What Causes Acne During Your Period (How To Get Rid of It)
Unless you have some zit-resistant product or magic, it is almost impossible to escape acne during your periods. These two things are linked inextricably due to hormonal imbalance and changes in the menstrual cycle. It is challenging for most women to determine which of the menstrual phases puts them at threat of zits. They are also unaware of the effective self-care hacks and products for combating this skin condition.
Various hormones control the average menstrual cycle, lasting 28 days. Hormonal levels will always change each day of the cycle. During the first 14 days, the bodily changes are predominantly caused by estrogen. The last half is controlled by progesterone. Premenstrual acne can also occur one or two weeks before menstruation due to changes in the ratio of progesterone and estrogen. It will disappear immediately at the start of the period. However, it has to happen at least two times consecutively. The reduction of these two hormones before menstruation will stimulate acne flare-ups too.
Symptoms of Period Acne
If you aren’t cautious, it is easy to confuse typical and period acne. Pimples that break out during menstruation always appear on the face's lower part in places like the neck, cheeks, jawline, and chin. They are also reddish, inflamed papules that rarely contain pus. Their immediate appearance can lead to frustration. Irrespective of how you feel about these papules, refrain from squeezing them. Attempting to squeeze the pimples will result in more complications and wounds. It will also cause them to last for a longer time.
The alteration of the hormone levels is among the factors responsible for causing acne breakouts. During the entire menstrual cycle, the testosterone level will never change. It will remain at the same level while progesterone and estrogen drop as the period draws near. This insight reveals that testosterone will be at high levels than progesterone and estrogen before and during menstruation.
The progesterone level is always high in the middle of the menstruation cycle. That will stimulate sebum production. When released on the skin, this natural oil will block the pores. When combined with other foreign elements, this will culminate in acne formation. This condition will also become worse at the closing stages of the cycle. That is because testosterone levels are high just before the next period begins.
Acne Lesions are soft pimples under the skin. They appear as yellow or white spots on the surface. These bumps always emerge before menstruation commences in hormone-dependent parts like the neck, chest, and cheeks.
Is Menopausal Acne Hormonal?
Period acne is stimulated by the sex hormone changes linked with the menstrual cycle. When a woman draws near menopause, these hormones will create some radical changes. Menopause refers to the stop of the menstrual cycle. The National Institute of Aging discovered that it could take 7 to 14 years for women to reach menopause. At this time, the estrogen levels will drop, causing mood swings, hot flashes, sleeping difficulties, and skin changes. Although estrogen levels decline, testosterone levels will remain constant. This hormonal imbalance will culminate in the reduction of skin cell regeneration and cause the clogging of pores. That will cause some women to experience their first acne outbreak after several years. The pimples will appear on the back, chest, neck, cheeks, jawline, and chin.
Don't take this situation lightly if you are experiencing severe perimenopause symptoms before reaching the mid-40s. You probably have a health complication that is causing hormonal imbalance. So, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cystic Acne During Menstruation
Cystic acne is a complicated form affecting the back, face, and chest. It is exemplified by multiple inflamed cysts, nodules, and scars appearing as lumps. Acne is a common skin condition in the adolescent and teenage years. However, it is likely to continue to adulthood sometimes and become severe. Recent studies have revealed that premenstrual acne in adults occurs in 44% of women. Apart from the menstrual cycle, other life events like perimenopause and pregnancy are likely to cause cystic acne. That is due to the triggering hormonal changes.
Treating cystic acne is quite challenging. Unlike other forms of acne, it will require an amalgamation of medicines. Taking the right amount of medication will require the assistance of a medical doctor. Hence, avoid further health complications by attempting to treat this condition alone. The cystic acne victims will require additional treatment such as:
- Hormonal Therapy
- Intralesional Steroids
- Oral Antibiotics
- Systematic Steroids
Most doctors always recommend using vitamin A supplements for treating cystic acne. However, don’t take these supplements without the guidance of a medical practitioner. That is because the prescription takes five months and requires the physician to monitor your progress and its effects. Other people also get cystic acne due to their genetics. Such individuals will need a very aggressive vitamin A supplement called isotretinoin. Doctors agree that this is the best medication for resistant cystic acne. This treatment will:
- Kill the bacteria causing acne
- Reduce excess oil
- Unclog blocked pores
- Reduce inflammation
The prescription for isotretinoin will last for 4 to five months. It can result in severe side effects, especially for women. Before taking it, you must undergo a pregnancy test before and while using it. You will also use one type of contraception to hinder pregnancy. Pregnancy prevention is necessary because studies have proven that this treatment is likely to cause congenital disabilities.
The Best Way to Eradicate Period Acne
It is unfortunate we cannot control our hormones' inner workings. However, that doesn’t mean we should tolerate undesirable period acne. It is possible to have some control by tactically adjusting our medication and skin regimens. That is the best way to compensate for the hormonal alterations effectively. Doctors can recommend the use of some oral medications to eradicate acne. However, the best method is to use effective skin care products.
Revitalizing Mist is renowned for its undeniable success in protecting the skin. It is the most effective combatant of period acne and other skin defects. This product contains hypochlorous acid, which is effective in eliminating bacterial and fungal acne. This product offers the following benefits.
- Although HOCL effectively kills bacteria causing acne, it won’t cause side effects or harm to your skin. That is because hypochlorous acid is a natural component of the body’s immune system. You can use it frequently without fear.
- Revitalizing Mist enables women to go through menstruation and menopause without experiencing acne. Although they cannot control their hormonal imbalance, this product doesn’t give bacteria-causing acne a chance to form. When applied to the skin, it kills any virus, fungi, and bacteria. That will make your skin acne-free.
- Revitalizing Mist can open up the pores clogged by sebum due to increased testosterone levels at the end of the cycle. The HOCL in this product effectively removes sebum and other particles and substances blocking the pores.
- This product doesn’t add foreign substances to your skin in an attempt to destroy acne. It only reinforces your skin’s defense by adding HOCL, also produced by the white blood cells. Using more HOCL on the skin will ensure it remains hydrated and free from bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous elements.
Conclusion
The limitations of controlling hormonal imbalance in the body aren’t enough reasons to allow period acne to affect your skin. For every problem, there is an effective solution to it. The use of oral medication prescribed by doctors and effective skincare products like Revitalizing Mist are proven treatment options. They will allow you to go through the menstrual cycle with radiant acne-free skin.