Why do I get spots during my period?
“I’m 22 and I’m suddenly getting loads of spots, especially during my period. I’ve tried everything – not wearing make-up, changing my face wash – but nothing seems to work. It’s really getting me down. Can you help?”
Understanding what you're dealing with
Lots of people develop spots as a result of hormonal changes, but it’s common for women of all ages to develop spots before or during their period.
Acne related to your period is likely to flare up in the week leading up to it and improve when your period is ending or over.
If you already have acne, you might notice that it gets worse during this time. If you tend to have clear skin, you might notice a spot or two, particularly around your chin.
Why does it flare up before your period?
Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. Just before your period, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can trigger sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts.
Hormones can also increase skin inflammation and the production of acne-causing bacteria.
How to tackle hormonal breakouts
Everyone’s different, so unfortunately there's not one simple answer. There are things you can do to try and minimise flare-ups, though:
- Eat a balanced diet, reducing things like sugary drinks and highly processed foods, which can make acne worse
- Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a gentle cleanser
- Look into benzoyl peroxide products - start at a low strength and gradually increase over time. Other ingredients to look out for include glycolic acid, which helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth, and salicylic acid, which prevents pores from clogging
- Don’t overdo it with harsh soaps, spot treatments or exfoliators - overuse can irritate your skin even more
- Try spot patches: they can help to calm and reduce spots, keep them clean and work as a reminder not to pick. They also look cute!
- Be consistent: Spots won't disappear overnight, but sticking to a routine that works for your skin can help it to regulate
- Get some sunlight, but always wear SPF and never let yourself burn
- Prepare for your next cycle: the same things that tackle spots can also help to prevent them
How to deal with persistent acne
If your problems persist, make an appointment to see your doctor.
They can recommend options such as prescription treatments or birth control pills, which can help to manage hormonal acne.
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