You've always wondered why you get pimples before your period? Here comes the answer!
You're standing in front of the mirror and suddenly, out of nowhere, a pimple pops up. What's the reason? Normally you have beautiful and clear skin.
The answer is simple: it's the dear hormones. The hormonal changes we go through every month leave their mark on the skin. To be precise, the spook is called: premenstrual acne.
There is hardly a woman who does not get pimples before her period. So you are not alone with the problem of impure skin before your period. Many people feel the same way.
From big mean and painful pimples to small blackheads, there is a lot involved. But what exactly is the cause and what can you do about it?
This contribution is valid only for women who do not use hormonal contraception. Under the pill you never have such strong hormonal fluctuations and therefore usually more beautiful skin. The horror only comes when you stop taking the pill. Then the blemishes often really blossom.
Table of contents
Attention: This is how the pill causes nutrient deficiencies!
Why do pimples appear before the period?
How hormones influence the development of blemished skin has not yet been definitively clarified. What is certain, however, is that there is a connection.
The hormonal changes have an influence on a whole range of functions in the body. Among other things, on the blood circulation of the skin, the production of sebum and also on the water balance.
Hormones can aggravate conditions like acne vulgaris. Pretty nasty, right?
The culprit for this misery is quickly found. It is the female sex hormone estrogen. But the hormone progesterone is not entirely innocent either.
The Menstrual acne usually appears 7 to 10 days before of the bleeding. When the period begins, the skin becomes more beautiful again.
Just before we get our period, estrogen and progesterone are at a low level. Now the male hormone testosterone takes over, which further fuels sebum production.
Abstract:
- The natural hormonal fluctuations affect the sebaceous glands. These produce more sebum in the second part of the cycle and clog the pores.
- Hormonal acne (also called menstrual acne) occurs most often 7-10 days before and during menstruation.
- It improves rapidly as soon as the period is over.
How estrogen causes blemished skin
When our cycle is just starting, estrogen is quite low. It rises until ovulation. And then it drops again. And quite abruptly. Then it goes up again slightly for a short time and then really low just before the period.
So much for the theory. But pimples before period arise for a very specific reason.
Estrogen in very high concentration suppresses the production of sebum. So if our estrogen level is just high, the sebum and oil content of the skin are low.
The hormones also ensure that the water-binding capacity is improved in our top layer of skin (the epidermis).
That's why most people have beautifully clear skin around ovulation.
Some studies have been able to prove that when estrogen levels are high in the middle of the cycle and also at the end of the cycle, skin thickness increases. Premenstrual acne is now a popular occurrence.
Irregular cycle? This is how you get it under control!
Tip: blackhead remover
There is a whole range of ways to combat impurities. But in any case, it must be a solution that helps to open the pores and rid the skin of the existing blackheads.
In addition, the solution should also prevent new blackheads, in which not yet affected pores are cleaned.
Personally, a blackhead remover always helps me very well. With the help of a light vacuum, the blackheads are sucked out of the skin. And it's completely painless. But a little tip on the side: Do not do this one day before an important appointment. :)
The skin will be slightly red immediately afterwards. Especially in the places where you had a clogged pore. I recommend you use a Blackhead Sucker and Pore Cleaner*, which I use myself. Here you can choose from 6 suction strengths and 4 attachments and simply suck away blackheads.
In addition, you should regularly take good care of your skin. Anti-inflammatory home remedies are particularly suitable for this.
How progesterone promotes pimples before the period
Progesterone is a corpus luteum hormone that is responsible for the growth of uterine lining and prepares it for a fertilized egg.
It is often referred to as the "happy hormone." From day 14 to 26 of the cycle, progesterone is high. It makes us happy and brave. Nature now wants us to reproduce. :)
Scientists do not agree on how progesterone promotes pimples before the period. There are two divided camps. Some are sure that progesterone affects the skin, others are convinced of the opposite.
However, neither side has been able to clarify how and why progesterone does or does not promote pimples before the period.
For this you need to know that the progesterone level is very low until shortly after ovulation. Then it rises continuously and drops again to a low level until the period.
Studies have found that in women with acne, the skin deteriorates before menstruation. Many doctors attribute this to the progesterone fluctuation.
How to make a blackhead mask yourself!
How hormones affect the skin
In summary, hormonal fluctuations have an influence on the sebaceous glands and the skin. They ensure that the production of sebum and horny cells is boosted.
And this is exactly where bacteria really feel at home. Sebaceous skin and dead skin flakes are a very good environment for pimples and blackheads.
Premenstrual acne occurs in 70 % of all women.
From period to ovulation
The first day of a new cycle starts with the first day of bleeding. Here, the amount of estrogen in the body decreases. The hormone level is low. The skin is sensitive and produces little sebum. It is often dry at this time.
After the period, the body prepares for ovulation with all its might. Estrogen increases and collagen production increases. The skin is rosy, plump and quite pure.
During ovulation
Ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle. Estrogen reaches its peak. Testosterone slowly increases. The skin visibly feels good with the balanced hormone level. It is radiant and pure.
After ovulation
Now things are rapidly going downhill. The egg was not fertilized, estrogen levels drop. Testosterone increases. The next period is not far away.
The skin: The sebaceous glands are stimulated and produce at the highest level. Oily skin, clogged pores and pimples before the period are the result.
Tip: Do you know Australian Bodycare? This is a product line that Tea tree oil* contains. It has a disinfectant effect and prevents your skin from going completely crazy before your period :)
I use the Anti pimple cream with tea tree oil itself since recently and am just trying out how it works on my skin. Overall, I can say after 7 days that the skin is less greasy, which is already a very good start in the fight against pimples. :)
Can you prevent pimples before your period?
The good news: Yes, you can improve blemished skin in the second half of the cycle.
All right, so there's little we can do about our hormones. Anyone who decides against hormonal contraceptives is at their mercy. But luckily, you can support your skin with a few little tips and tricks to prevent blemishes and the odd pimple before your period.
The second half of the cycle begins after ovulation. Exactly when the estrogen begins to decline. Now skin problems occur more frequently.
Skin care in the second half of the cycle
Often the skin looks sallow and greasier. Sebum production is now running at full speed. This clogs the pores and pimples appear.
Now your skin needs special care. Therefore use
- an antibacterial washing lotion
- fat free moisturizer
- anti-inflammatory skin cleansers with low pH value
- AHA creams with fruit acid, which degrease the skin.
- UV protection in summer
Clean your face especially thoroughly 2x a day. You must succeed in bringing the moisture and fat content into balance.
Products with salicylic acid can also work wonders. The acid supports the removal of dead skin cells. This allows your skin to breathe easier. Salicylic acid is also analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Do not under any circumstances use greasy creams that clog your pores. This helps me Face spray against impure skin very good because it absorbs quickly and does not clog pores.
What helps many is a homemade face oil, which is adjusted to the skin type.
If the pimple is already there, avoid pressing on it. Take a facial steam bath and gently cleanse the skin. The warm steam soothes the skin and opens the pores.
Diet against pimples before period
What you eat also has an effect on your skin. Do you have a particular craving for sweets and unhealthy foods now?
Try to remain steadfast and not give in to the desire, or at least only a little.
Sweets - predominantly our beloved chocolate - can worsen blemished skin!
You can avoid pimples before your period with a healthy and balanced diet. There are a number Foods that help against impure skin.
You can try to take more zinc in the middle of the cycle. Some women report that this makes their skin less prone to oily skin. You don't have to buy zinc supplements for this. Lots Zinc is in food such as cocoa, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Cow's milk can also promote blemished skin. Especially before the period, we should therefore avoid it as much as possible. The reason for this is the hormones in milk.
So two weeks before your period, reach for vegan alternatives and see if your skin becomes clearer.
Drink lots of water and not only after ovulation. Drink it every day. It should be at least 2 liters, so that the toxins are flushed out. A lot of water helps you to get a clear complexion.
Do not stress
Yes, easy to say, isn't it? But stress actually has a negative effect on our skin. Because when we have stress, our body produces lots of cortisol.
Among other things, cortisol slows down the movement of skin cells. Dead skin cells can therefore only peel off from our skin with difficulty. They stick and this ensures that sebum cannot flow off.
The sebum then clogs the pores and where that ends we all know, right?
Tip: Do you often have an irregular cycle? Then you are probably particularly prone to impurities. The reason for this is that your hormones are not in balance. I recommend you the product from Effective Nature*. The Inositol powder* contains a messenger substance that is involved in hormone metabolism. It is usually used when there is a desire to have children in order to jump-start the cycle.
But even without wanting to get pregnant, it is a good helper. It ensures that your hormones are rebalanced and you have a regular onset.
Not only does it have good reviews on Amazon, but I can highly recommend it as I took it myself for a while. My cycle has returned to normal as a result.
Hormonal imbalances can promote acne
If you have a lot of pimples before your period, this can be a sign of hormonal imbalance. This means that you produce too much/too little of a certain hormone. You can find out whether this is the case by having a hormone test done by a doctor.
You can take the test at your gynecologist's office. He will take a blood sample and, if you have a hormonal imbalance, he will inform you about the options for restoring your hormone balance.
But there are also self-tests that you can use to check your estrogen levels.
Estrogen dominance affects progesterone levels. Too much estrogen makes for too little progesterone - the relationship between the two is disturbed.
Progesterone protects us women from male sex hormones (which we all have) triggering acne. So too little progesterone promotes pimples, acne and blemishes.
About 10 days before the period, progesterone should be very high. If it is not, then the acne may worsen.
By the way, these PMS symptoms can also be a sign of too much estrogen and too little progesterone
- Period pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Weight gain
- Constantly craving for sweets
Too much estrogen is therefore not good for our skin. But we can also do something about this in a very targeted way. Because there are some substances and things in our environment that are similar to estrogens. Our body can't tell the difference and allows estrogen levels to rise. These artificial estrogens are also called xenoestrogens.
You can find artificial estrogens in
- Food like meat and milk
- Plastic - when we drink from plastic bottles
- the pill - that's why you often get acne after stopping. The hormones from the pill often end up in the drinking water and are reabsorbed by us.
- Cleaning agents and detergents
Our conclusion
Blackheads and pimples before your period are perfectly normal and affect 70% of all women. The culprit is hormonal fluctuations that our body goes through in the second half of the cycle. Try to eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids and cleanse the skin gently and regularly.
If it does not get better and you have severe inflammation, then you should have a hormone status done.
All the best for you! :)
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