Menstrual Hygiene Day: Here’s how to get rid of menstrual acne

Each month, Aunt Flo brings a lot with her. Some of the most common or normal physical symptoms of menstruation are cramps, headaches, constipation, back discomfort, sore breasts, and muscular aches. Menstrual acne is also a particularly irritating symptom. Every symptom comes and goes, but acne can linger and leave scars. And we all know how difficult it is to cope with them!

That’s why, Health Shots consulted experts to discover the best way to get rid of period acne. Let’s first look at the link between acne and menstruation.

Causes of menstrual acne

Don’t confuse this with ordinary acne, especially if your period is approaching and you notice 2-3 bums popping up. This is menstrual acne, which most women experience before their period and fades on its own once their period ends.

Acne occurs on the lower half of the face, particularly around the lips and chin, as a result of hormonal imbalances that occur during this time. Hormones play a huge role in the breakouts you get shortly before your monthly cycle, just like they play a big role in acne development during adolescence.

Estrogen is the dominating hormone throughout the first half of the menstrual cycle. However, progesterone levels climb in the second half, becoming the dominant hormone. The accumulation of sebum beneath the skin’s surface is caused by an increase in progesterone levels. Excess sebum can block pores and lead to the growth of bacteria that causes breakouts and discomfort.

Dr. Blossom Kochhar Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, has shared tips that can help prevent menstrual acne.

Tips to prepare the skin before the menstrual cycle to prevent acne

Simple solutions to imbibe to prepare your skin before the menstrual cycle to prevent acne:

1. Make sure you always cleanse your skin after a day out and never leave your pores clogged with dirt.
2. It should be a habit to remove your makeup every time before you hit the bed, let your skin breathe, and give the night for your cells to work on your skin.
3. Follow a good skin care routine in the morning and at night. Don’t forget your day and night creams.
4. Include vitamin C serum in your skin care products list
5. Have a healthy diet, don’t go overboard with fried foods, and keep your sugar levels in check.
6. If you already have a pimple, don’t pop it as it will only worsen the situation.
7. Avoid touching your face, and keep your hair away from your face.

Over the counter products to get rid of menstrual acne

If you are looking at solutions to treat menstrual acne, you really have to take care of your skin, because this acne is caused by internal factors, so both internal and external care is necessary.

• Follow a cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTM) routine twice a day, every day. This is the easiest, yet the most common and least practiced skin care routine.
• Some OTC medications which you can try include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and Spironolactone.
• You can also apply tea tree oil directly to the acne spot twice or thrice a day. This will reduce the size of the acne and will not leave behind any scars.The best thing that you can do is don’t stress about it. This is a monthly ritual over which you have very little control. Rather, visit a good dermatologist who can suggest you a good skin care routine and products.

How to soothe deep, painful breakouts:

Dr Navnit Haror, Founder and Director of Derma Miracle Clinic, also shares some tips to get rid of menstrual acne.

If you already have a painful breakout, try these tips to get relief:

• A warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, three or four times a day to soothe pain and help draw out pus.
• A cold compress or ice for 5 to 10 minutes at a time to relieve pain and swelling.
  Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria.

Here’s what to look for and how to build it into your routine:

• Wash your face twice a day using a gentle non-soapy cleanser.
• Use glycolic acid pads to remove dead skin cells, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of new skin.
• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, beginning with a lower strength, like 2.5 percent.
• Use an OTC salicylic acid product such as a cleanser or cream, to keep pores clear.
• Use a tea tree oil spot treatment.