Photo of Akhona Ndlela

Here’s how your period cycle affects your skin

We should really listen to how our body responds to everything.

For instance, there are different ways that women know that they will get their period soon. Some wing it, others count 28 days, while some wait for a pimple that rocks up out of nowhere.

According to the health-focused publication Healthline, “Menstruation-related breakouts are fairly common.”

It is mentioned by the above health hub that pre-period breakouts can occur anywhere on the face, back, or other parts of the body, although they typically start on the chin and jawline. The natural hormonal fluctuations linked to the female reproductive cycle are the source of the acne.

Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology states that during the ovulation phase, you develop a so-called “glow” but it is actually just increased blood flow to the skin that causes it.

According to the above expert in dermatology this “glow” is rather shortlived because during the luteal phase, “You have increased skin sensitivity, acne flare-ups due to rising progesterone levels, and premenstrual symptoms such as bloating.”

Whitney Bowe, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty advises women to pay attention to thier skin’s needs and to listen to it.

She further provides a few tips to combat these unfortunate inevitable breakouts:

  • One option would be to have more retinoid nights in advance if you notice that your acne worsens around the time of your period.
  • An additional recovery night could be an excellent choice for dryness in order to protect the skin barrier.
  • You can apply a salicylic acid cleanser or leave-on treatment to oily skin to stop acne flare-ups.

Also see: Can you have period pains on your feet?

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