According to Herrmann, the simultaneous drop in acne-causing hormones helps breakouts improve after the chaotic, frat-party-like conditions of the luteal phase.
However, she warns, skin can become dry and dull toward the end of our periods until estrogen kicks up a notch during the follicular phase. Luteal-phase breakouts can be one indication you have hormonal acne; another indication is where on your face acne tends to manifest.
King agrees. Suspiciously located pimples aren't always indicators of hormonal breakouts, Ciraldo warns. For example, when patients come to her complaining of hormonal chin acne, she says they have "at least an 80 percent improvement rate" when they switch to "more skin-friendly hair care" products and start using standard topical medications for acne.
Nevertheless, an experienced dermatologist can help you troubleshoot your skin issues, and properly diagnose and treat your acne. If in addition to hormonal acne you have symptoms like excessive facial or body hair, weight gain, or irregular or infrequent periods, you may require additional testing. In that case, book an appointment with a healthcare provider ASAP. Although we have only a little control over the inner workings of our hormones more on that in a minute , we can strategically adapt our skin and medication regimens to compensate for hormonal changes.
There are a plethora of prescription options to help manage menstrual breakouts, especially if those breakouts are moderate to severe and not improved by over-the-counter acne treatments. Ciraldo says she prefers to start with topical prescriptions for any acne patients, including those with hormonal breakouts, before turning to the big guns—oral medications.
For hormonal acne, derms can prescribe topical options like tretinoin aka Retin-A , a retinoid, which helps unclog pores and increase cell turnover; dapsone aka Aczone , a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medication originally used to treat leprosy; and the antibiotic clindamycin, which reduces acne-causing bacteria in the skin.
King says topical meds don't always get hormonal acne in check. But there's one recent exception to that rule, which King calls "a very exciting development" for hormonal acne treatment: clascoterone. Anti-androgen medications work by suppressing production of androgens, like testosterone, or blocking androgen receptors in the body.
Clascoterone blocks testosterone from binding to androgen receptors in the skin, preventing skin from becoming excessively oily and inflamed. BTW, make sure to use topical meds for hormonal acne regularly, not just during problematic phases of your cycle. Birth control is a common treatment for those seeking relief from persistent blemishes. The Pill isn't your only birth control option for preventing pimples.
King says other combined hormonal contraceptives—like transdermal patches and vaginal rings—containing estrogen and progesterone "are often helpful for decreasing sebum and acne. When topical meds don't do the trick for hormonal acne, oral drugs can be prescribed to kick acne to the curb, stopping it before it starts.
One of those meds is spironolactone, also sold under the brand names Aldactone and CaroSpir. Spironolactone is an anti-androgen medication to treat high blood pressure, but it's also a low-key miracle for treating hormonal acne in women. Although it's perfectly safe for most adult women, spironolactone causes breast growth in men and boys. King says dermatologists can also opt to treat hormonal acne with oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline , or the oral prescription retinoid isotretinoin , formerly known as Accutane.
In addition to managing lifestyle factors like reducing stress, loading up on sleep, and eating a healthy diet, taking your skincare game up a notch with proven acne-fighting ingredients is the first line of defense against hormonal breakouts. Try these dermatologist-recommended skincare picks for acne.
Over-the-counter cleansers, lotions and treatment creams with benzoyl peroxide are awesome options for treating acne of any type, King says. The beta hydroxy acid salicylic acid is another ingredient to look for on skincare labels. Herrmann recommends dutifully removing any makeup at night and reaching for a cleanser with salicylic acid, especially during the luteal phase. Imahiyerobo-Ip also recommends treating mild hormonal acne with a salicylic acid cleanser—specifically, her fave St. The easiest way to do this is to look at the timing.
Plus, it tends to clear up or improve when your period is ending or over. Already have acne? You might notice that it gets worse during this time. If you tend to have clear skin, you might notice a pimple or two pop up. Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period starts, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin.
Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. These hormonal fluctuations just before your period may also be responsible for other fun period things, including moodiness, sore breasts, and weird poop aka PMS. You can blame your hormones for this, too. Testosterone , a male hormone that we all have in our bodies regardless of our birth sex, affects us differently depending on levels of our other hormones. When your hormone levels fluctuate toward the end of your period, testosterone can also trigger sebaceous gland sensitivity.
Again, the result is more sebum and clogged pores. Notice a deep, throbbing pain in your chin or along your jawline? They might not look like much on the surface, but they can cause a world of pain. Seeing any kind of lump anywhere near your vaginal area can set off some major alarm bells. Before you panic, know that some people do report vulvar breakouts before their period.
Hormones can be to blame for breakouts in this area, but there are other possible period-related causes, too. Menstrual pads, for instance, can rub against your skin, irritating your hair follicles and leading to ingrown hairs and folliculitis. Other period products can also cause contact dermatitis , which is a reaction to something that touches the skin. Scented tampons, pads, and wipes can do it. The deep pimples and cysts that sometimes come with periods can be pretty painful for some, but there are things you can do to ease the pain.
Period-related acne can be particularly stubborn. You don't have to simply endure these monthly breakouts. There are treatments that can help get them under control. Don't curse your skin this month. Instead, see your dermatologist and look forward to clear, healthy skin all month long. Dealing with acne can be frustrating.
Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Sign up and get yours today. The effect of the menstrual cycle on acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The menstrual cycle and the skin. Clin Exp Dermatol. American Academy of Dermatology. Adult acne. Post-adolescent acne in women: More common and more clinical considerations. J Drugs Dermatol. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
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