Like you’re not cranky enough managing PMS, but then low and behold a hormonal pimple shows up just to top off your day. Show that spot who’s boss with this advice…
Geez, us women seem to have received a roller-coaster of big and small baggage that comes with our monthly cycle – and pimples take cake for the ultimate carry-on. But if you understand the timing, you can manage the treatment, so the forecast will be nothing short of ‘sunny skies ahead.’ Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica, explains how…
Why do I get pimples at different times of the month?
A: “Many adult women get breakouts around the time of ovulation,” explains Emma. “Typically, this is a couple of weeks before the start of their period, and these tend to be localised to the area around the sides of the chin. These breakouts are most likely due to the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that is seen at this time. This hormone can trigger sebaceous gland activity, leading to increased oil production and the perfect environment for invading bacteria to cause inflammation. Hormonal breakouts are quite common and it’s good to know they can be controlled with the right products and diet.” That mean healthy foods, exercise, and reducing stress levels at this time.
Product to try:
Treat spots with Dermalogica Medibac Concealing Spot Treatment, $36. www.dermalogica.com.au.
Or choose skincare products with these ingredients.
- Niacinamide and Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid help with oily shine.
- Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid stimulate natural exfoliation to eliminate the congestion.
- Spirea Ulmaria Extract, Cinnamon Extract and Zinc Gluconate help to control bacteria.
- To keep inflammation caused by acne under control, apply products that contain topical anti-inflammatories. This includes Green Tea, Camphor, Allantoin and Oat Extract.
- Calendula, Green Tea, Horse Chestnut, Liquorice and Chamomile help treat breakouts while calming irritation.
- Biotin, Tea Tree, Zinc Gluconate and Yeast Extract are all fantastic for purifying the skin, promoting clarity and preventing breakouts.
- Hyaluronic acid is a great ingredient that helps prevent the dehydration and dry patches associated with clearing products.
- Benzoyl Peroxide is a chemical that introduces oxygen into the follicle, thereby killing the anaerobic bacteria. It also has the added benefit of causing a drying and peeling to pustules and papules. This treatment may be used at the 5% concentration (the max concentration for an ‘over the counter’ cosmeceutical) directly over the affected at 8 hourly intervals.
Dermalogica have introduced a Face mapping program to diagnose pimple trigger zones. The therapists then suggest skincare and lifestyle factors that may be triggers, and can make suggestions specific to your needs. Visit www.dermalogica.com.au for more info.
How do you control your hormonal pimples? Tell us in the comments below.
