Why Does Acne Get Worse Before Your Period
Many women notice pimples popping up right before their period starts. This happens because of changes in hormones that affect your skin.
Your body goes through a monthly cycle with hormones like estrogen and progesterone. About a week before your period, progesterone levels rise. This hormone makes your skin glands produce more oil, called sebum. Extra sebum mixes with dead skin cells and clogs your pores. Bacteria then grow in those clogged spots, leading to red, swollen pimples.[1][2]
Androgens, which are hormones present in both men and women, also play a role. These rise during this time and boost oil production even more. The pimples often show up on the lower face, like the chin, jawline, and cheeks. They feel deep and painful, not like surface blackheads.[2][5]
Stress can make it worse. When stressed, your body releases cortisol, another hormone that increases oil and causes inflammation. This adds to the problem during the pre-period phase.[1][4]
Diet matters too. Foods high in sugar or dairy can spike oil production and clog pores faster. Lack of sleep or poor eating habits amplify the hormonal effects.[1][5]
These breakouts are common in teens, women in their 20s and 30s, and those with conditions like PCOS, where androgen levels stay high.[2][3][5]
Sources
https://www.psmedical.com.hk/en/blog/acne-health/hormonal-acne-areas-during-period/
https://drankitmehra.com/blogs/hormonal-acne-causes-treatment-dermatologist-guide
https://www.drbatras.com/hormonal-acne-what-causes-it-and-how-to-treat-it
https://www.trummed.com/info-detail/not-just-pms-when-cortisol-quietly-triggers-your-breakouts
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness-around-the-world/article-879585
