Why Your Skin Breaks Out Before Your Period — And How to Stop It

Anyone who's dealt with a stubborn breakout right before their period knows it's more than a coincidence. According to experts, these flare-ups follow a predictable rhythm tied to the body's monthly hormonal shifts.

Over the years, women have found countless ways to keep tabs on their menstrual cycles, from marking a calendar to relying on period-tracking apps.

For some, though, no app is necessary — the signs are unmistakable: hormonal acne, or what's more commonly known as period pimples.

According to gynecologist Niccia diTrapano, MD, "Hormonal acne often forms painful cysts or papules that are deeper — and more painful — than your typical whiteheads or blackheads."

In many cases, she notes, hormonal acne never develops a visible head at all, though it still leaves the skin tender to the touch. These breakouts tend to cluster on the lower third of the face, particularly the chin and jawline.

But Dr. diTrapano points out that period acne isn't limited to that area — it can also surface on the cheeks, neck, and around the mouth, as well as on the shoulders and back.

So what's actually driving it?

"Your hormones fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle," Dr. diTrapano explains, "and that can lead to changes such as an increase in sebum production, which is the oil in your skin. That increase in sebum contributes to the formation of acne."

Timing varies from person to person, though most notice these flare-ups in the days leading up to their period. Is there a way to prevent them altogether? The answer is complicated.

"Although it may not be completely preventable," Dr. diTrapano says, "there are thing you can do to decrease your risk of breaking out." Below are a few lifestyle adjustments that can help:

• Reduce your stress levels: Easier said than done, but worth the effort — stress disrupts hormone balance and weakens the immune system, leaving skin more prone to breakouts.
• Prioritize sleep: An age-old tip that still holds up. Research has linked sleep quality directly to acne severity.
• Eat a balanced diet: Cut back on sugar, processed foods, and alcohol, all of which have been shown to aggravate acne, and load up on vegetables instead.
• Use noncomedogenic products: Noncomedogenic makeup, skin care, and hair care items are formulated specifically to avoid clogging pores.
• Talk to your doctor: Gynecologists and other healthcare providers can walk you through over-the-counter and prescription options for hormonal acne, including certain FDA-approved birth control treatments.

Ultimately, hormonal acne is a normal — if frustrating — part of many menstrual cycles, and it's rarely a sign that something is wrong.

While it may not be fully preventable, small adjustments to stress, sleep, and diet can go a long way toward keeping breakouts manageable, and a doctor can help pinpoint the right treatment for anyone looking for more targeted relief.