What to do if a woman gets acne on her face before menstruation

Acne on women's faces before menstruation can be improved by adjusting their diet, keeping their skin clean, regular work and rest, local care, and drug treatment. Acne before menstruation may be related to changes in hormone levels, strong sebum secretion, abnormal keratinization of hair follicles, bacterial infection, mental stress and other factors.

1. Adjust your diet

Before menstruation, you should reduce your intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and dairy products. Such foods may stimulate the secretion of sebaceous glands. You can add carrots and spinach rich in vitamin A, as well as oysters and pumpkin seeds containing zinc to help regulate sebum metabolism. Drink 1500-2000 ml of water every day to promote the discharge of metabolic waste.

2. Keep your skin clean

Choose a mild amino acid cleanser and cleanse twice a day to avoid excessive exfoliation. Use a moisturizing lotion with ceramides after cleansing to maintain the skin barrier. One week before menstruation, you can use a cleansing mask containing salicylic acid or sulfur 1-2 times a week to help unclog hair follicles.

3. Regular work and rest

Make sure to fall asleep before 23:00 every day and sleep for no less than 7 hours. Avoid using electronic devices 1 hour before going to bed and improve sleep quality through meditation or hot water footbath. Appropriately engage in low-intensity exercise such as yoga and walking to relieve premenstrual tension.

4. Local care

For red and swollen acne, you can apply a gel containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in the morning and evening to inhibit Propionibacterium acnes. For unbroken closed acne, 0.025% retinoic acid cream can be applied thinly to promote keratin metabolism. Avoid squeezing acne with your hands, and use a hydrocolloid acne patch to protect the damaged area.

5. Drug treatment

For stubborn acne, you can use spironolactone tablets to regulate androgens for a short period of time as directed by your doctor, or take tanshinone capsules to improve microcirculation. When combined with inflammation, fusidic acid cream can be used externally. For severe nodules and cysts, oral doxycycline tablets must be taken under the guidance of a doctor. All drug use must exclude contraindications.

If you have acne before your period, you should avoid using heavy makeup and choose sunscreen products labeled non-comedogenic. Change pillow covers every day and wash them with hot water above 60℃ to reduce the growth of bacteria. Record the menstrual cycle and acne changes. If there is no improvement in the menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive months or accompanied by menstrual disorders, it is recommended to go to the gynecologist or dermatologist to check for polycystic ovary syndrome and other endocrine diseases. To maintain a happy mood, you can appropriately increase magnesium-rich foods such as red bean soup and dark chocolate during premenstrual period to help stabilize your mood.