One of the most frustrating menstrual side effects, that I feel like we need to talk more about, is hormonal acne. As if the cramping, mood swings, and fatigue weren’t enough, breakouts that show up every month like clockwork, make an already tough time feel even more overwhelming.
Learning how to manage hormonal acne during your period can make a big difference, though.
What is Hormonal Acne?
Hormonal acne is acne triggered by hormonal fluctuations that happen before or during your period. When hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone shift, they can increase oil production, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts.
This type of acne usually:
- Flares up at the same time each month
- Shows up on the lower part of the face, like the jawline and chin
- Includes deeper, more painful pimples that can be harder to treat
- Isn’t your fault and is caused by factors beyond your control
How To Manage Hormonal Acne
Managing hormonal acne doesn’t require fancy routines or expensive products. Here’s how you can care for your skin during your period.
Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine
A regular skincare routine is one of the best defenses against acne, hormonal and otherwise.
Clean your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt without over-drying, and look for acne-friendly products like spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if breakouts are particularly bad.
If nothing seems to work, talk to your dermatologist who will be able to give you more personalized suggestions.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Touching your face can introduce dirt and bacteria that make breakouts worse. I know how tempting it is to pick at pimples, but this can lead to irritation, scarring, or more breakouts.
Hydrate Your Skin and Body
Staying hydrated supports overall skin health and helps your body flush out toxins. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dryness and irritation, which can aggravate breakouts.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
While food isn’t the only cause of hormonal acne, certain foods may make breakouts worse. High-sugar, dairy, and processed foods can sometimes trigger flare-ups.
To support clearer skin, try adding foods like:
- Leafy greens (KALE!!!)
- Antioxidant-rich fruits (like berries)
- Omega-3-rich foods (like salmon or chia seeds)
- Whole grains (like quinoa and brown rice)
Tip: Keeping a food journal can help you track connections between your diet and your skin.
Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup
Makeup lovers don’t need to skip products during a breakout, but it’s best to use non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores. And, of course, you should always remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day to give your skin a chance to breathe.
Taking care of your skin during your period can help manage hormonal acne and make breakouts easier to handle. Be patient with yourself as you find what works best.
