Period Acne: Symptoms, Topical & Oral Remedies, & Prevention

How The Menstrual Cycle Affects Acne: The Science Behind It

The hormonal changes and fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and increased androgen (testosterone) levels trigger breakouts (1), (2).

The average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, and the hormone levels can differ significantly during this period. During the first half of the menstrual cycle (before ovulation), estrogen production is high and peaks a day before ovulation.

Ovulation results in the formation of the corpus luteum (a temporary endocrine structure involved in ovulation and early pregnancy), which produces progesterone in the second half (3). However, the progesterone and estrogen levels fall significantly as the bleeding time approaches (later half of the luteal phase).

Only the testosterone levels (produced in small amounts by the ovaries) remain constant during the menstrual cycle. This means that before, during, and right after menstruation, the testosterone (one of the androgens) levels are relatively higher than estrogen and progesterone levels.

A majority of the women reported acne and flare-ups in the week preceding menstrual bleeding (1). Also, high testosterone levels trigger excess sebum production, which may contribute to acne and flare-ups.

Sarah Day, a YouTuber, details her experience with period acne and how it impacted her life. She said, “In year ten, I got my periods, and that’s sort of when things started to change. Once I had my period for around six months, my skin started to break out, and that was not normal for me(i).”

Period acne is different from other types of acne. It usually occurs on the lower half of the face – on the cheeks and the jawline. Here are a few symptoms to look for.

Common Premenstrual Acne Symptoms

Period acne may appear like red and inflamed bumps (papules). They are tender to touch and may be painful. However, they rarely develop into pustules (pus-filled papules).

If you have existing acne, you may notice flare-ups and increase in inflammation and redness. You can consult a doctor and use the following remedies.

Treating Period Acne: Topical And Oral Remedies

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide has comedolytic effects and can reduce mild to moderate acne when used in concentrations of 2% to 5%. It exfoliates the skin to clear dead skin cells, bacteria, and impurities and minimize acne (4).
2. Salicylic Acid: It is a desmolytic agent that promotes the natural exfoliation process of the skin, helping to break down and clear dirt, dead skin, and bacteria from the pores and minimize acne (5).
3. Retinoids: This vitamin A derivative promotes cell proliferation and removes dead skin cells to minimize acne (5). You can buy OTC products containing retinol. However, for retinoids, you may need a doctor’s prescription.

The doctor may also prescribe oral medications along with topical treatments for minimizing period acne.

Oral Medication For Period Acne

1. Oral Contraceptives: There are different types of oral contraceptives available for treating acne. However, avoid pills that contain androgenic progestins (like levonorgestrel and norgestrel) as they may worsen the acne. Consult a doctor before taking oral contraceptives.
2. Anti-Androgens: Anti-androgen medicines like flutamide, spironolactone, and cyproterone regulate and reduce androgen levels in the body. This can lower excess sebum production and acne (6).

Next up, we have some practical home remedies that you can use to manage period acne.

Home Remedies For Period Acne

1. Turmeric:

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to minimize acne lesions (7).

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric paste or powder
• ½ teaspoon of water

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients to form a paste.
2. Apply it as a spot treatment.
3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash off.

Quick Tip

Combine turmeric with other products like honey, yogurt, or aloe vera to increase its efficacy and lessen staining.

2. Cinnamon And Honey

Both cinnamon and honey have antibacterial properties and can minimize acne. (2)

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients to form a paste.
2. Apply it to the acne lesions as spot treatment.
3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash it off with water.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is used in traditional remedies to maintain the skin pH and soothe inflammation.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ACV
• 3 tablespoons of water
• Cotton ball

Method

1. Mix both ingredients.
2. Apply it with the cotton ball.
3. Leave it overnight or wash it off after 30 minutes.

Pro Tip

Consider applying a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer after using ACV to counter its drying effect and maintain skin hydration.

4. Aloe Vera Gel

The hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of aloe vera aid in reducing acne (8).

You Will Need

• A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

1. Massage the acne lesion with the aloe vera gel.
2. Leave it overnight or wash it after 30 minutes.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and astringent properties that help to remove excessive oil on the skin, unclog pores, and help reduce acne (9).

You Will Need

• A few drops of witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon of rose water

Method

1. Combine rose water and witch hazel well in a bowl.
2. Apply this mixture to the affected area.
3. Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash off with water.

6. Aspirin

Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effects may help to reduce swelling and redness caused due to pimples on the skin (10).

You Will Need

• A few tablets of aspirin (powdered)
• 1 tablespoon of warm water

Method

1. Mix aspirin powder with warm water to make a paste.
2. Apply this mixture directly on the acne.
3. Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse it with warm water.

Taking care of your skin during the periods is equally important to control the breakouts. Here are a few tips to follow.

Lifestyle Tips To Minimize Period Acne

1. Follow A Basic Skin Care Routine:

Pay special attention to your skin care routine and practice good skin hygiene. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to keep the dirt and sebum away. Use topical serums containing retinol, niacinamide, and tea tree oil to control and minimize breakouts. Also, avoid touching your face as it can introduce unwanted dirt and bacteria.

2. Stay Hydrate

Drink plenty of water as the spike in testosterone and dip in estrogen can leave your skin dehydrated and oily at the same time. Staying hydrated keeps the skin tissues nourished and healthy.

3. Follow A Healthy Diet

Focus on your food intake. Make sure to eat your greens, limit processed foods, and cut back on sugar and whole dairy products. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking to prevent breakouts and skin damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods get rid of hormonal acne?

• Healthy fats
• Green vegetables
• Probiotics
• Foods rich in zinc
• Omega 3 foods
• Foods rich in antioxidants

How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial?

To determine whether the acne is hormonal or bacterial, assess its intensity, whether flare-ups occur during hormonal fluctuations, and whether topical therapies or systemic drugs are required.

This video talks about the origin of period acne, how it develops during periods, and how to effectively treat the condition. Watch now to demystify your ideas about period acne with insights from a doctor,

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Dr. Usha KiranFRCOG (UK)

     

Dr. Usha Kiran is a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist with 20 years of experience. She works at the Prime Hospital, Dubai, specializing in level 3 advanced minimal access surgery, high-risk pregnancies, and cosmetic gynecology. She is the first (and currently only) gynecologist performing scarless surgery (VNOTES) in the UAE. She takes a keen interest in women's health issues that span...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru. Her passion for writing and editing and her background in psychology help her create content that...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more