How to Prevent Menstrual Acne

Adult acne is embarrassing. You endure breakouts as a teenager with the hope of leaving them behind you forever only to discover that pimples have followed you into adulthood. For women, the menstrual cycle is one of the most common causes of adult acne. Hormone fluctuations that occur at the peak of your cycle can trigger acne that recalls your teenage years. We all want to stay young forever, but acne is a part of youth we'd prefer to forget. With the right skin care regimen, you can prevent acne breakouts from happening during your monthly cycle.

Things You'll Need

• Mild facial cleanser
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Multivitamin

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Instructions

Clean, Healthy Skin

• 1

  Wash your face regularly. Twice a day is ideal, but if you're only going to wash once a day, right before bed is best. Use a mild cleanser to prevent drying or irritating your skin. Use your fingers to massage your face while cleansing. You don't want to scrub at your face with anything rough because that can worsen the appearance of blemishes.

  Also, wash your face after a workout. Breaking a sweat can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Washing your face right after you exercise can prevent that.

• 2

  Follow washing with a good moisturizer. Many people think moisturizers contribute to acne, but they're important to maintaining soft, healthy skin. Choose a moisturizer that isn't oil-based and apply a small amount to your face while it is still slightly damp from washing.

• 3

  Take a multivitamin that contains vitamin D3. This form of vitamin D is easily absorbed and used by your body. Recent research featured in Experimental Dermatology finds that vitamin D may help to prevent acne breakouts.

• 4

  Visit your dermatologist if blemishes persist. A topical cream containing retinol may help you gain control of your cyclical acne, but you'll need a dermatologist's advice - and a prescription.