Hormonal Breakouts 101: Why Acne Gets Worse Around Your Period (and What Teens Can Do)
If you have ever noticed that your skin flares up right before or during your period, you are not imagining it. Hormonal breakouts are one of the most common skin struggles for teens, and they can be frustrating, painful, and a hit to your confidence. The good news? Understanding why they happen is the first step to calming them down.
Why Do Hormones Affect Skin?
During your cycle, hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone rise and fall. Right before your period starts, these changes trigger your oil glands to produce more sebum. Extra oil can clog pores, mix with bacteria, and lead to breakouts.
This is why you might notice pimples popping up along your jawline, chin, or cheeks at the same time each month. Dermatologists call this hormonal acne, and it is completely normal during the teen years.
How Hormonal Breakouts Look
Hormonal breakouts often appear as:
- Painful red pimples or cysts on the jawline or chin
- Clusters of small bumps that will not go away
- Breakouts that come back around the same time each cycle
Unlike random blackheads or whiteheads, hormonal acne tends to follow a pattern.
What Teens Can Do to Manage Breakouts
1. Stick to a Simple Routine
When breakouts strike, it is tempting to throw every product at your face. But overloading your skin with harsh treatments can make things worse. Instead, keep it simple:
- Gentle Cleanser: Removes dirt and oil without stripping skin.
- Moisturizer: Hydrates and helps your skin barrier stay strong.
- Sunscreen: Protects skin from irritation and prevents dark marks.
Learn more in our blog on why a gentle cleanser matters most.
2. Spot Treat Carefully
Pimple patches or mild spot treatments with ingredients like salicylic acid can help shrink breakouts faster. But avoid picking or popping pimples, which can lead to scarring.
3. Balance Your Lifestyle
Skin is affected by more than products. A few habits that help reduce hormonal breakouts include:
- Prioritizing sleep (less stress = calmer skin)
- Staying hydrated
- Managing stress with journaling, exercise, or meditation
- Eating a balanced diet with fewer highly processed foods
4. Know When to Ask for Help
If your breakouts are severe, painful, or affecting your confidence, it is a good idea to talk to a dermatologist or doctor. They can recommend treatments that go beyond over-the-counter options.
Why This Is About More Than Skin
Hormonal breakouts are not just about pimples. They affect how you feel about yourself. That is why it is important to approach skincare as self-care. Taking time to cleanse, moisturize, and show yourself kindness is a reminder that breakouts do not define your worth.
