Hormonal acne is a common struggle for so many girls and women of all ages. Just when you think your skin is behaving, a fresh wave of breakouts explode on your face, right before your period. But why does this happen, and what can you do to prevent it? Annahitah wants to help break this down so you or your loved friend or relative can be helped.
Why Do Period Breakouts Happen?
Your menstrual cycle impacts hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. About a week before your period, progesterone levels drop while testosterone remains steady, leading to:
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Increased oil production: Your sebaceous glands produce more sebum, clogging pores and leading to acne.
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Inflammation: Hormonal shifts cause increased skin sensitivity and redness.
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Bacterial growth: Excess oil creates a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
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Slower healing: Skin takes longer to repair itself, making breakouts more stubborn.
How to Prevent Period Acne
While you can’t completely stop hormonal fluctuations, you can take steps to reduce breakouts and keep your skin clear.
1. Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine
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Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil without over-drying.
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Exfoliate regularly with salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores.
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Hydrate with a lightweight moisturiser to keep your skin balanced. Make sure you don’t use a brand using cheap fillers and bulking agents like mineral oil. Ask Annahitah for any advice on our trusted suppliers.
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Apply spot treatments to target pimples early. At Annahitah, we love non toxic varieties without harsh chemicals but with the best of plant nature botanicals. Did you know for example, tea tree oil has anti pimple popping properties?
2. Balance Your Diet
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Reduce sugar and dairy intake, as they can trigger inflammation.
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Eat omega-3-rich foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts to combat inflammation.
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Stay hydrated to flush out toxins and keep your skin clear.
3. Manage Stress Levels
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High stress leads to increased cortisol production, which can worsen breakouts. Try:
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Meditation or deep breathing exercises
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Regular exercise to regulate hormones
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Prioritizing sleep for skin repair
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
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Hormonal acne can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Using a non-comedogenic SPF prevents dark spots and protects sensitive skin.
Bonus Tip: Stay Comfortable During Your Period
Managing period breakouts is just one part of feeling good during your cycle. Make sure you're comfortable with the very best Period Pants on the market, from Annahitah, designed for leak-proof protection and all-day confidence. Stay fresh, stay stress-free! It may sound silly, but visualise yourself with glowy, dewy clear skin - your brain doesn’t know the difference between what is real and what is imagined!
Bottom Line
Period breakouts may be inevitable, but with the right skincare, diet, and lifestyle habits, you can manage them effectively. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping your skin clear and healthy all month long!
We want you to glow in all your glory, you wonderful soul!
