Spots on the chin and along the jaw before a period are common, and they can be treated. In a survey of 400 women with acne, almost half said their skin broke out more before their period. Doctors link this to cycle hormones, and it has nothing to do with how clean your skin is.
How does a spot form, and where does the cycle come in?
Hormones affect the oil glands that sit next to hair follicles, the tiny holes in your skin. The glands make more oil, the lining of the follicle thickens, and the pore gets blocked. Bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin multiply inside it, and it becomes inflamed.
Scientists still don't fully know why the flare lands on the days before a period. We do know that acne often runs in families. So a friend with a similar cycle can have completely different skin.
What actually helps?
Wash with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, no more than twice a day. Scrubs, alcohol toners and washing five times an evening irritate the skin and make breakouts worse.
Choose make-up and sunscreen labelled non-comedogenic, which means they're less likely to block pores. Take your make-up off before bed. Add new products one at a time, because switching all the time irritates the skin too.
Pharmacies sell benzoyl peroxide gels without a prescription. Many acne treatments take 2–3 months to start working, so give them that long. Meanwhile, log breakouts in HeySis alongside your cycle to see whether they keep coming back before your period.
Common questions
Is it something I'm eating?
Possibly, in part. The NHS lists foods with a high glycaemic index, the ones that raise blood sugar quickly, among possible triggers. There's no magic acne diet, though, so don't cut out whole food groups without talking to a doctor.
Can I cover spots with foundation?
Yes. Pick one labelled non-comedogenic and always take it off at night, because even non-comedogenic make-up can cause breakouts if you sleep in it.
Will the pill help?
The combined pill is one of the treatments a doctor may offer women with acne. You choose one together with your doctor: first changes usually show after 2–3 months, and the full effect can take up to a year.
In short
- Wash gently, no more than twice a day
- Don't squeeze a spot, cover it with a patch
- Show deep, painful spots to a doctor
Source: NHS: Acne
Educational content; it does not replace professional medical advice.