The Ultimate Guide to Tackle PMS Acne Breakouts
PMS acne, also known as hormonal acne, is a common skin condition that affects women during their menstrual cycle.
It is caused by hormonal fluctuations during this time, leading to increased sebum production and inflammation.
While acne during periods is not a severe medical condition, it can be frustrating and have a negative impact on your self-esteem.
As per Pubmed Central, nearly 65 % of women have reported worsening of acne during their period.
Fortunately, various treatment options are available, including over-the-counter products and prescription medications.
This article will provide the resources and support to help you better understand and manage PMS acne.
Regular acne vs PMS acne
During PMS acne, it is crucial to differentiate a hormonal breakout from a regular one.
The timing is the most obvious indicator of this.
Period-related acne tends to worsen in the week leading up to and during the period itself.
In addition, it usually clears up or improves when your period is gone.
You could develop a few blemishes even if you usually have clear skin.
Blemish types
Blemishes can range from mild to severe. Knowing the differences can help you choose the best acne treatment.
Here are a few of those.
Blackheads
A blackhead happens when a clogged pore stays open and a pimple forms on the skin’s surface.
Whiteheads
These stay below the surface of your skin.
They appear white when a blocked pore closes.
Papules
Here the acne is inflammatory.
Those annoying little pink bumps are pimples and they usually cause pain.
Pustules
Pustules, another form of inflammatory acne, have a red base.
Pus-filled white or yellow heads are common.
Nodules
These develop deep beneath the skin.
They are often big, firm, and painful.
Cysts
The pus in this pimple makes it quite deep.
They hurt and sometimes leave scars.
Why acne comes up before your period
PMS acne comes up before your period due to hormonal imbalance.
During your menstrual cycle, your hormone levels will rise and fall.
Both Estrogen and Progesterone levels decline just before your period begins.
In some cases, this may stimulate the oil-producing sebaceous glands in your skin to produce more lubricating sebum.
Excessive amounts may cause breakouts and blocked pores.
Hormonal changes can exacerbate inflammation of the skin and the development of acne-causing bacteria.
Mood swings, breast tenderness, and unusual bowel movements are symptoms of hormonal changes that occur right before a woman gets her period.
Stress, exacerbated by PMS, may also contribute to acne’s worsening effects.
You may notice pop-ups down there
If you discover a lump in your vaginal region, it is a serious red flag.
Some women get vulvar outbreaks in the days leading up to their period, but you should not freak out.
Hormones aren’t the only thing that can produce spots around your period time.
For example, the friction caused by menstrual pads can irritate hair follicles, resulting in ingrown hairs and Folliculitis.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin has an adverse reaction to something that touches it, and it is not limited to just tampons and pads.
Tampons, pads, and wipes with fragrances can do this.
How to soothe deep, painful breakouts
Some people experience severe discomfort during their periods due to the deep pimples and cysts that might develop.
During a painful breakout, you can find some relief by,
- Using Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria
- Ice or a cold compress for 5-10 minutes to reduce swelling and pain
- A warm compress for 10-15 minutes, three or four times a day, to ease pain and help drain pus
- You can also try out home remedies like tea tree oil and green tea for PMS acne
How to prepare for your next cycle
The persistent nature of period acne is one of the leading causes of irritation.
Here are some strategies you can use throughout your cycle to outwit your hormones.
OTC acne products
You can treat an existing breakout and stop future ones with the same products.
The Mayo Clinic recommends starting with benzoyl peroxide products with lower strength and gradually increasing over a few weeks.
Dead skin cells and clogged pores can be avoided using products containing Alpha hydroxy acids like Glycolic acid and Lactic acid.
They also encourage the production of new skin cells, improving skin texture and clarity.
You can also try products containing Salicylic acid.
They are available over-the-counter in 0.5 to 5 percent strengths.
Salicylic acid prevents oil from building up in your pores, which can lead to outbreaks.
To determine what your skin can tolerate, start with a lesser concentration and gradually increase it.
Diet
Some evidence has revealed that having foods with a low Glycemic Index (GI) may assist with hormonal acne since it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
How quickly a food causes a rise in blood sugar is quantified by its glycemic index (GI).
Acne is aggravated by high-GI meals. Among them are,
- White bread
- Sweets and alcoholic beverages
- Other refined carbohydrates or highly processed foods
Similarly, inflammation, which is involved in acne, has been linked to many of these foods.
Try cutting back on these foods as much as you can.
You don’t have to cut them out entirely, but doing so may help your skin.
Prescription treatments
Talk to your physician about prescription acne treatments if over-the-counter and at-home remedies haven’t helped your PMS acne after three cycles.
They might suggest using anything from the list below.
- Hormonal acne has been proven to respond to birth control tablets.
- Retinoids for treating mild to moderate acne. They have long-term preventative applications.
- Spironolactone and other anti-androgens are helpful as well. As an off-label use, spironolactone has been shown to help treat acne.
When to see your doctor
Do you notice other issues like irregular periods with your cycle? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be the reason.
Several symptoms are associated with PCOS, a common hormonal disorder.
PMS acne accompanied by any of the following should prompt a visit to the doctor.
- Hair loss and thinning
- Missed or irregular periods
- Excess body and facial hair
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Dark patches of skin on the back of your neck and other areas
If you still need a dermatologist, you can look for recommendations.
Conclusion
PMS acne is a common skin condition that affects women during their menstrual cycle.
While it can be frustrating and negatively impact your self-esteem, many treatment options are available.
By better understanding the causes and treatment options for acne during periods, you can take control of your skin health.
You can even feel confident and beautiful during your menstrual cycle and beyond.
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