What causes acne during the period?

As if being bloated, crampy, and grumpy wasn't enough, some of us also suffer from period acne. In fact, 65 per cent of individuals say that their acne becomes worse during their period.

Whether you're battling with little breakouts or excruciating chin cysts, here's everything you need to know about managing and treating period-related acne.

It's usually a good idea to know who your opponent is before going into the fight. In the case of period acne, this means being able to distinguish between hormonal breakout and non-hormonal causes. Examining the time is the simplest approach to do so. Acne associated with your period is more likely to flare up in the week leading up to or during your period. Plus, when your period approaches the end or beginning, it tends to clear up or improve.

Do you have acne? During this period, you may find that it grows worse. You may see a pimple or two if you normally have clean skin.

Why does it become worse before your period?

Hormones are the main reason !! Throughout your menstrual cycle, your hormones change. Estrogen and progesterone levels decline just before your menstruation begins. Hormones may also enhance skin problems like irritation and acne-causing bacteria production. Hormonal imbalance in women soon before your period may also be to blame for other fun period symptoms like moodiness, aching breasts, and strange faeces (PMS). PMS is also linked to increased stress, which may aggravate acne.

Period-related acne, unlike other PMS symptoms, does not always go away after your period begins. You may also blame it on your hormones. Testosterone, a male hormone that we all have regardless of our natal sex, has varying effects on humans based on the amounts of other hormones in our systems. Testosterone might cause sebaceous gland sensitivity when your hormone levels vary around the end of your period. More sebum and plugged pores are the end consequence once again.

Seeing any form of a bump near your vaginal region might raise some serious red flags. Before you get too worked up, keep in mind that some women do have vulvar outbreaks prior to their period. Breakouts in this region may be caused by hormones, but there are also other probable period-related reasons. Menstrual pads, for example, may irritate your hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs and folliculitis if they press against your skin. Other period products may induce contact dermatitis, a skin response to anything that comes into contact with the skin. It may be done using scented tampons, pads, and wipes.

How to Get Rid of Deep, Intense Breakouts?

Deep pimples and cysts that occasionally accompany periods may be rather uncomfortable, but there are certain things you can do to alleviate the discomfort. To obtain relief from a painful breakout, try the following:

three or four times a day, use a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to relieve discomfort and aid in the removal of pus
ice or a cold compress To alleviate pain and swelling, do this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
To destroy germs, use benzoyl peroxide.

How to deal with a raging breakout?

Acne caused by your period may be especially difficult to treat. A combination of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may assist speed up the healing process. Here are some alternative options for dealing with breakouts:

Avoid oily sunscreens, cosmetics, oils, and concealers, which might irritate your skin.
Protect your skin from things like tight collars, straps, and helmets that cause friction.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible and use nonoily moisturisers with sunscreen to reduce your UV exposure.
After you've done anything that makes you sweat, wash your face.
Follow the directions on the acne products you're using. If you use too much, your skin can get irritated and dry.

Acne treatments

Acne treatments are available over the counter. The same items that might assist you with a current breakout can also help you avoid a future breakout. Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, may help eliminate dead skin cells and avoid blocked pores in the skin. They also aid in the formation of new skin cells, making your skin seem smoother and clearer.

Salicylic acid products are also a viable alternative. They come in dosages ranging from 0.5 to 5% and are accessible without a prescription. To avoid breakouts, they protect your pores from clogging. Start with lesser strength and work your way up until you've figured out what your skin can withstand.

Diet

There is some evidence that consuming meals with a low glycemic index (GI) may assist with hormonal acne. The GI is a metric that measures how quickly a meal raises blood sugar levels. Acne has been proven to be worsened by high-GI meals. They are as follows:

foods and beverages high in sugar
bread that is white
foods that have been heavily processed

Many of these meals have been related to an increase in inflammation, which is associated with acne. Try to keep your consumption of these items to a minimum if at all possible. You don't have to fully eliminate them, but cutting down on them may help your skin.

Treatments

Are you having additional problems with your cycle, such as irregular periods? PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) might be to blame. PCOS is a hormonal condition that may manifest itself in a variety of ways. If you have acne and one or more of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

Periods that are irregular or missing
face and body hair that is excessive
gaining weight or having trouble decreasing weight
Patches of black skin on the back of your neck and other parts of your body (acanthosis nigricans)
hair thinning and hair loss

Take Away

Zits are common, particularly during menstruation. Your hormones are to blame for this. To get rid of pimples, you should use over-the-counter acne medications and make a few changes to your daily routine. If they don't appear to be enough, speak to your doctor about prescription medication.