Why Does Acne Flare Before Periods
Many women notice pimples popping up right before their monthly period. This happens because of changes in hormones that affect the skin.
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone shift a lot during the menstrual cycle. In the week or two before your period, levels of these hormones drop if pregnancy does not occur. At the same time, androgens, which are male-like hormones present in women too, rise or stay high. These androgens tell the skin’s oil glands to make more sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft.
Too much sebum mixes with dead skin cells and blocks pores. Bacteria then grow in those blocked spots, causing inflammation. This leads to red, swollen pimples, often deep and painful cysts. These breakouts usually show up on the lower face, like the jawline, chin, and cheeks, instead of the forehead or nose.
Progesterone plays a big role here. It increases just before the period, boosting oil production even more. Stress can make it worse by raising cortisol, another hormone that amps up oil and inflammation. A diet high in sugar or dairy might also clog pores and add to the problem.
This pattern repeats every cycle for some women because the hormonal shifts are normal but hit the skin hard. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, can make it even more intense due to constantly high androgens. Not every woman gets these flares, but those who do often see them ease up once the period starts and hormones balance out again.
Sources
https://www.psmedical.com.hk/en/blog/acne-health/hormonal-acne-areas-during-period/
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.medicaldaily.com/hormone-imbalance-symptoms-explained-pcos-acne-hair-loss-weight-changes-474035
https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/hormonal-acne
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness-around-the-world/article-879585
https://southlakeobgyn.net/2025/12/24/pms-meaning/
