Why Do We Break Out Before Our Period? Causes and Ways to Control Hormonal Acne
Breakouts sometimes appear just when you think your skin is improving. Many women, a few days before their period starts, face red and painful pimples on the chin and jawline despite following their skincare routine.
Pimples sometimes appear just when you think your skin is healing. Many women encounter red and painful pimples on the chin and jawline a few days before the start of menstruation, despite following a skin care routine.
According to the selection report and quoted by Enly My Health; These frequent breakouts are often related to the natural changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can increase the skin's production of oil and provide the basis for clogged pores and acne. Knowing these changes will help you predict the possible time of pimples and act to control them sooner.
Why do we boil before period?
Gynecologists explain that premenstrual acne is usually related to hormonal changes, not poor skin hygiene.
In the days close to the start of the period, the level of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and androgens changes. Androgens stimulate the skin's sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, or the skin's natural oil.
If excess oil combines with dead skin cells, it clogs pores. In this condition, bacteria can grow in the closed pores and cause inflammation and pimples.
Also, the reduction of estrogen before menstruation can make the effect of androgens on fat production more visible.
Research shows that hormones, genetics and diet also play a role in acne. For example, eating too many foods with a high glycemic index, including certain sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, may aggravate acne.
Why do pimples appear suddenly?
The pimple you see on your face today may have formed a few days ago before it appeared on the surface of the skin.
Dr. Kieran explains that pimples gradually grow under the skin, and hormonal changes around the time of menstruation can make them more inflamed and prominent.
These pimples usually appear on the chin, jawline, and sometimes the neck; Parts of the face that may be more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal pimples are sometimes seen as deep and painful bumps.
If you find that you break out on certain days almost every month, you can reduce the chances of them getting worse by starting the right care early.
What changes does the skin make during the menstrual cycle?
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect sebum and skin condition. Of course, the exact time of these changes is not the same for all women.
* First to fifth days: the level of hormones is relatively low. The skin may become dry or scaly, and the previous pimples will gradually improve.* Days 6 to 13: As estrogen increases and ovulation approaches, the skin of some women becomes clearer.* Days 14 to 21: After ovulation, progesterone levels increase, and skin oil production may increase and pores gradually become blocked.* Days 22 to 28: With As the next period approaches and hormone levels change, pimples may become more visible.
This timing is approximate and depends on the length of the menstrual cycle and the pattern of hormonal changes of each person. Therefore, pimples may not appear on the exact same day every month.
Can pimples before period be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Occasional premenstrual breakouts are common and do not alone indicate a hormonal disorder. However, severe or persistent acne, especially if accompanied by menstrual changes, warrants investigation.
One of the possible causes of this condition is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); A disorder that can be associated with an increase in androgens and disruption of hormonal balance.
Other symptoms that you should pay attention to are:
* Irregular menstruation or missed periods * Growth of excess hair on the face, chest or abdomen * Thinning of the back of the head * Rapid weight gain, especially in the abdominal area * Development of dark, velvety spots on the skin of the neck or armpits * Pimples that continue throughout the month without decreasing after menstruation.
Some studies show that women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more prone to adult acne. An increase in androgens can alter skin sebum production and exacerbate inflammation.
However, acne alone is not enough to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, and if there are suspicious symptoms, the doctor may order hormone tests and other investigations.
How to control pimples before period?
To control hormonal breakouts, Dr. Kieran recommends having a regular and gentle skin care routine and not waiting for breakouts to become severe.
1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser. Use a cleanser suitable for your skin twice a day. Avoid excessive washing and rubbing the skin, as this can aggravate the inflammation.
2. Use non-comedogenic products. These products are designed to reduce the chance of clogging your pores. Compounds such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can also help control acne if used correctly.
3. Apply sunscreen and don't touch the pimples. Squeezing or popping the pimples can increase the inflammation and make it more likely that the stain will remain. Regularly changing the pillowcase and cleaning the mobile phone screen also helps to maintain hygiene.
4. Record your menstrual cycle and the condition of your skin. For two to three months, write down the time of your period and the days you break out. This helps to identify the recurring pattern of pimples and start appropriate care earlier.
5. Pay attention to sleep and nutrition. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep, managing stress, and having a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and better skin care. It is better to limit excessive consumption of sweet foods and highly processed foods.
If these measures don't work, your dermatologist may recommend prescription creams or hormone treatments, including some birth control pills or androgen-reducing medications. These treatments should only be done under the prescription and supervision of a doctor.
When should you see a doctor?
If pimples are deep and painful, leave scars or dark spots, or do not improve after several months of routine care, it is best to see a dermatologist.
Also, the sudden onset of acne in adulthood is worth investigating, especially if you've never had breakouts before.
If pimples are associated with menstrual irregularity or other symptoms of hormonal disorder, visiting a gynecologist or dermatologist can help identify the cause and choose the right treatment and reduce the risk of remaining pimples.
Premenstrual acne is often the result of natural hormonal changes, but that doesn't mean you have to put up with it.
These pimples can be better controlled by recording the menstrual cycle, following a gentle skin care routine and starting the right treatment on time.
If the pimples are severe or persistent or appear along with irregular periods and other symptoms of hormonal disorders, it is better to see a doctor for a more detailed examination.