{"id":2008,"date":"2017-08-24T07:31:42","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T07:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/?p=2008"},"modified":"2022-03-02T08:48:35","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T08:48:35","slug":"period-pimples-heres-deal-hormonal-acne-breakouts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foreo.com\/mysa\/period-pimples-heres-deal-hormonal-acne-breakouts\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Period Pimples? Here\u2019s How to Deal with Hormonal Acne Breakouts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you find yourself breaking out at the same time every month?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It may be because of your hormone cycle. Yes, while the burst of new hormones that cause your teen breakouts may have subsided, that doesn\u2019t mean that they\u2019re done wreaking havoc on your face. But, it also doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t fight it!<\/p>\n

What is Hormonal Acne?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been tracking your breakouts and notice that they occur at the beginning of week 3 of your cycle (about 2 weeks before your period begins), then congratulations, you\u2019re looking at a case of hormonal acne. During this week in your cycle, the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically if no egg has been fertilized, while you will also experience a slight increase in testosterone.<\/p>\n

While testosterone is thought of as the \u2018male\u2019 sex hormone, it exists in slightly differing amounts in everyone. Amongst other things, this androgen triggers oil production (sebum) in skin and hair follicles \u2013 meaning you might see oilier hair during this week too. This oil provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and thus causes clogged pores, pimples and cystic acne (those somewhat painful bumps just under the skin) \u2013 usually around the chin and jawline.<\/p>\n

And unfortunately, while this bump in testosterone during your 3rd<\/sup> week is likely to start your trouble skin, the effects can continue through your cycle, sometimes right through your period.<\/p>\n

So What Can You Do About It?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

So if the causes of these monthly crops of clogged pores and zits are hormonal, does that mean you\u2019re powerless against them? Not quite! Here are 4 of the best tactics for tackling testosterone\u2019s onslaught.<\/p>\n

1.Stop the Spot Before it Starts<\/h2>\n

The best offense is a good defense, so you need to pay extra special attention to your skincare routine during this week of your cycle.<\/p>\n

Firstly, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The spike in testosterone and dip in estrogen can leave your skin dehydrated \u2013 yes, and oily too; hello, combination skin! \u2013 so make sure you\u2019re drinking your half gallon (2 L) of water a day.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Next, brush up on the correct order to use your skincare products<\/a>. In particular, remember to use a cleanser with salicylic acid the week prior to your period, as this acne-busting ingredient helps to remove excess oil and give your pores a deep clean.<\/p>\n

And, of course, if you can see or feel a pimple starting to form, go ahead and start treating it with your ESPADA<\/a> \u2013 the blue light therapy will combat the bacteria that\u2019s forming.<\/p>\n

2.Adopt an Acne-Fighting Diet<\/h2>\n

PMS can make even the most cross-fit-and-smoothie addicted of us go on a junk food binge, but sticking to healthy foods is the best recipe for clear skin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For a short-hand guide, stick to these basics:<\/p>\n

Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n