Our top advice on how to treat stubborn hormonal acne
Having acne can really get the better of you. It strips you of any self-confidence and often makes you dread leaving the house. You shouldn’t be ashamed of your skin, but we completely understand the impact acne has on your life.
They may just be spots to some people, but to others, it can completely take over your life. Socialising is tainted by the fear that people are looking at your acne scars and spots, dating can seem unbearable because you struggle to feel pretty and finding a solution gets more and more frustrating as you test yet another cleanser that failed to do what the advert promised.
We have tried dozens of cleansers, spot treatments, tablets and face masks and although some products have helped, we are still cursed with a breakout of ugly, uncomfortable spots once a month.
We did some digging and it turns out these specific breakouts are caused by hormones. They tend to occur around your fertile window, which is roughly between day 18 and 24 of your cycle.
After you ovulate, there is an increase in progesterone which is the hormone that loves to make your skin oily – how fabulous! Dr. Dendy Engelman told Fashion Magazine that your “skin swells and pores are compressed shut, as a result, pores never looked so minimized.”
Between days 20 and 24, progesterone reaches an all time high, which is peak time for breakouts aka our least favourite time of the month. This is one of the worst times for our skin, particularly the chin and jawline areas. The breakouts really lower our mood so we have started searching for methods that will help ease our acne around this time.
Here are the things we try to do around this time of the month to avoid horrendous breakouts:
1. Change your pillowcase every other day
2. Increase your water intake
3. Cut out dairy
4. Drink peppermint tea twice a day
5. Double cleanse
6. Wear your hair up more often
7. Avoid eating crisps
8. Use aloe vera to tame redness
9. Wear less makeup
10. Avoid touching your face
11. Use hand sanitizer frequently
12. Start using a new beauty blender
13. Use a lighter moisturiser
14. Clean your phone screen daily
15. Try cut down on chocolate (this is the hardest one!)
16. Wear sunscreen every day
It is important to note that your acne should not define you. Don't let it rule your life. We know that is easier said than done, but tell yourself that it doesn't take away from your natural beauty whenever you feel down about it. Having acne is the biggest pain, but hopefully these tips will help you.
