How To Prevent Period Acne Naturally
Table of Contents
- What Is Period Acne?
- What Causes Period Acne?
- Preventing Period Acne
- Skin Care For Treating Acne
- Holistic Treatments
What Is Period Acne?
Simply put, period acne is a breakout that happens just before or during your period, also referred to as menstrual breakouts or hormonal acne breakouts. The usual symptoms include:
- Pimples or blackheads
- Whiteheads (similar to cystic acne)
- Red bumps around the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks and neck area
Some skin types are prone to acne, but even the clearest skin can fall prey to hormonal breakouts.
Although period pimples are perfectly normal, they can wreak havoc on our confidence levels. It can be stressful, painful and if treated improperly can even lead to scarring In this blog, we will discuss what causes these monthly breakouts and some of the simple and natural ways to prevent hormonal breakouts and control period acne.
What Causes Period Acne?
Our menstrual cycle influences hormonal fluctuations which can in turn aggravate acne symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease shortly before a period. This fluctuation stimulates the sebaceous glands and increases the production of sebum (an oily substance that lubricates your skin). This excess sebum combined with dead skin cells and increased acne-causing bacteria can quickly cause clogged pores.
Preventing Period Acne
Even though hormonal acne is caused by a natural ebb and flow of hormone levels, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to improve hormonal acne and even prevent breakouts entirely.
Eat For Clear Skin
One of the best ways to keep skin clear is to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of water intake. Eat foods that nourish your body and reduce inflammation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, can help reduce acne breakouts.
Limit dairy, processed foods and refined sugar which can increase inflammation and oil production and worsen clogged pores. Instead, aim for a diet rich in variety and healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats that can help improve the appearance of the skin.
Supplements
The best way is always to eat a balanced diet, but sometimes we need a little extra help. If you are looking for some supplements that have been known to help in treating menstrual acne holistically, try primrose oil, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids
If you’re unsure or are currently taking medications, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor, board-certified dermatologist, or another qualified healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Manage Stress
Stress wreaks havoc on our skin and can be extra tricky during a period. What a perfect opportunity to practice some self-care.
- Yoga or another low-impact exercise
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation, mindfulness, or gratitude practice
- Sea salt baths
- Massage
- Sauna
- Limit screen time
As mentioned, stress can exacerbate acne, and it’s important to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Self-care is personal, so take a few moments and make a quick list of activities that help you to destress.
Skin Care
What we put on our skin matters, especially when we are dealing with a breakout or fluctuating hormones. Using the right product will help to calm inflammation, balance oil production, prevent acne symptoms.
Topical treatments can balance sebaceous gland activity and control acne breakouts, as long as you choose the right products. When battling acne, it is essential to find skincare options that will deeply cleanse your skin while still protecting and hydrating. It can be tempting to resort to harsh exfoliators, scrubs, or chemical face washes, but these can end up making skin even more inflamed and irritated.
Keep reading for more details on how to treat an acne breakout with healthy, nourishing skin care products.
Skin Care For Treating Acne
When dealing with hormonal acne, it is crucial to pick the right skincare routine. Here are a few of our top tips:
Cleansers
It is crucial for skin health to use a gentle cleanser. Many clarifying cleanser actually contain harsh detergents and sulfates that can irritate skin and worsen acne symptoms. If your cleanser leaves your skin feeling “tight” or itchy post-cleanse, then it’s probably drying out your skin, another bad sign.
We suggest a cleanser that is smooth and nourishing as well as clarifying like the Seaflora Foaming Fucus Cleansing Concentrate. Don’t forget to cleanse every night (twice!).
Exfoliator
First of all, don’t overdo it! Only exfoliate once or twice a week and remember, more pressure does not = better exfoliation. Over-exfoliating or using too much pressure can wreak havoc on your skin and do a lot more harm than good.
Steer clear of harsh exfoliants and avoid ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide because they are comedogenic (they clog pores). One of our favourite exfoliators for period acne is the Potent Sea Kelp Exfoliator. Completely natural, organic, gentle, and deeply nourishing.
Toner
A good toner can transform your skin. Our top pick? It’s a simple choice. The Award Winning Sea Splash Toning Essence, voted one of the top ten toners in the world for clear skin! This viscous toning essence will restore elasticity, soothe skin, and perfectly balance pH.
Moisturizer
Always follow up your cleanser and toner with a good moisturizer. The best one for you can vary depending on your skin type. With acne-prone skin it’s usually best to opt for something that isn’t too heavy. We are aiming for hydrating and protecting, but still allowing our pores to breathe.
We suggest the collagen-building and hyaluronic acid boosting Sea Radiance Moisturizer, a unique blend of kelps that offers anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-bacterial properties.
Try a sample routine absolutely free!
Holistic Treatments
Instead of only treating the symptoms, holistic therapies for menstrual acne focus on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Changes in food, skincare practices, and stress management are some examples of this.
All of these factors work together to develop period acne. By making a few holistic adjustments, you can naturally lessen the acne breakouts and keep your skin healthy and glowing.
