Being a woman is hard sometimes. Every month our cycles make us cranky, bloated, irritated, and moody. Cramps, nerve-pulls, our muscles get sore, and nausea and fever become our most unwanted visitors. As if these weren’t enough, hormones kick us in our guts, spilling all kinds of breakouts on our faces!
Acne, pus-filled cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads, you name it—we’ve seen it all. But how are these ‘hormonal breakouts’ different than general pimples? These are caused by the imbalance in our estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—all of which fluctuate often during our cycles. So, if these breakouts show up once every month and if they are concentrated on your jawline, chances are that they are hormonal. Fear not, you can combat these pesty warriors with some super ingredients that will not only help avoid breakouts and stubborn scars but also prep your skin for your next cycle!
Salicylic and glycolic acid
A true hero when it comes to acne, salicylic acid is known to reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. It’s a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates your skin gently removing all acne-causing bacteria from your skin. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that fights acne and deeply hydrates your skin.
We recommend: Nykaa SKINRX 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum, Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum, The Derma Co. 7% Glycolic Acid Face Toner
Retinol
Hormonal activities change in your body with age. They have a different effect on your skin as well. Retinol, an anti-aging ingredient, can help control the deviations of your normal skin balance by exfoliating away your dead skin cells and minimizing acne with proper oil control. It’s a long-term solution for your skincare.
We recommend: PIXI Botanical Collagen & Retinol Serum, St.Botanica Retinol 2.5% + E & Hyaluronic Acid Professional Facial Serum, WOW Skin Science Retinol Face Serum
Tea Tree Oil
Another knight in shining natural armor, this ingredient is great for acne-prone skin. This naturally found anti-inflammatory agent clears up your skin with regular skin. Other hormonal breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads can also be controlled with this miracle ingredient.
We recommend: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, Biotique Advanced Organics Tea Tree Skin Clearing Mattifying Facial Toner, Mamaearth Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash With Tea Tree & Salicylic Acid
Probiotics
Learning about the microbiome (a universe of microorganisms) on your skin may help with hormonal breakouts. With hormonal changes, your microbiome and its pH levels change too. Thus, using probiotic skincare can level out the unnatural imbalances that are caused during your cycle. Probiotics introduce good bacteria on your skin that combat the acne-causing ones directly.
We recommend: Dot & Key 72 Hr Hydrating Gel + Probiotics, Glamglow BerryGlow Probiotic Recovery Mask, Innisfree Derma Green Tea Probiotics Cream
COMBAT WITH HORMONAL BREAKOUTS:
- Make dietary changes. Sugars, dairy products, and red meat can cause breakouts. Try and replace these with as many greens and natural sugars as you can like fruits.
- Try and include detoxifying ingredients in your food like green tea, apple cider vinegar, and lemons so your skin is prepared to fight toxifying agents that can stir up your hormones.
- ALWAYS do a patch test before using a product. Your skin could be reacting to the products you are currently using.
- Use non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. Along with hormonal fluctuations, your skincare products could be aiding in the breakouts.
- Check with a doctor if you should control your hormones with birth control pills. Your cycle may be irregular or your hormone production may be inconsistent which could also lead to you facing severe breakouts.
