Table of contents:
- How to prevent acne that appears before menstruation
- 1. Maintain cleanliness of the skin
- 2. Using products containing AHAs on the skin
- 3. Limiting foods that trigger acne
- 4. Avoid using oily skin care products
- 5. Using hormonal birth control
Hormonal changes before menstruation have a big effect on the body. Starting from lowering mood, changing the shape of the breast, to trigger acne which is very annoying. Fortunately, there are a number of easy ways you can do to prevent acne before your period.
How to prevent acne that appears before menstruation
Before menstruation, the production of the hormone progesterone increases. This hormone makes your skin swell so that the skin pores get closed. In addition, progesterone also increases the production of sebum (oil) which becomes food for bacteria.
This condition makes it easier for acne to appear a few days before menstruation. To prevent this, here are some steps you can take.
1. Maintain cleanliness of the skin
Acne-causing bacteria can naturally live on the surface of the skin, or come from the environment. Even facial skin that looks clean is not completely protected from various types of harmful bacteria.
The most effective way to prevent acne before menstruation is to reduce exposure to these bacteria. For example by:
- Don't touch the face
- Wash your hands regularly with soap
- Wash your face with soap twice a day
- Clean cell phones or other tools that come in direct contact with the face
- Shower regularly, especially after exercising
- Shampoo regularly
2. Using products containing AHAs on the skin
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) is an acid obtained from plants, especially from citrus fruits. This compound is useful for getting rid of dead skin cells that clog pores and fade acne scars.
How to use AHA to prevent acne before menstruation is very easy. Just use a cream or mask that contains this compound. Also apply sunscreen because AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
3. Limiting foods that trigger acne
Refers to American Academy of Dermatology, acne trigger foods generally contain lots of sugar and carbohydrates. Dairy products, especially skimmed milk, are also suspected of triggering acne due to hormones produced by cows during pregnancy.
However, food is only an additional factor that triggers acne. Hormonal changes and skin hygiene still have a bigger role. If you want to prevent acne before your period, don't forget to consider these two factors.
4. Avoid using oily skin care products
Skin care products can keep your skin clean, but products that contain oil can actually clog pores. Therefore, this product is more suitable for those with normal to dry skin.
To prevent pimples before menstruation, use water-based skin care products. Please choose a product with a description 'Non-comedogenic'. After menstruation, then you can return to using oil-based products.
5. Using hormonal birth control
For those who have used contraceptives, hormonal birth control, either injections or pills, is an effective way to prevent acne before menstruation. Hormonal birth control can reduce excess sebum production by inhibiting the production of estrogen and progesterone 2 weeks before menstruation.
However, hormonal birth control also has side effects. These include causing blood spots to appear between menstrual cycles, triggering headaches and breast pain, and lowering libido. Consult a doctor before using it.
Acne during the premenstrual period is usually more annoying because it appears in large quantities at once. Plus a drop mood and other changes that appear in the body, it's no wonder that premenstrual symptoms are a nightmare for many women.
Preventing acne before menstruation can be one way to prevent a series of "bad" events before menstruation from occurring. If the above methods do not work and you are very bothered by the presence of your acne, try to consult with your doctor.
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