It seems to happen every month, like clockwork.
Could you be imagining it, or is premenstrual acne a real phenomenon?
Premenstrual Acne Symptoms
Premenstrual acne is a real phenomenon.
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Some people find that their existing acne gets worse right before their periods.
ThosePMSbreakouts are different than your “typical” breakouts.
They tend to be deepred and inflamed papuleswhich rarely develop a white head.
These breakouts appear mostly on the lower part of the facecheeks, jawline, chin, and neck.
Premenstrual acne affects 50% to 80% of women who menstruate, according to various studies.
Hormones are also responsible for theacne that gets worse during pregnancyand menopause, too.Specifically, we’re looking attestosterone.
For most, breakouts happen about a week to 10 days before the period begins.
This is the time when estrogen is at its lowest.
Testosterone levels stay fairly constant throughout the month, so as estrogen drops testosterone is relatively higher.
The hormone progesterone also plays a role in premenstrual and pregnancy acne.
Progesterone levels rise during the second half of your cycle.
It can make your skin more oily and cause pores to swell shut, trapping dirt and oil.
Treatment
You don’t have to simply endure these monthly breakouts.
There are treatments that can help get them under control.
Don’t curse your skin this month.
Instead, see your dermatologist and look forward to clear, healthy skin all month long.
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