For many, the menstrual cycle comes with an unwelcome guest: period acne. Also known as menstrual acne, this form of hormonal acne shows up like clockwork, often as painful breakouts on the lower face, jawline and neck. These cyclical flare-ups can range from mild blemishes to inflamed acne lesions, making them a recurring frustration.
If you’ve been wondering why this happens and how to manage it, this guide breaks down the causes of period acne and offers effective solutions to treat hormonal acne and minimise breakouts.
What is Period Acne?
Period acne occurs due to the hormonal changes that take place during your menstrual cycle. As oestrogen levels drop and progesterone rises, an increase in free testosterone can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This excess oil, combined with acne-causing bacteria and clogged pores, leads to the formation of acne vulgaris.
These hormonal breakouts typically appear a few days before menstruation and can range from mild acne to severe breakouts, often characterised by cystic acne. Unlike teenage acne, adult acne of this nature tends to be deeper and more persistent.
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What Causes Period Acne?
Period acne is primarily driven by hormonal changes, but other factors can exacerbate the condition:
- Sebaceous Glands Overactivity: Hormones such as androgens stimulate these glands, leading to excess oil production and clogged pores.
- Acne-Causing Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes thrive in oily environments, contributing to inflammation.
- Dead Skin Cells: These accumulate on the skin’s surface and block hair follicles, worsening acne symptoms.
- Stress: Cortisol levels rise under stress, potentially triggering hormonal acne and making acne breakouts worse.
Preventing and Managing Period Acne
Managing period-related acne requires a mix of healthy habits and effective skincare practices. Here are key steps to minimise acne flare-ups:
- Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine: Cleanse your skin daily to remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores.
- Opt for Non-Comedogenic Products: These products won’t block pores, helping to reduce the likelihood of acne lesions.
- Use Skincare with Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid: Both acids work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and help clear congested pores, making it an excellent choice for treating acne.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet: Reducing high-glycemic foods and incorporating nutrient-rich meals can help minimise severe breakouts.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports your skin’s natural detoxification and helps maintain overall skin health.
By combining these practices, you can take proactive steps to manage period acne and keep your skin in balance.
How to Treat Period Acne
Several strategies exist to treat hormonal acne effectively, ranging from topical solutions to oral medications:
Topical Treatments
- Products containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid are highly effective in treating mild acne by reducing inflammation and preventing clogged pores.
- Retinoids promote the turnover of skin cells, helping to treat hormonal acne and acne vulgaris.
Oral Medications
- Oral Contraceptives: Birth control pills can regulate hormones and reduce acne flare-ups by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin, which binds free testosterone.
- Oral Antibiotics: These are prescribed for treating acne when severe breakouts persist, targeting acne-causing bacteria.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Managing stress and improving sleep quality can reduce cortisol levels, minimising acne symptoms.
For those experiencing severe acne, consulting a dermatologist or GP for advanced acne treatments may be necessary.
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Managing period acne requires a combination of targeted skincare and lifestyle adjustments to reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores.
Recommended Skincare Routine for Period Acne
To effectively manage period acne and prevent future breakouts, a well-structured skincare routine is essential. Allmedic’s range of products is designed to target acne symptoms, unclog pores and support skin repair.
Morning Routine
- Cleanse: Start your day with the Allmedic Active Cleanser to remove oil, dirt and impurities.
Evening Routine
- Cleanse: Use the Allmedic Active Cleanser again to wash away debris from the day.
- Hydrate: Use Allmedic Skin Repair to lock in moisture and aid recovery overnight.
Weekly Additions
- Scrub: Use Allmedic Active Exfoliating Scrub once or twice a week for deeper exfoliation, ensuring clogged pores are thoroughly cleared.
In clinic treatments
Salon treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels can significantly aid in acne treatment by exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover. Microdermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, reducing the chances of breakouts and improving skin texture. Chemical peels, on the other hand, use acids to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, effectively treating acne, fading scars, and reducing hyperpigmentation. Both treatments help regulate oil production and stimulate collagen, leading to a clearer, smoother complexion. However, they should be performed by trained professionals and tailored to individual skin needs for optimal results.
When to Seek Professional Help
If period acne becomes persistent or develops into severe acne, it may require professional intervention. Dermatologists or GPs specialising in skin, can offer advanced acne treatments tailored to individual needs, including prescription oral medications or customised topical solutions.
Conclusion
Period acne can be frustrating, but it’s a manageable condition with the right approach. A combination of effective skincare products, healthy habits and targeted acne treatments can help reduce acne flare-ups and restore balance to your skin. Explore Allmedic’s range of solutions to support your journey to clearer skin and minimise period-related acne.
FAQs
What’s the best way to manage acne flare-ups during your period?
Managing period-related acne involves maintaining a consistent skincare routine with non-comedogenic products. Ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic are excellent for exfoliating and clearing clogged pores. Avoid using products with benzoyl peroxide if your skin is sensitive, as it can cause irritation or dryness.
Are period acne and hormonal acne the same thing?
Period acne is a type of hormonal acne triggered by fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle. While all hormonal acne stems from hormonal changes, period acne specifically coincides with premenstrual hormonal shifts.
Can lifestyle changes help reduce period-related acne?
Yes, adopting a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing stress can significantly improve your skin. These changes also complement your chosen acne treatment, whether it’s topical or prescribed.
How can I treat mild period acne effectively?
To treat mild period acne, use gentle cleansers and spot treatments containing salicylic acid. Incorporating a lightweight moisturiser and regular exfoliation can also help prevent flare-ups.