Periods can be annoying, and for many women, that time of the month also comes along with an unfortunate side effect: Breakouts.
While it’s quite common for extra spots to pop up during menstruation, there are things you can do to make those breakouts less severe — or even eliminate them altogether.
In addition to taking care of your skin consistently and watching what you eat during your period, there is a routine that just might help those pesky hormonal breakouts.
With two phases, for when you’re on your period and when you’re not, this two-part skincare plan is designed to help you keep your skin healthy and minimise how bad it gets during that time of the month.
Exfoliate
According to Marie Claire, the best thing to do for your skin while your period is in action is to exfoliate.
“As much as we may feel sluggish during our period, it is paramount we take extra care of our skin by gently exfoliating and cleansing the face.”
The site recommends focussing “especially the T-zone, which is often the main problem area as it is the most oily, as well as our chin, and around the nose too.”
By exfoliating during your period, you will wash away extra oils that result from your cycle and prevent those under-the-surface spots from popping up.
Hydrate
After spending a week exfoliating all potential breakouts away, your skin is feeling smooth as ever. But what’s next?
During the remainder of the month, it’s extremely important to cleanse and hydrate the skin to replenish and refresh before your next period hits.
“Now it is time to hydrate yourself to repair the skin’s barrier after a week of going through the wars” Marie Claire jokes, adding the suggestions that “hydrating masks, deeply nourishing moisturisers, vitamin sprays, and simply drinking all the H20 will work wonders on the skin and help to achieve the desired glow.”
In addition to the above, keeping your skin hydrated on a daily basis can be achieved through simple changes.
Wearing sunscreen every day is a great place to start, as it not only hydrates but also protects skin from harmful UV rays.
Sleeping with a humidifier is great for those in drier climates, as it will also stop you from drying out overnight. Eating foods that contain a lot of water like fruits and vegetables will also do wonders for your skin and body alike.
Next time your period comes around, try a little extra exfoliation for the week, remembering to hydrate the skin for the following few.
Once you get into the habit of following this rotation, you’ll realise that taking care of your skin during that time of the month is far easier than it seems.
By creating a consistent cycle, you’ll get your skin into a good routine, staying away from harsh alternatives during that week which might only irritate skin further.
Staying hydrated throughout the rest of the month will ensure that by the time your period rolls around, your skill will be ready for the extra exfoliation.