Period tracker apps have nothing on those timely skin breakouts right before your period.
On top of being annoying, they take a hit on your confidence and are painful. Don’t worry! We're here to share some tips on how to better your skincare routine to manage these skin breakouts.
But before we do, let's answer a few questions:
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Why does period acne pop up?
Hormonal shifts before your period can increase oil production, clog pores, and trigger breakouts due to rising testosterone levels and skin inflammation.
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Where does period acne pop up?
Skin breakouts usually show up on cheeks, chin, jawline and neck. Sadly, this doesn’t mean that other areas of the body are exempt from period acne. It can also show up on your forehead, back, shoulders, vagina and butt.
To create an effective skincare routine for period pimples and achieve blemish-free, glowing skin you have to keep in mind that these pimples can range from pus filled ones to deeper cystic ones underneath the skin.
Regardless of what it is, there are a few steps to add to your skincare routine especially for pimples-
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1. Wash your hands, and your face!
Your period will throw a lot of imbalances your way. Try not to do the same with that excess oil!
- Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-soap cleanser to ensure you aren’t stripping your skin of all its oil.
- A gentle cleanser helps prevent dryness and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
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2. Gentle exfoliation, glowing results
Exfoliation is key to ensuring dead skin cells don’t accumulate in any nooks and crannies and become stubborn whiteheads or blackheads.
- Glycolic acid pads work wonders by shedding dead skin, calming inflammation, and encouraging fresh skin cells to regenerate.
- Salicylic acid is excellent for hormonal acne as it penetrates deep into pores, unclogs them, and tackles acne while reducing inflammation.
- Make sure to use these in moderation, as overuse can lead to skin irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity. Start slow and gradually increase the usage (hello, sensitive and dry skin, I’m looking at you).
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3. Eliminate the enemy
Well, bacteria is the enemy here.
- Tea tree oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great ally for mild to moderate acne.
- Always use it with a carrier–mix a few drops in with your moisturiser or coconut oil.
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Try using pimple patches. They’re “stickers” you can apply to the pimple to eliminate any further skin breakouts caused by accidentally nicking them. They act as a shield for pus-filled pimples but don’t help much with cystic acne.
Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties makes it great for period acne
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4. Hydrate in and out
Excess oil doesn’t mean that you negate moisturisers.
- Lightweight moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into your skin without clogging pores, can help restore balance to your skin and reduce irritation.
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5. Temperature control
One of the best things you can do for your inflamed skin is to assist it based on your concerns.
- To ease discomfort caused by skin breakouts and assist with draining pus, apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times throughout the day.
- For pain and swelling relief, use a cold compress or ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Glow Through the Flow
Managing acne right before your periods (and period acne generally) doesn't have to be a nightmare! With the right skincare routine, you can tackle everything from pesky pimples to stubborn cystic acne. Cleanse gently, exfoliate, and hydrate! Spot treatments like tea tree oil and salicylic acid, combined with soothing compresses, can work wonders. Remember, consistency is the answer, so stick to your routine! Be kind to your skin, but more importantly, be kind to yourself.
Sources :
Medical News Today -Benefits of glycolic acid for the skin
Healthline-Can Tea Tree Oil Help Get Rid of Acne?
Healthline- The Ultimate Guide to Period-Related Breakouts
Cleveland Clinic-The Breakout Breakdown: Why You Get Acne Around Your Period
