Have you noticed little pimples popping up on your chin as you near your period?
This occurs mostly around the time you ovulate, almost two weeks before your period begins.
While you brace yourself for the upcoming not-so-comfortable time of the month, dealing with hormonal acne can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Did you know ovulation acne breakouts tend to be one of the most reported features during menstruation worldwide?
The hormonal fluctuations that occur through and after ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle can lead to increased sebum production, which can clog the pores. This gives rise to acne flares.
Though menstrual breakouts can be kept at bay with dietary changes and medications, what if I told you that we could achieve better results with natural solutions?
Read on to learn about the correlation between cyclical hormones and those oh-so-annoying zits, and how you can get your glorious skin days back.
Also, do not pay heed to the acne solution advertisement popping up in your newsfeed, as it will do more harm than good.
Is Acne Worse During Ovulation?
Yes, acne may start getting worse during ovulation, or for most women – right after ovulation when estrogen levels drop.
Various hormones are at play throughout the menstrual cycle, and each day is different as the hormone levels keep fluctuating1.
The main hormone surging during the first half of your cycle is estrogen, while progesterone levels rise in the other half of the cycle.
Before ovulation, your estrogen levels are up, and your skin is glowing and supple.
During ovulation, when progesterone and testosterone levels rise, they lead to increased production of sebum which leads to acne breakouts.
These skin-provoking hormones cause acne flare-ups through increased activity of the sebaceous glands which results in excess oil and clogged pores.
According to studies, 63% of women who have acne-prone skin experience more flare-ups about 7-10 days before the period2.
This means that acne is typically the worst right after the ovulation.
Although it’s normal to see some pimples starting to show up during ovulation, it should not be the time when your acne is WORST.
You should observe your skin during a few cycles to notice when the breakouts are worst – if it’s during ovulation it may mean you have hormonal imbalance. If the worst condition is right after ovulation, then it’s normal (caused by hormonal fluctuations).
PRO TIP: There are various causes of acne – it’s not only caused by hormones or bacteria, it can be also due to clogged pores.
That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to what you put on your skin and avoid comedogenic ingredients (as well as acnegenic ingredients).
Does Ovulation Week Cause Acne?
Yes, ovulation week can cause acne. This is due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.
When the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate, they can give rise to favorable conditions that lead to hormonal breakouts.
As testosterone rises, it increases the production of additional sebum from sebaceous glands, which mixes with the dead skin cells and clogs the pores. This gives rise to hormonal acne flare-ups.
While some women might enjoy a radiant glow from the increased activity of the sebaceous glands, most women suffer from hormonal acne and pimples.
What Causes Increased Acne During Ovulation?
Acne breakouts are common during ovulation because of the acne-causing hormones.
With more testosterone, excessive sebum is produced which leads to the shrinking of pores, trapping the oil and dead skin which becomes the breeding ground for acne flare-ups.
The low levels of estrogen during ovulation can be the reason for hormonal acne since there is no estrogen to counter the effect of the progesterone spike3, which gives rise to excessive sebum. This promotes bacterial growth.
Testosterone binds to the sebaceous gland receptors and causes excessive sebum to be produced, which can cause acne by trapping oil and dead skin cells.
This serves as a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
Together, these hormonal changes bring about hormonal acne during ovulation.
How Hormone Fluctuations During Menstrual Cycle Trigger Acne Breakouts
Being the largest organ of our body, our skin acts as a protective barrier and regulator of temperature.
When the body is subjected to hormonal changes through the menstrual cycle, the effects are also manifested on the skin4.
Let me explain how the menstrual cycle progresses with respect to hormones and skin.
The average menstrual cycle lasts for about 28 days, and it is divided into the following menstrual phases:
Follicular Phase
This is the first stage of the cycle, which lasts for almost 14 days.
Starting on the first day of your period, the follicular phase is marked by the production of Estradiol (a form of estrogen) which prepares the uterine lining for implantation. Estrogen peaks right before the ovulation.
Another hormone named the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is released by the pituitary gland during the follicular phase that causes the ovaries to produce more estrogen by maturing the follicles.
This in turn causes an increase in the luteinizing hormone levels, which trigger the release of the egg.
For the skin, this part of the month is marked with the least breakouts as estrogen causes improved skin elasticity and blood circulation, with retained hydration and diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In short, the follicular phase yields amazing skin with increased collagen production and reduced sebum secretion.
Ovulatory Phase
The second stage is the ovulatory phase which lasts for about 3-5 days.
The follicle-stimulating hormone levels rise which leads to ovulation i.e the egg being released from the ovary.
This usually happens around the 13-14 days of your menstrual cycle.
Right before the ovulation estrogen level was highest, but not it starts to drop (around the end of ovulation or right after it), while progesterone levels begin to rise.
Along with that, another hormone named testosterone (the primary androgen) starts to increase, which is also responsible for the sex drive around ovulation.
Skin-wise, the drop in estrogen levels leaves the skin dry and dull and the increased testosterone leads to more sebum production which gives rise to ovulation acne breakouts.
Luteal Phase
The third phase is the luteal phase which lasts for about 10-14 days and is marked with increased sebum production as there is low estrogen to balance out high levels of progesterone and testosterone.
This is the phase where many women experience hormonal acne. The skin appears dry and the moisture barrier is compromised.
The raised sebum production and water retention in the luteal phase lead to clogged pores while trapping excess oil and dead skin cells, which manifest as pimples, especially around the lower third of our face.
When fertilization does not occur, the estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels drop drastically at the end of the luteal phase.
Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase is the final stage of the menstrual cycle, which is marked by the shedding of the uterine lining and egg. The menstrual phase lasts for about 4-7 days.
The estrogen and progesterone levels are low and the cystic acne during ovulation appears to be improving.
It is also marked with less sebum production, which means a reduction in acne breakouts.
Any dryness or dullness that you experienced during the ovulatory or luteal phases will seem to improve during menstruation.
Is Acne During Ovulation Normal?
For most women, acne during ovulation is a normal phenomenon.
Some women report acne or worsened pre-existing acne flares a week or two before they start their period (meaning – around ovulation days or right after).
You should observe your skin during a few cycles. Because of the estrogen and progesterone levels, if you have a acne-prone skin, the flares should be worse about 7-10 days before the period, which is right AFTER the ovulation.
If you notice that your acne is the WORST DURING ovulation, it may indicate hormonal imbalance which may require consultation with a dermatologist and/or endocrinologist.
Hormonal adult acne normally presents as pimples in the lower third of the face, around the chin and jawline.
The spike in androgen and progesterone hormones coupled with the drop in estrogen during the ovulation phase leads to increased levels of sebum and keratin trapped in the follicles.
This manifests as whiteheads and blackheads and if bacteria finds its way inside, it will result in inflammatory acne.
It is important to differentiate between hormonal acne and bacterial acne. If acne coincides with hormonal changes as described above and you notice a pattern every time you are nearing your period, it is definitely hormonal acne.
Another stark difference is that hormonal acne usually presents on the bottom of the cheeks, along the jawline and chin, unlike bacterial acne which can cause a pimple anywhere, even on your forehead.
If you notice excessive facial hair, weight gain, and irregular periods along with acne, please consult with your doctor so you can get checked for polycystic ovarian syndrome.
How To Treat Hormonal Acne
Here are some common ways to treat acne:
- Topical medications
Doctors suggest topical medication such as retinoids which unclog pores and increase cell turnover, reducing the inflammatory changes surrounding acne.
Clindamycin, an antibiotic is often prescribed to protect against acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is used in facewashes to reduce acne-causing bacteria.
- Birth control
The birth control pill is commonly used by women who want persistent blemishes to be a thing of the past5.
Oral contraceptive pills or transdermal patches can help improve acne while reducing sebum.
- Oral medication
Spironolactone, an anti-androgen diuretic that is used to manage high blood pressure has a role in treating hormonal acne, especially where topical meds do not yield the required results.
Other than this, oral isotretinoin or antibiotics such as doxycycline have been proven to effectively treat hormonal acne.
Despite being commonly used, there is a downside to these popular treatment options for treating acne.
They are accompanied by hazardous side effects such as disruption of normal flora or gut biome, poor immunity, depression (side effect of isotretinoin), hormonal imbalance, just to name a few.
It may leave you wondering if these really are the best options out there.
The good news is that there are natural solutions to fight acne breakouts, without the harmful side effects of modern medications.
Tips For Fighting Acne Breakouts During Ovulation In Natural Way
Here I bring you some useful tips to manage your hormonal acne using natural solutions:
1. You are what you eat
One of the best ways to control hormonal acne is to eat foods that reduce inflammation6.
Cruciferous vegetables e.g broccoli, kale, etc, and omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, flax seeds, fish liver oil, etc are excellent micronutrients that improve the condition of your skin.
Avoid refined sugar, processed foods, and dairy products that can trigger inflammation and exacerbate your acne.
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants especially epigallocatechin gallate, a compound with antiandrogenic properties, so if you suffer from acne, it can do wonders for you.
2. A good skincare routine goes a long way
With gazillions of organic products that address the skin concerns of acne-prone individuals, it is quite easy to create a simple yet effective skincare routine that will reveal clear skin with reduced black heads and blocked pores.
One of the best natural skincare products that acne prone skin can benefit from is tea tree oil, also known as Melaleuca oil. It is commonly used as a cult favorite in treating spots, acne, blemishes, and redness that comes with acne.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can reduce the blemishes caused by hormones-induced acne.
Use a gentle cleanser, exfoliate at least twice a week, and use a noncomedogenic moisturizer to prevent acne.
3. Manage your stress
Stress is detrimental to health. If you are struggling with stress too often, it can trigger hormonal imbalance, worsening your acne.
It releases the stress hormone cortisol which causes increased production of sebum leading to pimples.
Stress can lead to raised blood sugar which stimulates the inflammatory effects of insulin causing pimples. Reducing stress will improve your acne.
4. Supplements
Various supplements can boost your skin health and keep pimples at bay. Some of the most beneficial supplements are:
- Zinc: It reduces the skin caused by acne-inducing bacteria.
- Vitamin A (retinol): It helps with skin cell turnover while reducing inflammation, redness, and cell damage.
- Omega 3s: These supplements reduce acne by stimulating anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that lower the levels of acne-inducing hormones.
- Probiotics: Probiotics promote healthy gut flora which reduces inflammation.
- Vitamin B: It prevents acne and reduces signs of aging by decreasing the overproduction of sebum.
- Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency can cause skin inflammation.
- Fibers: A high-fiber diet reduces testosterone while maintaining healthy gut flora.
5. Address your inner health
Keep an eye out for systemic health issues. Hormonal acne begins from the inside of your body.
So modify your diet and lifestyle so you can get rid of the acne.
Micronutrients That Help To Fight Cyclical Acne
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamins A, B, C, D
- Probiotics
- Omega 3s
- Selenium
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Resources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://www.pollie.co/
- https://www.hellomotherhood.com/
- https://goodglow.co/
