The severe cramps and pains that accompany menstruation do not only negatively affect your psyche, but also include changes in your skin. In addition to the yellowing and pallor of the skin, you may experience other physiological changes that lead to severe dryness or increased oiliness of the skin, which sets the stage for acne during this period. Women also become more sensitive to the simplest words and situations. In this article, Dalili Medical, we will review the effect of menstruation on skin health.

What happens to the face during menstruation?

 

During menstruation, acne, known as cyclical acne, may appear. This occurs as a result of increased oil secretion from the sebaceous glands, which leads to clogged pores and the appearance of pimples on the face, especially in the chin area and under the mouth, a few days before the period.

Why does the face swell during menstruation?

 

The main reason behind facial swelling is the rapid changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, which causes cells to retain water as a means of protecting themselves. In addition, other factors can contribute, such as genetics, the type and amount of vitamins and minerals consumed, and diet, especially if it is rich in sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.

Is menstrual blood good for the skin?

 

The menstrual cycle is one of the factors that helps women maintain their youth and vitality for a longer period, which contributes to delaying the appearance of signs of aging and age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Why do acne appear during menstruation?

 

Shortly before the start of menstruation, levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease. This decrease may stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more amounts of sebum, an oily substance that helps moisturize the skin. But increased sebum production can lead to clogged pores and the appearance of pimples. In addition, hormonal changes can lead to increased skin inflammation and promote the growth of bacteria associated with acne.

**How ​​does your menstrual cycle affect your skin?**

 

When your body realizes that it is not pregnant, all hormone levels decrease. Without the additional hormone testosterone and its ability to boost oil production, you may notice that your skin appears dry and dull. During this time, your body also produces more of a hormone-like substance known as prostaglandin, which can make your skin feel thinner.

**How ​​hormones affect your skin during your menstrual cycle:**

 

The levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone change during your menstrual cycle, and these changes directly affect the appearance and texture of your skin.

**Estrogen:**Estrogen is at its highest during the first half of your menstrual cycle. This hormone stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which helps improve skin elasticity and keeps it looking healthy for longer. As estrogen peaks, your skin will be more hydrated, healthy, and plump.

**Progesterone:**In the second half of your menstrual cycle, progesterone levels begin to rise. Progesterone affects sebum production, which can lead to changes in the appearance of your skin.

**Phases of the menstrual cycle and their effect on your skin**

**Phase 1: Menstruation**The menstrual cycle begins with the shedding of the uterine lining, and this stage usually lasts from 3 to 7 days. During this period, hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, are relatively low, which may lead to acne, and thus the appearance of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Some women may also suffer from skin sensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and redness.

**Tips for dealing with skin problems during this stage:**

 

- Use a gentle cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliation to reduce skin sensitivity.

- To treat acne, use topical treatments containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

- Make sure to moisturize the skin with a light, oil-free moisturizer.

**Phase 2: Postmenstruation**This stage is known as the follicular stage, and extends until ovulation. During this period, with increased estrogen levels, the skin begins to improve and become brighter.

**Tips for managing skin problems during this phase**

 

To boost skin hydration and avoid such skin problems, invest in moisturizers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid. Gentle exfoliation is a must, so add this step to your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and boost your complexion’s radiance.

**Phase Three**

“Ovulation, the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, signals the release of a mature egg from the ovary, and hormone concentrations shift rapidly during this phase.”

“Rising levels of estrogen keep skin looking vibrant and healthy, while progesterone takes a back seat. As a result, your skin may experience excess oil, which can worsen acne.”

**Tips for managing skin problems during this phase**

 

Use oil-absorbing sheets or blotting papers to control excess oil throughout the day.

Choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and makeup to prevent clogged pores.

**Phase 4**

This is the period between ovulation and the start of your next period. During this phase, if fertilization does not occur, hormone levels fluctuate rapidly.

Estrogen levels drop and progesterone rises, leading to dull skin, acne, and sensitivity.

**Tips for dealing with skin problems during this period of your menstrual cycle**

Make sure to cleanse your skin well but gently, to get rid of excess oils and impurities.

Look for skin care products that contain ingredients such as green tea extract or niacinamide, as these ingredients help reduce inflammation.

**Symptoms of facial pimples before your period**Menstrual**

 

Facial pimples may appear before the start of the menstrual cycle in different areas of the face, but they are often concentrated in the nose, chin and around the jaw.

Other symptoms associated with acne before the menstrual cycle include:

- **Papules**: These are small red bumps that result from infection and inflammation of the hair follicles.

- **Pustules**: These are small red pimples that contain pus.

- **Nodules**: Solid lumps that are often painful and are found under the surface of the skin.

- **Abscesses**: Large lumps under the skin that contain pus and are usually painful.
Infection and inflammation of the hair follicles

What causes yellowing of the face during the menstrual cycle?

 

Yellowing of the face is often noticed during the menstrual cycle when it is heavy. The volume of blood lost during the menstrual cycle is estimated at about 30 to 40 milliliters over five days, but in the case of a heavy cycle, this volume may reach 80 milliliters in the same period. A heavy period is considered if a woman needs to change sanitary pads every two hours or less. Yellowing or pallor of the face is a symptom that may accompany this type of menstrual cycle, and although the exact cause of this is not entirely clear, there are several possibilities that may lead to its occurrence, including:

- The beginning of the menstrual cycle or its approaching cessation.

- Fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones.

- Hormonal imbalance resulting from problems with ovarian function.

- The presence of uterine fibroids.

- Adenomyosis, which is the growth of the tissue lining the uterus inside the uterine muscle.

- Using a non-hormonal IUD.

- Pregnancy-related problems, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

- Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer.

- Hereditary bleeding problems.

- Taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory or anticoagulant medications.

What are the symptoms associated with yellowing of the face during menstruation?

 

There are a number of symptoms that may appear with facial yellowing during menstruation, especially if it is heavy, including:

- Feminine pads are filled with blood every hour for several consecutive hours.

- The need to use more than one feminine pad at a time.

- Menstruation continues for more than 7 days.

- Large blood clots.

- The effect of bleeding on a woman's ability to perform her daily activities.

- Constant pain in the lower abdomen.

- Feeling tired and losing energy.

- Shortness of breath.

How can facial yellowing during menstruation be diagnosed?

 

Before starting the diagnosis process, the woman is advised to record the number of days of the menstrual cycle. If the cycle continues for a long time with yellowing of the face, this may be due to the intensity of the menstrual cycle. In this case, the doctor will determine the cause through a set of tests, such as:

- **Blood test**: Helps detect the level of iron in the blood, thyroid problems, or blood clots.

- **Cervical examination**: A sample of cervical cells is taken to examine them for signs of inflammation or cancer cells.

- **Ultrasound**: This examination provides clear images of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis.

How can facial yellowing during menstruation be treated?

 

There are several methods that can be followed to treat facial yellowing resulting from heavy menstruation, including:

1. Drug treatment

A group of medications can be used in these cases, such as:

- Iron supplements to treat anemia.

- Tranexamic acid to reduce bleeding during menstruation.

- Birth control pills to regulate the cycle and reduce the amount of bleeding.

- Progesterone pills to treat hormonal disorders.

- Hormonal IUD to reduce the thickness of the uterine lining and thus reduce bleeding.

**2. Surgery**

The doctor may resort to the surgical option if the condition does not respond to drug treatment. Among the available surgical procedures are:

- **Dilatation and curettage**: This is a procedure that aims to scrape the lining of the uterus.

- **Arterial embolization**: Where the blood flow to the arteries that feed the fibroids is closed, which helps reduce the abundance of menstruation.

- **Hysteroscopy**: This involves inserting a tube equipped with a camera, which allows the removal of uterine fibroids.

- **Central ultrasound ablation**: This procedure is used to get rid of fibroid tissue in the uterus.

Skin care methods during menstruation:

- **Skin moisturizing**: Dryness is a common symptom that the skin and hair may suffer from during menstruation, especially in the early days when progesterone and estrogen levels are low. Therefore, it is essential to provide your skin with moisturizers to combat dryness. You can use a moisturizing serum rich in active ingredients or a moisturizing cream from a trusted brand, and incorporate it into your skin care routine during this period. In addition, you should drink enough water to ensure that the body is hydrated from the inside.

**Treatment of acne resulting from menstruation**

 

During the period before your period, known as premenstrual syndrome, you may notice the appearance of acne pimples even with your use of a deep cleansing cleanser. Don’t worry, this is not an infection, but rather due to the high levels of progesterone during this period, which stimulates the appearance of acne. Although these pimples are not dangerous, they can negatively affect girls’ self-confidence. Therefore, it is necessary to take early and proactive treatment measures to restore the freshness and radiance of your skin as soon as possible. Among the care practices that you should make part of your daily routine to deal with acne resulting from the menstrual cycle, is to commit to cleaning your face with warm water twice a day, morning and evening, using a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to prevent bacterial infection. We also emphasize the importance of avoiding popping acne or squeezing pimples randomly, as rubbing or touching the face may lead to the transmission and spread of the infection further, which mayD negatively affects your psychological state.

- Reduce the use of makeup. Avoid using heavy makeup that may exacerbate the problem of pimples on your face, as this may worsen the condition of your skin. It is better to let your skin breathe during this sensitive period and stay away from makeup completely.

- Use sunscreen. Some girls believe that sunscreen is only necessary to protect the skin from the heat of the sun in the summer, but the truth is that it is important to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type even in cold weather. The protection factor should be SPF 30 or higher to ensure effective protection from long and medium ultraviolet rays. Do not forget to reapply it every two hours if you will be spending a long time outdoors.

- Eat foods rich in omega-3 acids. It is important to incorporate food sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet during this sensitive period. In addition, it is preferable to eat foods that contain high levels of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin C, to ensure the provision of the greatest amount of nutrients necessary for skin health. These elements fight inflammation, give the skin super smoothness and good hydration, and enhance the natural blood circulation and help delay the signs of premature aging. Among the foods rich in omega-3 acids, you can include leafy greens, fruits, fish, vegetable oils, and nuts.

Oily skin care routine during days 1-6 of your menstrual cycle:

On the first day of your menstrual cycle, hormone levels are at their lowest throughout the month. As a result, sebum production may decrease slightly, and with the decrease in estrogen, you will notice that your skin looks dry, dull, and not at its best.

During this week, your body produces larger amounts of prostaglandins, which are compounds that play a role in regulating inflammation in the body. But if there is an imbalance in these compounds, this may lead to increased sensitivity of your skin and make it more susceptible to reaction.

Steps:

1. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, preferably one that contains moisturizing ingredients.

2. Avoid hair removal during this period, as it may cause you more pain than usual.

3. Add moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to your routine to compensate for dryness.

Ways to prevent acne before menstruation include:

 

### 1. Losing weight: Being overweight can lead to hormonal imbalance in women and the accumulation of fat under the skin, which increases the likelihood of acne before menstruation.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid foods rich in fats and sugars that contribute to the accumulation of fat, and to focus on a healthy diet that includes eating vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals, which enhances skin health and maintains its freshness and glow.

### 2. Deeply cleansing the skin: Excess bacteria on the face can exacerbate the problem of acne before menstruation, so it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the skin and protect it from bacteria by following some steps, such as:

- Avoid touching the face frequently: because the hands may transfer bacteria and dirt to the skin.

- Keeping the mobile phone clean: as the phone carries bacteria and transfers them to the face when touched.

- Washing the face twice a day: using an oil-free cleanser, and a medical lotion can be used to reduce oils on the skin.

- Avoid cosmetics containing oils: Make sure to remove makeup and clean your skin well before going to bed.

There are effective medications to treat hormonal imbalance that leads to the appearance of pimples before the menstrual cycle, in addition to other medications that help reduce skin oils.