PMS or premenstrual syndrome can emanate in the form of different symptoms like cramps, mood swings and bloating but along with these periods are often preceded by acne which can also make things worse. Acne flares up each time coinciding with the menstrual cycles and research suggests that about sixty percent of people who are acne prone experience such flare ups. Normally, acne begins flaring up 7 to 10 days in advance and tends to improve when menstruation begins. Many people try to deal with it using the online organic skin care products they are able to find, without knowing about the problem in detail – like the causes, symptoms or medication that can help reduce it.

Hormonal changes can wreak havoc

There is continuous fluctuation of hormones during menstrual cycles, while one cycle on average is about 28 days. The estrogen levels surge during the initial half of the cycle but during the other half the progesterone levels continue to rise. These two hormones fall in terms of their levels when the period is approaching, which means that testosterone activity is higher compared to progesterone and estrogen both before and during the period. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands, as they are stimulated in the luteal phase (around the middle) due to the increase in progesterone.

The skin is naturally lubricated by sebum which is a thick oily substance. Sometimes the pores are also compressed by the swelling of the skin in the same luteal phase. This results in the skin surface to gather sebum deposits underneath the pores. Moreover, sebaceous glands are also further stimulated by high testosterone levels during menstruation and before it. This can cause the glands to produce more sebum than usual.

Avoiding the bacteria is important

Having higher sebum production is not always a bad thing but the impact varies from person to person. Some people develop a healthy and radiant glow because of it while others develop acne as its result. Dead skin cells, debris and dirt can also contribute to premenstrual acne along with clogged pores. Cutibacterium acnes is a bacteria that leads to acne and an increase in sebum production can create a cesspool of bacteria. Pimples and inflammation is a natural consequence of the immune system’s reaction towards these bacteria.

Whiteheads and blackheads are often among the two types of pimples that result from premenstrual acne. Open comedones which are clogged pores are also known as blackheads and they are open around the surface of the skin. The exposure to oxygen makes their appearance black and hence the name.

There are other types of bumps as well that may result from premenstrual acne like papules, nodules, pustules and cysts. Papules occur because of inflammation and infection of hair follicles while appearing as small red bumps. Nodules are painful lumps under the skin that are solid and pustules have a yellow or white center with pus inside while appearing like small pimples. Cysts also tend to contain pus and be located under the skin as big lumps. The jawline and chin areas are generally considered more prone for developing acne before the period. All these types result from hormonal fluctuations.

Ways of preventing acne before your period

If you experience acne that tends to develop or flare up before your period there are a few changes related to lifestyle choices that you can implement in order to manage it better. Maintaining good hygiene for your skin is a general rule that you must always follow in order to keep the bacteria from growing on your face. Keeping the skin clean from any such aggravators can help prevent acne. You should also try to avoid touching the face unnecessarily as our hands can be the vehicles for impurities, dirt and bacteria to get transported to the face. Similarly, the cell phones we carry everywhere also keep gathering bacteria and one should try to clean it regularly.

You should also exercise caution when hitting the gym because public places often become breeding grounds for such impurities and bacteria that can lead to acne development before period. Using a towel to cover surfaces such as seats, handles and mats can also help you stay protected. Getting a healthy balanced diet that is rich in certain minerals like omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and vitamin A. You can get these nutrients from seafood, nuts, spinach and cheese, among other things.

If you plan on buying organic skin care products online, you can go for products containing AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid. They can help improve cell regeneration and prevent clogging pores. Antibiotics and other OTC medicines with salicylic and azelaic acids are known to help with acne but overuse can also lead to irritation. It is best to consult a doctor before using any such medication.