Last Update: January 20, 2023, 07:54 IST
Acne is exacerbated by stress because it lowers progesterone levels and affects the body’s ability to digest other hormones.
Due to the interplay of hormones at the end of the menstrual cycle, acne outbreaks tend to be more frequent right before your period.
Hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle can lead to increased inflammation and oil production, which can lead to breakouts on the skin. This can cause significant distress and frustration, especially if you’ve put in a lot of effort to maintain clear skin. To help prevent acne breakouts, Holistic Acne Specialist, Dr. Shannon Curtis wrote on her Instagram handle, “It’s very common to get acne before your period, thanks to the interplay of hormones that occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle “
The expert has some tips to keep your hormones happy and healthy and avoid premenstrual breakouts:
- Limit alcohol a week before menstruation begins: The expert said that alcohol taxes your liver and is also responsible for metabolizing hormones like estrogen. If your liver function is sluggish, excess alcohol will put a burden on your liver and can lead to acne breakouts, which contribute to unbalanced estrogen levels.
- Support your liver: To keep your hormones balanced and skin clear, your liver may need a little extra love before your period. Consuming foods that help with liver function (such as beets, lemons, artichokes and cruciferous veggies), as well as drinking herbal teas to help clear up the skin.
- Keep your blood sugar balanced: Dr. Shannon said that when you’re craving more carbs and sugar during or before your period, it makes sense to see what’s going on hormonally! Eating too much sugar increases your blood sugar level and leads to acne. Focus on your intake of complex carbohydrates (such as squash, quinoa, sweet potatoes and beets) and avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, and be sure to balance your diet with healthy fats and proteins.
- Optimize progesterone levels with food: If your progesterone levels are low, androgens can make more sebum, which can result in more acne. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc and magnesium to support progesterone production.
- Optimize your stress response: According to Dr. Shannon, stress lowers progesterone levels and affects the body’s ability to metabolize other hormones, which contributes to acne. Try gentle forms of stress relief during your period, such as breathing, yoga, walking outside in nature, or getting a massage.
- Improve circulation in your pelvis: Pelvic stasis can affect progesterone production and the health of your menstrual cycle. Improve pelvic circulation and lymph flow with regular movement, standing more than sitting, keeping good posture, massaging your abdomen, and relieving any constipation.
- Align to your inner rhythm: Take cues from your body’s natural rhythms and listen to what your body is asking for. As your estrogen and progesterone levels naturally drop the week before your period, you may notice a desire to be more introverted, work less, and find more peace in your everyday life. This is all to prepare for your period, which kickstarts you again in a new cycle.
- Address any feelings that come up: Are you feeling angry or irritable, sad or sad, afraid or anxious? The premenstrual phase often amplifies any emotional wounds. Consider journaling about your feelings to discover where they are coming from and what your body is telling you to heal.
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