As if being bloated, crampy, and cranky isn’t bad enough, some of us also get period acne. As a matter of fact, 65% of people report a worsening of their acne during their period. Before going into battle, it’s always best to know who your opponent is. In the case of period acne, this means knowing how to differentiate a hormonal breakout from a regular one. Read here about 6 facts about your skin changes during periods by Dermatologist Dr Singh.
The easiest way to do this is to look at the timing. Acne that’s related to your period is more likely to flare up during the week leading up to your period or during your period. Plus, it tends to clear up or improve when your period is ending or over. Already have acne? You might notice that it gets worse during this time. If you tend to have clear skin, you might notice a pimple or two pop up. Don’t you wish you had one place to learn everything about periods? Look no further. Here is a guide for all your period-related doubts. Read these amazing mango benefits for skin during summer.
Why It Flares Up Before Your Period
Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Hormones can also increase skin inflammation and the production of acne-causing bacteria. These hormonal fluctuations just before your period may also be responsible for other fun period things, including moodiness, sore breasts and PMS. PMS is also associated with increased stress, which might also worsen acne. Take this quiz to find out if you have all the right information about periods.
How To Tame An Active Breakout
Period-related acne can be particularly stubborn. You can help speed up the healing process with a mix of over-the-counter (OTC) products. Here’s what to look for and how to build it into your routine:
- Wash your face twice a day using a gentle nonsoap cleanser
- Use glycolic acid pads to remove dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new skin
- Use an OTC benzoyl peroxide spot treatment beginning with a lower strength, like 2.5%
- Use an OTC salicylic acid product, such as a cleanser or cream, to keep pores clear, especially if you use makeup
- Use a tea tree oil spot treatment. Tea tree oil has been shown to kill bacteria and improve mild to moderate acne
Things To Avoid During Periods
- Avoid irritating products, such as greasy sunscreens, cosmetics, oils, and concealers
- Protect your skin from friction from things like tight collars, straps, or helmets
- Limit your exposure to UV rays by staying out of the sun when possible and using non-oily moisturisers with sunscreen
- Sugary food like chocolate, mithai, and cupcakes. But if you want to indulge in healthy sweets, shop for jams and edible cookie doughs from the Red Dot Shop here
- Fatty food like cheese and crackers
- Avoid sodas and carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Salty food like chips, kachori, pakora, and samosa
5 Desi Nuskhe To Treat Period Acne
A large number of adult women suffer from acne and monthly splattering of flare-ups. Pimples and acne are depressing. But just don’t mess with it. Take help from some amazing natural remedies which will cure zits in a jiffy.
1. Aloe Vera And Tomato Juice Face Mask
Aloe vera gel is actually the solution for almost every skincare problem. It is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and can also fight pimple-causing bacteria. Get rid of pesky pimples by using tomato juice and aloe vera for acne. This mask is great for fighting breakouts, reducing acne scars as well as cleansing and toning skin. Watch this video to know more about aloe vera.
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of tomato juice.
- Add 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel and mix well.
- Apply the mask to your face, neck, and chest.
- Leave it on your skin to dry for 15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
2. Rosewater And Multani Mitti Face Pack
If you are dealing with acne-prone skin and have acne scars and pimples, applying a face pack made of Multani mitti and rose water is a great solution. It has been passed down through generations and is the best use of Multani mitti for acne.
Method:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth (Multani mitti) and 6 tablespoons of rosewater (gulabjal) in a bowl.
- Make a consistent paste and apply it to your face. You will feel a cooling effect on your skin. Leave it until the pack dries out completely.
- Pat with water on your face and gently remove the mask.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Ginger Toner
Apple cider vinegar and ginger have numerous benefits for your body as well as your skin. The antioxidants present rejuvenate your skin and makes it healthier. This homemade toner for acne scars will visibly lighten spots and scars on your skin.
Method:
- Cut small pieces of a piece of ginger and let it boil in half a cup of water for about 15 minutes.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes and pour the contents into a spray bottle, while you drain out the pieces of ginger.
- Add 6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your solution.
- Spray this solution all over your face after cleansing it.
4. Honey, Besan And Haldi Mask
Honey is a magic ingredient that is frequently used in skincare masks for that golden glow. However, it is also useful in treating pimples and acne.
Method:
- Prepare a face pack by mixing 2 tablespoons of besan, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder (haldi), ½ tablespoon of honey and ½ tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Apply on your face and keep it on for 15 minutes.
- Cleanse your face well with this mixture to bid farewell to acne.
5. Neem And Rosewater Face Pack
All that is fine but we often swear by that good ol’ tube of neem face pack. Just apply a bit of it on the pimple and see the magic. Neem has antibacterial properties and is the best ingredient to fight sebum and acne-causing bacteria.
Method:
- Take 2 teaspoons of powdered neem leaves, 2 teaspoons of rosewater (gulabjal) and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Blend these together and bring them to a paste-like consistency.
- Apply this paste on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes after gently scrubbing your face with this paste.
- Wash with cold water.
5 Tips To Take Care Of Your Skin During Your Period
You might have noticed that every time before your menstrual cycle you do not have to just fight the mood swings and cramps, but also breakouts and other skin problems. Your skin goes through a bad phase due to hormonal fluctuations, which is why it is important to take extra care of your skin during this time. So, follow these simple tips and take care of your skin. If you have PCOS, then here are 10 must-know facts and treatment options for PCOS acne.
1. Take Care Of Oily Skin
The hormonal imbalance causes excessive sebum production, so if you have oily skin then you have to pay extra attention as the oily texture of skin results in breakouts. Use an anti-acne face wash regularly in your skincare regime to keep the period acne at bay. You can also find some homemade anti-acne remedies to keep your skin clean and clear here.
2. Cleanse Dull Skin
Your skin might turn dull and lifeless during this time, to get back your glowing skin, use a mild skin exfoliator. You can use a readily available facial scrub or one made at home, but make sure that you use the face scrub gently on your face, otherwise, you might risk tearing your skin if you over-exfoliate. Using scrub you can get rid of the excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells. This step will help cleanse your pores and leave your skin glowing. Find here 5 homemade face scrub recipes.
3. Hydrate Your Skin
You need to pay extra attention to keep dryness at bay, because of the dip in estrogen, your skin loses out on the moisture during this time. So your skin might start looking dry and patchy, which will make the fine lines and wrinkles on your skin more prominent. Use an intensively nourishing moisturiser during the day, one that suits your skin type, to keep your skin soft, supple and hydrated. And during the night use a hydrating night cream.
4. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Though you need to sleep for eight hours every day, during this time of the month you need to make sure that you get enough rest and sleep as your body goes through a lot of changes. So, do not compromise on sleep or else it will not just have adverse effects on your mood, but it will also affect your skin. After sleeping for 8 hours your skin will look fresh and well-rested. Here is your go-to guide to deal with period mood swings,
5. Load Up On Healthy Food
You might be tempted to indulge in a lot of junk food during your period, but you have to make it a point to eat healthily. Load up on healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, lentils, soy and milk as there is a dip in your body’s iron level because of constant loss of blood. Working out on periods can also help maintain your mood and health. Here is your guide about working out on your period to relieve cramps.
Menstruation, periods, chums, menses, the scarlet wave, or ‘that time of the month’, has many names. Period gives us women a serious headache, literally and metaphorically. But worry not and follow the skincare routine, eat healthy food and most importantly, don’t believe in myths. Debunk common period myths you simply shouldn’t believe, read here.
