Every month before your periods, you undergo several changes like body cramps, mood swings and anxiety. Some also experience acne and pimples.
You might notice that your skin is clear, and suddenly, a few days before the period, acne starts to appear.
While acne and pimples before the period are quite common, understanding the causes and symptoms would help you take the right action to reduce their occurrence.
This article covers the prime causes, types, and prevention measures to period acne.
Causes of acne before your period
Although the period cycle repeats in an average of 28 days, there is continuous hormonal fluctuation within the body. The hormones that predominantly fluctuate throughout the cycle are oestrogen and progesterone. Meanwhile, the levels of testosterone continue to remain the same.
In the first half of the period cycle, there is a rise in oestrogen levels, and in the second half, progesterone level rises. However, with the period approaching, the levels of both oestrogen and progesterone start to fall.
This implies that with the rise and fall of oestrogen and progesterone in the complete cycle, there is indirect fluctuation in testosterone as well. For example, before and during periods, when the level of oestrogen and progesterone is low, testosterone level is relatively high. This continuous change in hormonal levels leads to different skin changes.
Firstly, the increase in progesterone in the second half of the cycle stimulates the sebaceous glands. The gland secretes sebum (oily, viscous substance), which leads to skin swelling and compressing pores. Also, the increased testosterone level before and during the period promotes sebum secreting.
The increased sebum gives a suitable atmosphere to the cutibacterium acnes bacteria, which causes acne before periods, due to blocked pores with dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. However, the increased sebum also leads to healthy glowing skin for some people. Thus, it’s normal to have acne before periods.
Types of period acne
Pimples of period acne usually break out on the face’s cheeks, chin, jawline, and neck area. The different types of acne women commonly notice during menstruation are:
Blackheads or comedones happen when the clogged pore stays open. They look black due to their exposure to oxygen.
Whiteheads or closed comedones appear when the blocked pores are closed, making the top layer of the skin appear white.
Some other types of bumps due to acne before the period includes:
Papules are small pinkish bumps, mostly on the chin area. These pimples are inflammatory, and they hurt.
Pustules are similar to papules, and they hurt as well. These are red pimples filled with white or yellow pus.
Nodules are big, solid, and painful bumps that develop deep inside the skin.
Cysts are large bumps deep inside the skin and filled with pus.
Prevention tips to avoid acne before periods
Period acne usually appears a week or two before the period or even during the period. Also, it goes off normally with the period. Hence, before you proceed to any type of remedy or treatment, know what type of acne you are dealing with, for the best outcome. Here are some everyday habits that can help you prevent and reduce pimples before the period.
- Avoid touching your face with dirty or unwashed hands. This prevents dirt and bacteria from settling on the face, leading to acne.
- While you work out at a gym, make sure you use your towels and mats. Also, try to clean and then use the common stuff that is touched and used by others.
- Get into a routine to take a shower instantly after working out or exercising, as the excess sweat and oil after the workout allows the bacteria to cause period acne very quickly. Showering immediately after a workout prevents acne and improves your well-being.
- Use gentle skincare products and avoid using chemical-based products as they tend to eliminate moisture from the skin. This leads to the generation of sebum.
- Maintain proper intake of vitamins and minerals in your food. This helps maintain healthy skin and avoid acne.
Suppose your acne has been there for a longer time, and you are suffering from severe pain, dryness, itching or burning. In that case, it’s always better to visit a dermatologist for treatment and medication.