Do you know what’s worse than a period cramp? When it brings acne with it. Annoyingly, getting acne along with cramps is the worst feeling a female may experience. Besides acne, periods fluctuate hormonal changes in the body, leading to moodiness, headache, extreme abdominal pain, sore breasts, lower back pain, increased appetite, and other PMS-related symptoms. Considering the facts, around 50-80% of women experience acne during their menstrual cycle.
Let’s discuss how you can get rid of period bumps fast, including what period acne is.
What is Period Acne?
When your hormones fluctuate during menstruation, it results in acne breakouts. Before your periods, the progesterone production decreases, but estrogen (female sex hormones) level rises, resulting in excessive oil production in the body. Breakouts are more probable when these sex hormones increase, as they stimulate oil glands in the skin to create sebum.
Why Do Hormones Fluctuate During Menstruation?
Hormonal fluctuations are responsible for the whole menstrual cycle since they cause skin irritation, leading to acne. Testosterone, a male hormone, can activate the sebaceous gland activity while estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. It might make acne problems worse.
Remedies To Avoid Pimples During Periods Naturally
Along with the period pain, acne contributes significantly to the pain. We have penned down a few tips to ease and reduce period acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
It comprises anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, reducing swelling and redness. Benzoyl Peroxide comes in the form of lotion and gels. Looking at its side effects, it can cause dryness, burning, sensitivity, and tingling.
Salicylic Acid
It has anti-inflammatory properties and is known as a peeling agent, removing the top layer of the skin and reducing acne symptoms.
Topical Retinoids
Vitamin A derivatives are common to treat mild to moderate acne, and their anti-inflammatory properties maintain clear skin. Besides, its side effects comprise redness, itching, dryness, and burning.
Oral Medications
Birth Control Pills
Hormonal acne can be treated with some birth control medications.
Anti-Androgens
Medications such as spironolactone, cyproterone, and flutamide help regulate and reduce androgen levels. Importantly, excessive intake of these medicines can result in over oil production, resulting in acne.
Note: Before taking oral medications, consult your dermatologist.
Proven Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Period Pimples
Tea Tree Oil
Since it has antimicrobial properties, it helps reduce acne symptoms such as redness and swelling.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the oldest proven methods used since ages for reducing acne, redness, pain, and swelling. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties to treat all skin issues.
Honey
Honey is used for many ayurvedic skin care treatments and is a therapeutic agent. Because of its micro-bacterial characteristics, it can destroy acne-causing germs in addition to moisturization.
Warm and Cold Compress
Applying a warm compress on your pimple for 10-15 minutes can help drain pus and reduce swelling. Whereas a cold compress will help reduce pain and swelling.
Warm Green Tea Bag
A green tea bag encompasses anti-bacterial properties, effective in reducing swelling and pain.
Does Your Acne Need Medical Assistance?
Most females have irregular periods, which might indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It opens the door for:
- Weight gain or loss
- Hair thinning
- Hair loss
- Dark patches on the back and neck
- Irregular periods
- Excess body and facial hair
But you don’t have to worry; using the right medications, you can control the problem of PCOS. Period problems aren’t so serious. Period-related issues are curable if you follow a healthy skincare routine and a healthy diet, reducing mood swings and stress during periods.
