For many women, the menstrual cycle is like a monthly rollercoaster of hormonal changes. Along with those hormonal fluctuations, some women experience the unwelcome passenger called hormonal acne. This type of acne tends to flare up like clockwork, right before or during your period. Just before your period starts, progesterone levels drop and estrogen levels rise. This can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. While sebum is important, too much can result in clogged pores and breakouts. Take a closer look at hormonal acne during your menstrual cycle, understand its causes, and explore effective strategies for managing and preventing those frustrating breakouts using your LINNÉ products. 

Let's break down how the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone and the increase in androgens play a role in your skin's journey each month:

Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Your period marks the beginning of your menstrual cycle. During this phase, estrogen and progesterone are low, while androgens may be slightly elevated. This hormonal combination can lead to increased oil production, making your skin more prone to acne.

Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): As your period ends, estrogen levels start to rise. This hormone can help balance oil production and reduce the likelihood of acne.

Ovulatory Phase (Days 14-16): Around the middle of your cycle, you experience a surge in both estrogen and testosterone. This can lead to an increase in oil production, which might trigger breakouts.

Luteal Phase (Days 17-28): As your cycle progresses toward the end, your body prepares for menstruation by raising levels of progesterone. Unfortunately, this hormone can stimulate oil glands, making your skin more prone to acne once again.

Managing Hormonal Acne:

While you can't completely control the hormonal changes in your body, there are several effective strategies for managing and preventing hormonal acne during your menstrual cycle:

• Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help regulate hormone fluctuations and reduce inflammation.

• Hydration: Staying properly hydrated supports healthy skin by promoting efficient detoxification.

• Skincare: Use gentle, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory skincare products. Avoid harsh or abrasive ingredients that can irritate your skin.  BALANCE face oil, as the name suggests, was formulated to help regulate sebum levels so skin stays moisturized but not greasy. Used twice daily along with PURIFY face wash and RENEW face serum, Balance has helped countless individuals experience the calm and confidence of a healthy clear complexion.

• Stress Management: High stress levels can disrupt hormone balance. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help reduce stress and prevent acne.

 

Hormonal acne during your menstrual cycle can be frustrating, but understanding its root causes and implementing the right strategies can make a significant difference in managing and preventing breakouts. It's important to remember that each person's experience with hormonal acne is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. With patience and the right approach, you can find ways to minimize the impact of hormonal acne and feel more confident throughout your monthly cycle. For more tailored assistance, sign up for our skin consultation with founder Jenna Levine. 

Hear from a customer how her LINNÉ products cleared her hormonal acne: “The Renew Serum and Balance Face Oil have helped clear up my hormonal acne and scarring so much I am so grateful! I have been struggling with this for a while now and am super self conscious about it. Nothing has been helping. Then I got the Purify cleanser then the oil and then added in Renew and it has changed my skin 🙏🏻. I’m a health care worker who also has to wear a mask all day at work and that does not help my acne. I just purchased more and just wanted to say thank you this stuff really works and is very healing” - Kristin