Winning the monthly hormonal break out battle

Most of us have at some stage endured irritating monthly breakouts, which can make us feel self-conscious. No one is exactly sure why this occurs, but it's safe to say that it has something to do with the hormonal changes involved in the menstrual cycle.  

Hormones are responsible for oil productions and it is the surplus oil production created by the male hormones that are instrumental in clogging pores which leads to a blockage, where bacteria grows with dead skin cells causing pimples and blemishes to form.

Unfortunately, when it comes to hormonal break outs, it can be hard to treat, as you can’t control your hormones with skincare products. However with the right skincare regime you can put up a good fight and turn a monthly menace into a small blemish. The conception pill and androgen (male hormone) receptor blockers may also help with regulating hormones from the inside out however you must consult with your Doctor.

The first step in skincare is your Cleanser.

Choose a gentle cleanser to help reduce the oil and purify the skin without drying it out. We have listed our top 6 Cleansers here just click the link.

Step Two – You should exfoliate skin regularly using a gentle non-abrasive exfoliator. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based enzyme powder that instantly leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter.  Voted “Best Facial Exfoliator” in the Instyle Best Beauty Buys 2013.

Step Three - Masks Masks perform both deep cleansing and purifying actions. Masks containing kaolin helps to purify, absorb excess surface oil and prevent a major breakout.  You can also use your mask as a spot treatment. Try AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask.

Step Four – Treatment Cream. Spot treatments help conceal and clear breakouts upon contact. Products that contain Zinc Oxide (healing and repairing) and Salicylic Acid (help slough off dead skin cells) help prevent future breakouts.  Dermalogica Medibac Concealing Spot Treatment and Alpha-H Clear Skin Blemish Control Gel are both effective treatment products and both contain Zinc Oxide and Salicylic Acid.

Step Five – Hydrate your Skin. Use a lightweight moisturiser design to combat problematic skin conditions, hydrate the skin, help prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. Our favourites are: Dermalogica Medibac Oil Free Matte SPF30 and Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser and Gentle Exfoliant.

As a general rule, women's hormones tend to fluctuate more than men's, which helps explain why acne in women tends to be constant and more erratic than acne in men.