Why Is My Acne Worse During My Period? Causes, Hormonal Changes & How to Manage It
If you’ve ever noticed breakouts appearing just before or during your period, you’re not alone. Many people experience hormonal acne during the menstrual cycle, even if their skin stays relatively clear the rest of the month. Understanding why this happens and how to support your skin during these changes can make a noticeable difference.
How Hormones Affect Acne During Your Period
Hormonal fluctuations play a major role in period-related acne. In the days leading up to menstruation, estrogen levels drop while androgen levels rise. Androgens stimulate oil (sebum) production, which increases the chances of clogged pores and inflammation.
This is why period acne often appears around the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks, and why these breakouts tend to be deeper, more painful, and slower to heal.
Why Period Acne Feels More Severe
Hormonal acne forms beneath the skin’s surface, making it harder to treat with quick fixes. Increased oil production, inflammation, and heightened skin sensitivity during this phase can make even small breakouts look worse.
Lifestyle factors such as stress, disrupted sleep, and dietary changes around your cycle can further trigger inflammation, causing acne to persist longer than usual.
How to Manage Hormonal Acne Effectively
Managing acne during your period isn’t about harsh treatments it’s about supporting the skin consistently.
A balanced skincare approach helps by:
- Gently cleansing to remove excess oil
- Regulating sebum to prevent clogged pores
- Using anti-inflammatory care to calm redness
- Maintaining hydration to protect the skin barrier
Ingredients such as Salicylic Acid help keep pores clear, while oil-regulating complexes reduce excess sebum without overdrying. Soothing actives like Azeloglycine®, Panthenol, and Allantoin help calm inflammation and support skin recovery during hormonal fluctuations.
Targeted treatments can also be helpful when used early especially in the days before your period to reduce the intensity of upcoming breakouts.
Why Consistency Matters More Than Speed
One of the most common mistakes with hormonal acne is switching products frequently or using aggressive treatments during flare-ups. This can weaken the skin barrier and worsen inflammation.
Dermatologist-developed routines designed for acne-prone skin, such as the Novaclear ACNE range, focus on long-term balance rather than quick fixes helping the skin cope better with monthly hormonal changes.
Conclusion
Period acne is a normal response to hormonal shifts not a skincare failure. With a consistent, dermatologist-informed routine that focuses on oil control, calming inflammation, and barrier support, hormonal breakouts can become far more manageable over time.
