No, periods do not help acne; in fact, they often make it worse.
Why Periods Can Worsen Acne
Instead of helping, menstrual periods are often linked to increased acne breakouts. This is primarily due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle.
The Role of Hormones
- Increased Sebum Production: As the reference states, during PMS (premenstrual syndrome), hormone shifts trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum (oil). Excess sebum can clog pores, leading to acne.
- Increased Inflammation: PMS hormones also contribute to increased skin inflammation. This inflammation can worsen existing acne and promote the development of new blemishes.
- Bacterial Growth: Additionally, hormonal changes during PMS can increase the production of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. This bacterial overgrowth is another contributing factor to acne breakouts during this time.
Understanding the Cycle
To better understand how periods impact acne, consider the following:
| Phase | Hormonal Changes | Impact on Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Premenstrual (PMS) | Surge in androgens and fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone | Increased oil production, inflammation, and acne-causing bacteria. This leads to breakouts. |
| Menstruation | Hormone levels decline | Skin may improve as hormone levels decrease, but acne can persist. |
| Post-Menstruation | Hormones gradually stabilize | Skin generally begins to improve with fewer breakouts. |
Managing Period-Related Acne
While periods themselves don't help acne, there are ways to manage breakouts that occur around your period:
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and impurities.
- Topical Treatments: Consider using over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
- Hormonal Birth Control: For some individuals, hormonal birth control can help regulate hormone levels and reduce acne.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also contribute to clearer skin.
Conclusion
Periods do not help acne, and the hormonal shifts that accompany them often make acne worse. Understanding these hormonal changes can help in effectively managing period-related acne.
