.
Period acne is due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, your estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, which can signal your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, clogging your pores and trapping bacteria. These hormones also increase skin sensitivity and inflammation and contribute to stress, which can exacerbate acne.
While there is little you can do to manage your hormone levels during your period, there are several simple ways to control period acne.
Wash Your Face Twice Per Day
You can minimize clogged pores, eliminate bacteria, and control oil production by washing your face morning and evening with a gentle cleanser.
FaceDoctor Rejuvenating Soap is kind to your skin and packed full of nutrients to support skin health. Formulated with Sea Buckthorn, it contains high levels of omega fatty acids and other essential nutrients. It also contains aloe vera and coconut oil to moisturize your skin and keep it soft and hydrated, reducing the overproduction of oil during your period.
Don’t Touch Your Face
Studies suggest that the average person touches their face an astonishing 23 times per hour. Unfortunately, your hands contain bacteria transferred from surfaces like phone screens, doorknobs, and computer keyboards. This bacteria becomes trapped in skin’s oils and causes an infection, producing unsightly pustules, cysts, and whiteheads.
Practice mindfulness and consciously avoid touching your face during your period and wash your hands frequently to eliminate microbial buildup.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Eating enough nutrients can help control your period acne symptoms. Several crucial vitamins and minerals can affect skin health. Zinc influences testosterone levels and has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the appearance of acne breakouts. Vitamin A, C, and E deficiencies can cause acne to worsen.
Evidence suggests that a diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to period acne breakouts. Consuming foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as whole grains, some fruits, and vegetables, can help reduce blood sugar-related hormone fluctuations.
Manage Acne Symptoms with FaceDoctor
Practicing good skin hygiene can help control monthly acne breakouts. FaceDoctor skincare products are designed to be gentle on your skin while packing powerful nutrients to boost your skin’s health. Browse our selection of cleansers, moisturizers, serums for clear skin even when you get a visit from Aunt Flo.
