Her World: How to Prevent Acne Breakouts During the Time of the Month

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SYNC YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

Week 1: The Dry Phase

When your oestrogen and progesterone levels are low, your skin gets dehydrated, so mask more often and focus on moisturising the skin during this period.
 

WHAT TO DO: Sheet masks are great as an instant pick-me-up, but those in a rush for time can also use sleeping masks, which are more convenient.  

Week 2: Skin improves

As oestrogen rises, the skin condition gets better and less dry.

WHAT TO DO: Exfoliate to brighten the skin and encourage cell renewal, and remember to moisturise!

Week 3: Glowing phase

Skin looks the best around the period of ovulation. Here, oestrogen levels peak first, just before the 14-day mark, followed by progesterone, which is at its highest just a while after.

“As levels of progesterone increase, skin swells and pores are compressed shut,” explains dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD, of dermadoctor.com. So your pores look the tiniest during this period." “But this tourniquet effect also causes sebum to build up beneath the skin’s surface,” said the dermatologist, for a WebMD feature.
 

WHAT TO DO: This is when you should be extra careful to make sure that you’re not putting too much on your face and in turn, clogging your pores. Use a purifying mask during the week to remove any excess sebum, then soothe the skin with a hydrating mask.

Week 4: Oily phase

Here’s when the trouble starts. Your oil glands go into overdrive as oestrogen and progesterone levels start to fall and testosterone takes over. Your pores are more likely to become clogged at this stage – yup, breakout time.
 

WHAT TO DO: Try incorporating products with acne fighting properties into your skincare routine at this point, such as a toner or a serum with AHAs and BHAs. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective pimple busting ingredients for me, but work with what you find is best.

Text Credit to Her World Singapore
Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons