Several hormones in the body control the menstrual cycle. The average cycle lasts about 28 days, and on each one of those days, hormone levels can change......

How the menstrual cycle influences acne 

Several hormones in the body control the menstrual cycle. The average cycle lasts about 28 days, and on each one of those days, hormone levels can change. The changes the body goes through in the first half of the cycle are predominantly controlled by estrogen, and the second half is influenced by progesterone.

If there are acne flares one to two weeks before menstruation, if they go away with the onset of a period, and if this pattern repeats at least twice in a row, it may be because of premenstrual acne. 

Symptoms of period acne 
Period acne is different than the typical acne that occurs during other weeks of the menstrual cycle. Breakouts of pimples from period acne are usually on the lower half of the face (chin, cheeks), jawline, and neck. They are usually red, inflamed, raised bumps (papules) that rarely develop into pustules (papules with pus). They can be very frustrating, but try to resist squeezing them. This can make them worse and take longer to go away.

Changes in hormone levels may be one of the factors responsible for acne breakouts. Testosterone remains at a constant level during the whole menstrual cycle, while estrogen and progesterone drop as a period approaches. This means that before and during menstruation, testosterone levels may be higher than estrogen or progesterone.

The increased level of progesterone in the middle of the cycle stimulates the production of sebum. This natural oil can clog pores. This, along with additional factors, contributes to the formation of acne. The condition may worsen when testosterone levels are comparatively higher at the end of the menstrual cycle, which is right before the next period starts.

KISS PERIOD ACNE GOODBYE 

DRINK UP 

Water is your friend. It helps keep you hydrated and can even help alleviate period-related discomfort like bloating and cramping. Staying hydrated will also help increase your skin’s natural moisture level, which can help keep your skin from overproducing sebum when your hormones fluctuate.

DON’T PICK OR POP 

Picking and popping your pimples doesn’t work, and what’s worse: it could lead to scarring. Leave them alone is the best way to get rid of them fast and without leaving behind a mark.

CLEAN UP YOUR DIET 

You don’t have to eat lettuce instead of a donut, but you can make a better dietary choice if you find that a particular ingredient (like dairy or sugar)  triggers your bumps. There are numerous options for dairy-free ice cream available, and eating dried or fresh fruit can curb a sweet tooth if sugar causes your skin to explode with bumps. 

EXERCISE 

Getting exercise helps improve your mood, encourages your body to let go of excess water you might be retaining, and helps flush out toxins, so your skin stays healthy and radiant. Just thirty minutes of exercise a day is enough to improve blood flow to your skin and ensure it's getting all the nutrients it needs to stay radiant.