Something that most women can relate to is that during their menstrual cycle, we have to deal with a mix of moods, crave food, and get irritated by the slightest of matters. Furthermore, we have acne that pops up the moment your period is on its way.
Is there something hidden behind pimples that suddenly pop up during my period? Let's delve further.
Just before your period starts, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones drop. The testosterone hormones, which are always constant, show a higher number as the rest of the female sex hormones tend to fall. This causes more sebum production and clogged pores, leading to a rise in inflammation. This process leads to acne.
Skincare Products That Help Combat Period Acne
Benzoyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl peroxide is especially effective for inflammatory acne, characterized by red bumps containing pus (pustules, papules, cysts, and nodules) rather than whiteheads and blackheads. Benzoyl peroxide treats and prevents acne by killing bacteria beneath the skin and aiding the pores in shedding dead skin cells and excess oil.
Numerous acne treatment products contain benzoyl peroxide. Choosing the best one for your skincare according to your needs and preferences is critical just like choosing between lotions, gels, or facewash having the right concentration.
Choose the concentration based on your skin type. On the safer side, always start with a lower concentration so that even if your skin is sensitive, it won't be affected.
Some people can tolerate benzoyl peroxide products with a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide (up to 10%) on their skin. Others could probably prefer proportion.
The concentration to use is also determined by where the benzoyl peroxide is applied. The face is more sensitive and many people use a lower concentration (around 4%), whereas the chest and back are more resilient and can tolerate a greater concentration.
Salicylic Acid:
Acne is primarily caused by excessive sebum production. Therefore, excessive sebum production in your skin can clog your pores and aggravate acne.
As a skincare treatment, salicylic acid reduces and controls sebum production. Excess sebum production is caused by dehydrated and flaking skin as a way of compensating for a lack of hydration. This happens when you use harsh face washes that remove all the oil and leave the skin extremely dry.
Azelaic Acid:
Azelaic acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to treat skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. It is a chemical exfoliant that works similarly to other highly regarded chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid. It eliminates the top layer of dead skin cells, boosting cell turnover and preventing blocked pores.
It also enhances skin health and decreases the likelihood of acne formation noticeably.
This acid also conceals keratin. Keratin is a protein that is found in the skin, hair, and nails. It protects the skin and is ultimately beneficial; however, when too much keratin is formed, it piles up on the skin and blocks pores, leading to breakouts.
Retinoids:
Much in the same way, topical retinoids help reduce sebum secretion. One needs to take care of the concentration in which they use retinoids, as higher concentrations result in heavy peeling and redness. When you start using retinoids on your skin, you may experience temporary redness or peeling, and your acne may worsen. The period of adjustment, known as retinization, is perfectly normal. While this may appear to be a drawback, it is only temporary until your skin adjusts to it.
The key is to incorporate retinoids into your routine gradually. Begin by using it 2-3 times per week until your skin develops a tolerance. It is best to apply retinoid at night, regardless of the type. Wear sunscreen during the day because your skin will be more sun-sensitive.
Should You Take Care of Your Diet During Your Period?
Although skincare works great during periods, nothing could be as potent as having it function from within.
There is a conflict if chocolate is good or bad during the period. Doctors say that pure dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols that nourish the body during periods of weakness as compared to chocolates that are saturated with sugar and cause acne. Dark chocolates with a cocoa content of at least 65 percent are usually what you're looking for. Sugar prevents all white blood cells from working against bacteria for at least two hours, during which time the bacteria that cause acne on the skin multiply rapidly.
While on your period, significantly reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages. The loss of blood at this time lowers your blood pressure, making you more susceptible to the side effects of alcohol. It also worsens fatigue and increases menstrual flow.
The natural sugars found in melons and figs may satisfy cravings for something sweet. Furthermore, these fruits are high in vitamins that can help with bloating. Watermelon has high water content and can help keep your body and skin hydrated, reducing clogged pores.
We can understand the pain that every woman goes through during her period. Here are some tips from us to have a better period in your next cycle.
References:
- “Food-derived serotonergic modulators: effects on mood and cognition”,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre,
2013 Oct 18,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24134856/
- “Perimenstrual Flare of Adult Acne”,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Dermatology, New York, 2014 Aug 7
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142818/
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“Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha‐hydroxy acid) for acne”,
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2020 May 1,