In a study done by PubMed, about 65% of women reported that their acne got worse during periods. As if being moody, bloated and in pain wasn't enough! If you are someone experiencing period acne, we will tell you how you can deal with it. But first, let's try to understand what period acne really is. What is Period Acne? An acne condition that flares up during your periods or the week preceding your periods is generally associated with your menses. It may clear up on its own as soon as the bleeding begins or a week or two after your period gets over. However, some period acne does not subside on its own. At times, it gets difficult to differentiate it from a hormonal breakout. It is because period acne is also a manifestation of hormonal activities. Let’s try to understand how your menstrual cycle affects your acne. Why Does Period Acne Happen?Just before the start of your period, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease in your body. This triggers your sebaceous gland to secrete more sebum (oily lubrication that keeps your skin moisturized). When the levels of sebum increase on your skin, your skin pores start getting clogged with more oils. This results in breakouts. These hormones also increase skin inflammation and cause other period effects, particularly called PMS (pre-menstrual symptoms). Unlike PMS, which goes away as soon as your period starts, your period acne may not clear up after the end of your menstrual cycle. This happens because of testosterone. It is a male sex hormone that is also present in small quantities in the female body. The level of this hormone starts to fluctuate by the end of your periods. Testosterone triggers the sebaceous gland and makes it secrete more sebum, which results in worsening your period acne. Symptoms of Period AcneThis section will tell you how to differentiate your period acne from your regular hormonal one.
Over the Counter Acne Products Start with benzoyl peroxide products in low strength. You can increase its strength gradually by asking a doctor. Glycolic acid is also a great product for acne-prone skin. Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Skin Use a salicylic acid cleanser to get rid of dead skin cells and dirt from the deeper layers of your skin. Use a mild toner to tighten your pores, so acne-causing bacteria cannot enter your skin. Apply a good non-comedogenic moisturizer that does not block your skin pores. Tea tree oil can be used for spot treatment as it has been found effective in killing acne-causing germs. Do not skip on your sunscreen if you are using any of the OTC products for acne treatment since these products increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Prescription Treatments Such doctor-supervised treatments are directed toward managing your hormonal levels to treat your acne from within. The following are some of the prescription treatments that your doctor may suggest for period acne.
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December 2022
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