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What Does Period Acne Look Like and How to Get Rid of It?

Dr. Damanpreet Kaur

7 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Entering adulthood brings its own set of challenges, and for many, one of the most persistent is dealing with period acne. Whether you’re in your teens, twenties, or beyond, the arrival of acne during menstruation can be frustrating.

It’s like clockwork – just when you’re gearing up for your monthly cycle, your skin decides to change. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it? In this blog, we’ll see what is period acne, understand its causes and symptoms and discover effective ways to manage period acne.

How Does The Menstrual Cycle Influence Acne?

Are you wondering why I get acne on my period? Well, the menstrual cycle influences acne primarily through hormonal fluctuations. During the menstrual cycle, there is a rise and fall in hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

In the days leading up to menstruation, testosterone levels increase, stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Additionally, hormonal changes can also increase inflammation in the skin, making existing acne more inflamed and painful.

Symptoms of Period Acne

Symptoms of period acne typically include the appearance of inflammatory acne lesions such as papules, pustules, and cysts. These lesions may be concentrated on the face, neck, chest, and back—areas where sebaceous glands are most abundant.

Read about forehead acne.

Period acne can also manifest as redness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected areas. Some individuals may experience more severe breakouts during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, such as in the days leading up to menstruation.

Is Menopausal Acne a Form of Hormonal Acne?

Yes, menopausal acne can be considered a form of hormonal acne. During menopause, there is a significant decline in estrogen levels, leading to an imbalance of hormones.

Read about what does hormonal acne look like and how to get rid of it.

This hormonal imbalance can trigger an increase in sebum production and inflammation, similar to what occurs during the menstrual cycle. As a result, some women may experience acne breakouts during menopause, particularly around the chin and jawline area.

What else is causing acne on your chin? Click here to learn about it in detail.

Cystic Acne During Your Period

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by deep, painful cysts that form beneath the skin’s surface. During your period, hormonal fluctuations can exacerbate cystic acne, leading to more frequent and severe breakouts.

Cystic acne during your period can be particularly challenging to manage due to its deep-seated nature and tendency to cause scarring.

Read about how to get rid of cystic acne.

Period Acne Treatment

Treatment for period acne typically involves a combination of skincare, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical interventions. Some effective treatments for period acne include:

1) Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter or prescription-strength topical treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent new acne lesions from forming.

Check out MFine 1% Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser. Salicylic acid is very good for acne.

This cleanser is used to treat acne.
It deeply cleanses and purifies skin pores
Offers gentle exfoliation for a smoother texture
Targets blackheads and whiteheads for improved skin clarity
Manages excess oil production for balanced and healthier skin

You must try out MFine 0.5% Salicylic Acid Gel Moisturizer if you have oily and combination skin type. This moisturizer clears and prevents acne breakouts for healthier skin.

If you have dry, normal and sensitive skin, then you must check out MFine Ceramide Moisturizer. This moisturizer defends against acne & breakouts and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

2) Oral Medications

Oral medications such as oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help regulate hormone levels and reduce acne breakouts, particularly for individuals with persistent or severe acne.

3) Professional Procedures

Dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to help manage acne and improve the appearance of acne scars.

In addition to these treatments, it’s essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine, manage stress levels, eat a balanced diet, and avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions, as this can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.

Check out a detailed skincare routine for acne.

If you’re struggling with severe period acne, consult with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and skin type.

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Wondering how?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many days does period acne last?

Ans: Period acne typically occurs around the time of menstruation and can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. For some individuals, acne breakouts may coincide with the premenstrual phase and continue into the early days of menstruation, while others may experience acne throughout their entire menstrual cycle.

Q. Does period acne leave scars?

Ans: Sometimes, really bad acne during your period can cause scars on your skin. These scars might look different – some could be shallow dents, while others might be raised and thick. Taking good care of your skin during your period can help lower the chances of getting these scars. Simple steps like washing your face regularly and using the right skincare products can make a big difference.

MFine Anti-Acne Kits For All Skin Types

1) MFine Anti-Acne Kit – Normal skin