Dealing with cystic acne on your period

Learn about acne & red blotch treatment.

Unless you’re very lucky, you’ll probably have to deal with spots from time to time. For some of us, flare-ups can coincide with our periods. So what can you do about spots and cystic acne on your period? There’s no magic technique for how to not get acne on your period, but there are some things you can do to help get your skin under control. Check out our answer to a reader’s question below for some tips.

Why do I get spots during my period?

“I’m 22 and I’m suddenly getting loads of spots, especially during my period. I’ve tried everything – not wearing make-up, changing my face wash – but nothing seems to work. It’s really getting me down. Can you help?”

Many young people develop spots as a result of hormonal changes during their teens, but it’s also common for women to develop spots just before or during their period. It can also be one of the annoying symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that many women suffer with.

How to not get acne on your period

Everyone’s body and skin is different, unfortunately there is no one simple answer for how to not get acne on your period. There are several things you can do to try and minimise flare-ups, though. A balanced diet is important, as is drinking lots of water, as it helps flush out any toxins in your body. Gently exfoliating and using antibacterial face washes may also help alleviate the problem. You can also generally look after your skin in the following ways:

• Wash your face twice a day with warm water
• Dab spot-prone areas with tissue to gently remove oils
• Get some sunlight, but never get close to burning
• Don’t overdo it with harsh soaps or astringent cleansers
• If you’ve got a spot that’s begging to be punished, follow the squeezers guide as recommended by the Acne Support Group, which you can read about in our article on what causes spots here.

How to deal with persistent acne

If your problems persist, make an appointment to see your doctor (GP). They can prescribe specific treatments to help deal with spots, and can refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.

Have you ever struggled with spots or acne on your period? What did you do about it? Let us know on our discussion boards.