Pre-Period Pimples: Why Do You Break Out Before Your Period?

Cramps, bloating, PMS…without a doubt, periods are bad enough without adding blemishes to the mix. But, unfortunately for some of us, cyclical breakouts can occur during that time of the month…almost like clockwork. If you’re one of the many women who finds themselves asking, “Why do I break out before my period?” Read on to learn about the most likely culprit—cough, cough…hormones—and what you can do about the pre-period pimples!

HOW HORMONES AFFECT SKIN

Just like breakouts that can appear during puberty and pregnancy, pre-menstrual breakouts are often due to hormonal changes and fluctuations. Prior to your period you experience an increase in androgens—male sex hormones which are in both males and females—and a decrease in female sex hormones. This fluctuation during your time of the month can lead to acne flare-ups by overstimulating the sebaceous (or oil) glands and—according to the American Academy of Dermatology—“altering the development of skin cells that line the hair follicles in the skin.”

When our hormones are out of whack—even just for a short period of time each month—our sebaceous glands may go into overdrive, which can lead to oily skin, oily hair, and—you guessed it—increased acne. Excess oil on the skin’s surface can congest and clog the pores with dead skin cells and other impurities, which, in turn, causes breakouts. With hormonal acne, these breakouts often appear near the mouth, chin, and jaw line just before before Aunt Flo arrives for her monthly visit.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Cause Breakouts

While perhaps the driving force behind pre-period pimples, hormonal fluctuations don't always work alone. Lifestyle factors can come into play when it comes to breakouts, too! For instance, while it’s important to always keep your hands away from your face, during the weeks leading up to your period—when your skin may be more prone to breakouts—it’s key to be hands off! Our hands can harbor all kinds of pore-clogging, breakout-causing bacteria, so do your best to keep them far way from your complexion and always wash them before starting your skin care routine.

Another hidden cause of breakouts can be your cell phone. Between touching them with our hands all day long, putting them on random surfaces, and allowing our friends to borrow them, our smartphones are breeding grounds for bacteria. Wipe yours down often—and always before making a phone call—to help to reduce your risk.

Do you workout? How soon after breaking a sweat do you hop in the shower? Fact is, if you wait more than 10 minutes after a workout to—at the very least—rinse off the sweat from your face and your body you may experience breakouts everywhere from your otherwise flawless complexion to your chest, shoulders, back, and even your butt! In the weeks before your period, make it even more of an effort to cleanse your skin from head to toe after you exercise since sweat can mix with excess oils, clog your pores, and turn into blemishes.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BREAKOUTS FROM YOUR PERIOD

Now that you know why you break out before your period, it’s time to do something about it. Thankfully, these pre-period breakouts don’t have to be etched into your monthly calendar. By going on the offense and following the right skin care routine, complete with mild cleansers and non-comedogenic moisturizers, you can help stave off those blemishes each month. Also, try looking for topical products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—key acne-fighting ingredients.

Step 1: Cleanse Properly. If you typically experience breakouts before the arrival of your monthly cycle, go on the offense early with a cleanser formulated with salicylic acid and use it twice daily. Gel-based cleansers with salicylic acid are a great option for acne-prone skin, as they can help to purify pores and reduce your chance of developing pimples. The key in keeping breakouts at bay is in removing excess oils and other impurities from the skin’s surface prior to starting your day—here’s to a clean canvas—and before you get ready to hit the hay.

Step 2: Moisturize. Just because you are experiencing extra oil doesn’t give you a pass on hydration. Even oily skin needs moisture, or else you can run the risk of dehydrating your skin—which in turn can cause your oil glands to produce even more sebum than before. If breakouts are an issue, during the weeks leading up to your period reach for lotions that are formulated for blemished-prone skin—typically they will contain salicylic acid. Other great options are water-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, as they tend to be lightweight and offer just enough hydration for oily skin.

Step 3: Spot Treat. Even the most diligent skin care routines are no match for some breakouts, and in these cases you’ll want to use a spot treatment. The best spot treatments help to target acne and unclog pores. Look for ones with acne-fighting ingredients including salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Step 4: Blot. If you notice your skin gets extra oily as the day goes on and you can’t wash your face, reach for blotting papers—some are even formulated with salicylic acid to help you combat breakouts! Blotting papers help to remove excess oil from the skin’s surface and help to get rid of the appearance of shine without ruining your makeup application.

Step 5: Mask. Since clogged pores are a leading cause of acne, you’ll want to make sure your skin’s surface stays clean all month long, but especially leading up to your period. Incorporate a clay-based mask—with kaolin or bentonite clay—into your skin care routine 1-3 times per week to help remove excess oil, dirt, and other impurities from the skin’s surface. What’s more, many clay masks can help to purify pores so you will have less of a chance of developing a zit.

As with all types of acne, avoid the urge to pick and pop, which can cause acne scars. If these tips don’t do the trick, consider making an appointment with your dermatologist to find options that can work best for you.