Treating hormonal acne during your period

It’s that time of the month again where you’re feeling bloated, in pain and suffering from cramping, but what’s worse than that? Hormonal Acne!

With all these symptoms to deal with along comes a bad breakout on the days leading up to your period, wreaking havoc on your face!

Why does this happen and how do we deal with it? Read on as we explore the causes for hormonal acne and the best ways to deal with it.

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Why do we get hormonal acne?

Your hormone levels tend to fluctuate up and down when you are drawing closer to the day of your period. Usually on the day before you start menstruating, the production of progesterone in your body reduces and the estrogen levels increase. This makes your body produce oil in excess that clogs your pores and causes hormonal breakouts.

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Where does hormonal acne usually appear?

If you have just hit puberty, it's common for acne to appear in the T-Zones of your face including your forehead, chin and nose. Adult acne usually can be seen on the lower parts of the face including the bottom of your cheeks and jawline. Sometimes breakouts can also appear in the form of blackheads, pimples, cysts and whiteheads.

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What can we do about it?

Attention please!

Try to pay more attention to your skincare routine during the week leading up to your period start date. Be sure to use a good cleanser followed by a moisturizer to keep your skin free of germs and bacteria.

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Drink up!

Dehydration leads to dry skin, which can trigger excess oil production resulting in a bad breakout. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water per day!

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Keep it Topical

Treat your breakout with some topical remedies. Creams & gels such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid have anti inflammatory properties that can help lessen symptoms of swelling, itching and redness while reducing your acne. Be sure to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any of these remedies.

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Talk to an expert

Consult a dermatologist. Since everyone has different skin, consulting a skin expert might help you find a solution that works best for you.

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It’s all in the diet

Stick to a wholesome diet that helps fight acne. Eat more vegetables & leafy greens while cutting down on processed food, alcohol, trans fats and sugar.

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Treat it with Tea Tree

Use Tea Tree oil on the affected skin. Tea Tree oil can significantly help to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate acne using its antimicrobial properties that help soothe redness and swelling. If you are trying this oil for the first time, be sure to do a skin patch test on your forearm before applying on to the face.

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Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

Beneficial both to your physical and mental wellbeing, regular exercise can help reduce your chances of hormonal breakouts as it cleanses your pores by pushing excess dirt and bacteria to your skin's surface.

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Dab some Turmeric!

With an abundance of nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric can help reduce swelling and redness.

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Time for Tea

Green Tea not only tastes great, it also helps to reduce inflammation of the skin caused by hormonal acne. Use a warm Green Tea bag and apply on the affected areas to soothe your skin.

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Hey, honey!

Packed with nutrients and antimicrobial properties, honey helps to kill acne causing bacteria. For best results: Gently wash your face with warm water and a cleanser. Let your face dry on its own, without the use of a towel. Once your face is completely dry, use your fingertips to apply some honey to your face. Leave for about 20 minutes and rinse it off.

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Ice, Ice Baby!

Use cold compression to soothe irritated skin and bring down swelling caused by acne. Get some ice, wrap it in a clean cloth or zip lock bag and gently apply it onto the affected areas.

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