In this article we describe about
1.WHAT IS PERIOD ACNE
2.TIMING OF ACNE DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
3.SITE OF HORMONAL ACNE
4.CAUSES OF PERIOD ACNE
5.TYPES OF ACNE OCCUR DURING THE CYCLE
6.TREATMENT OF ACNE BEFORE PERIOD
7.CONCLUSION
WHAT IS PERIOD ACNE
Period acne also known as hormonal acne.Period acne is a common condition and it may develop in many women.Period acne usually occur around the time of your period.This type of acne usually linked to the hormonal fluctuation that occur before and during the period.It usually last 7-10 days and subsides once period begins.
TIMING OF ACNE DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
1.FOLLICULAR PHASE(DAY 1 TO 14)
In this stage acne is usually less common.Level of estrogen is rise ,which can give positive effect on the skin leading to clear skin.
2.OVULATION ( AROUND DAY 14)
A slight increase in androgen level can stimulate more oil production.Some individual may notice few acne during this time.
3.LUTEAL PHASE(DAY 15-28)
In this stage acne most likely to occur due to the drop estrogen and rise progesterone .Progesterone increase sebum production leading to acne.
4.MENSTRUATION
Hormonal level starts to drop and skin begins to clear up.Some people might still expirience acne due to lingering hormonal effect.
SITE OF HORMONAL ACNE
Acne appearing around the same time each month,usually week before period starts.It usually appear on the
Lower part of the face ( chin and jawline)
Neck
Back
Bikini line
Forehead
Nose
CAUSES OF PERIOD ACNE
HORMONAL FLUCTUATION
The progesterone level increase during the second half of the menstrual cycle.Hormone increase the sebum production and cause acne.
Just before period decrease the level of estrogen and progesterone decrease and increase the level of androgen, lead to more significant sebum production, clogging pores and causing acne.
INFLAMMATION
Increase hormonal changes before period can increase the skin's inflammatory response , leading to redness and swelling associated with acne.
BACTERIA
The excess oil provides an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria.
TYPES OF ACNE OCCUR DURING THE CYCLE
Blackheads are small bumps that appear on your skin due to oil on your skin and hair follicles irritation.It is very common condition that mostly affects your face ,neck, back and chest usually increase during the second half of your menstrual cycle.
2. WHITEHEADS
Whitehead that forms when dead skin cells,oil and bacteria become trapped within one of your pores.It is very common skin condition that mostly affect your face, neck , back and chest usually increase during the second half of your menstrual cycle.
3. PAPULES
Acne papules are small , inflamed bumps in your skin that are usually cone- shaped.It is caused by excess oil in your skin , bacteria,hormones and some medications.They don't have a pus filled tip like other forms of acne.
4. PUSTULES
Pustules are pus-filled bumps with a white or yellow center surrounded by red, inflamed skin.It is due to an infection in the pore cavity.It commonly occur on face , neck, chest , shoulders, underarm,back, pubic area and hairline usually increase just before the period.
5.NODULES
Nodular acne occur before period. It causes firm, painful lumps to form under your skin and red bumps to appear on your skin's surface.Nodular acne requires treatment from a Dermatologist.you can't treat this type of acne yourself.Antibiotic and prescription strenght toical creams can help clear up your skin.Nodular acne occur before period.
6. CYSTS
Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They are larger than nodules and can cause scarring.The acne cysts are often painful and can be large.A healthcare provider should treat cystic acne to reduce the risk of scarring and infection.Antibiotic and prescription strenght toical creams can help clear up your skin.
TREATMENT OF ACNE BEFORE PERIOD
PROPER SKIN CARE
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser can help prevent bacteria from clogging your pores
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer after cleansing your face
- Remove all make up at night .This will reduce oil and bacteria that build up on your skin
- Use a clay mask twice a week to extract oil , bacteria and dead skin cells from your skin
- Avoid touching your face so that you don't transfer bacteria onto your skin
- Always wash your hands before applying cosmetics
- Be sure to wear an SPF 30 sunscreen everyday
DIET AND LIFE STYLE CHANGES
Certain dietary factors, such as high glycemic index foods and dairy products, may exacerbate acne in some individuals. Making dietary changes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help improve acne symptoms for some people.
REDUCING STRESS
Stress hormones in the body may trigger acne breakouts.For this reason minsfullness, meditation or yoga may help reduce breakouts.these activities are known to reduce stress levels and improve well being.
AVOID TOUCHING OR PRICKING ACNE LESION
Picking or squeezing acne lesions can lead to scarring and further inflammation so it's best to avoid this behavior.
GET ADEQUET SLEEP
TOPICAL TREATMENT
Topical treatments can be an integral part of managing Hormonal acne by targeting inflammation, reducing bacteria, and preventing clogged pores. Here are some effective topical treatments commonly used for acne before period.
1.SALISYLIC ACID
It is commonly found in over the counter for acne before period as cleanser or lotion .It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salisylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging.
2.BENZOYL PEROXIDE
This is available as an over the counter product.Benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.It is available in various strengths and formulations.Lower concentrations and wash formulations are less irritating to your skin.dryness and irritation is a common side effect.
3.RETINOIDS
Topical retinoids such as tretinoin adapalene and tazarotene , helps to prevent clogged pores.if you may notice a change in skin color or peeling using retinoids every other day or using them with the moisturizer can reduce this side effect.
4.TOPICAL ANTIBIOTICS
Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin , can help reduce acne causing bacteria on the skin.They are prescribed with combination of other topicals to minimize development of antibiotic resistance.
PROFFESIONAL TREATMENT
3.HORMONAL THERAPY
It helps to manage acne in women due to hormonal acne .Certain types of birth control pills containing hormones like estrogen and progestine can regulate hormone levels and acne breakouts.
SPIRONOLACTONE
This medication helps reduce androgen levels, which can decrease oil production and prevent hormonal acne. It is often prescribed for women who experience acne breakouts before their period.
1.ISOTRETINOIN
Isotretinoin is first line treatment for severe hormonal acne is a synthetic type of vitamin A called isotretinoin. It works by reducing oil production, preventing clogged pores, and decreasing inflammation. Isotretinoin treatment requires close monitoring by a dermatologist due to potential side effects, including dry skin, dry eyes, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
2.ORAL ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics for acne include doxycycline , minocycline and tetracycline.Oral antibiotics are typically used in combination with topical treatment for maximum effectivness.Antibiotics helps to reduce inflammation and acne causing bacteria.
4.CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION
Corticosteroid injection can be effective for reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process of hormonal acne.They work by decreasing inflammation within the acne,which can help to shrink faster.it is important to consult dermatologist before getting such injections.
Chemical peels involves the application of chemical solution such as glycolic acid or salisylic acid to the skin which exfoliate the outer layer and helps unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts.
6.LASER AND LIGHT THERAPY
Laser treatment such as laser resurfacing or intense pulse light therapy can target acne causing bacteria , reduce oil production.Laser treatment help in severe acne before period.
HOME REMEDIES
ALOE VERA
Aloevera is often recommended for acne before period due to its soothing and healing properties.its moisturising properties can promote skin healing and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce redness and irritation.Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the acne leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off.
COLD COMPRESS
Put an ice cube in a towel or clean wash cloth and hold it on the affected area for up to 10 minutes.you can do this several times a day but let your skin rest for 10 minutes in between applying.It can help reduce inflammation and pain.
WARM COMPRESS
Apply warm compress on the affected area 3-4 times a day.
GREEN TEA EXTRACT
Use green tea extract or green tea infused skincare product to reduce inflammation and sebum production.
HONEY AND CINNAMON MASK
Mix honey and cinnamon to create a mask with anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
CONCLUSION
Acne before period is challenging aspect of the menstrual cycle.Proper understanding of hormonal acne and treatment can help to treat acne before period.Proper skin care routine, diet and life style changes , reduce stress and in severe acne professional treatment can help to treat hormonal acne.