Acne During Ovulation: Causes And How to Treat It

As your body prepares for ovulation, it's hard at work. Each month, your hormones instruct an ovary to mature a dominant egg that is released into the fallopian tube.[1] This process is how life begins, and, if you're trying to conceive, it's a welcome event.

Unfortunately, ovulation can also come with some unpleasant effects, like breakouts or skin troubles.[2] Stick around for some helpful tips and tricks about tackling acne during ovulation.

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

Understanding Ovulation and Acne

Acne develops when bacteria on the skin's surface become trapped within your pores. Hormones play a key role in this process, and fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can make you more susceptible to acne.

The Hormonal Shifts Behind Ovulation Acne

As ovulation approaches, luteinizing hormones (LH), estrogen, and testosterone levels rise.[3] These hormones prepare your body for the possibility of conception, but they can also affect your skin. During ovulation, you may notice that your skin is more oily than usual. That's because testosterone levels increase sebum production, an oily substance that protects your skin's outer barriers.

After ovulation, progesterone levels begin to rise too. This hormone also changes in sebum production. High sebum levels keep your skin moist and supple, but sebum can trap dirt and bacteria in the pores.[2] That can lead to a nasty breakout.

Why Some People Are More Affected Than Others

Wondering why your friend has smooth, clear skin while you struggle with regular breakouts? Every person's skin is different. Some people have naturally higher levels of sebum production.

In addition, your skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself. Dead skin cells can clog pores, trapping microorganisms like bacteria deep inside. Researchers aren't sure why, but some people seem to carry more microorganisms on the surface of their skin.[4] Some also experience more cell turnover as their skin refreshes itself. These people may be at a higher risk of hormonal acne.

Symptoms and Patterns of Ovulation-Related Acne

Hormonal acne tends to center around the jaw and tends to appear at the same time every month. It may also spread to your cheeks, forehead, chest, and back.[2] Tracking your ovulation can help you understand whether your breakouts follow a pattern.

Ovulation calculators are a great way to keep track of your cycle. However, these tools can only estimate when ovulation may occur. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) may deliver more accurate results.[5]

Tracking Your Cycle and Acne Breakouts

As you track your cycle, record the days when your acne was at its worst and see if you can find a pattern. You may discover that you tend to break out a few days before or after ovulation. Some people also find that they break out before or during their period. Knowing when breakouts happen can help you take extra care of your skin during these times.

Preventing and Minimizing Acne During Ovulation

You might not be able to alter your menstrual cycle, but you can make lifestyle changes that support healthy skin.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Healthier Skin

Stress is a major trigger for acne.[6] Regular sleep, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help with stress management. For clear skin, avoid refined sugar and steer clear of alcohol. They can trigger inflammation, which may lead to a breakout.[2] If you're prone to acne, keep up a regular exercise regimen. Exercise helps boost skin circulation and balances hormones.[7]

Skincare Tips During Ovulation

During ovulation, your skin needs daily attention. Be sure to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and remove makeup before bed. Avoid scrubbing with harsh exfoliants or chemical peels. These products are likely to irritate sensitive skin. Instead, opt for mild cleansers with acne-fighting ingredients.

Treatment Options for Ovulation Acne

If your daily skincare routine isn't enough to keep acne at bay, it may be time for a new solution. Many over-the-counter skincare products can help dry up acne and decongest clogged pores.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Products with salicylic acid dry up pimples and clear away dead skin cells.[8] Benzoyl peroxide products can help, too. This ingredient works to kill bacteria within pores and hair follicles.[9] It may clear up a stubborn case of acne.

When to Consider Prescription Treatments

Sometimes, at-home care isn't enough to resolve severe acne. If you have trouble with recurring breakouts, consider seeing a dermatologist. These skincare specialists can offer prescription medications and in-office treatments.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

Looking for all-natural solutions instead? Acne remedies can be found in the supplements aisle, too. Sometimes, they can even appear in your kitchen cabinet.

Herbal and Natural Solutions

Green tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. One study suggests green tea extract can reduce acne.[10] Tea tree oil can help, too. This extract dries out blemishes and kills bacteria.[11] But be sure to follow product guidelines for topical use. Undiluted tea tree oil may damage the skin.

Supplements That Can Help

Echinacea may reduce hormonal acne.[12] Zinc tablets could also tame inflammation and reduce redness in acne patients.[13]

Long-Term Management of Ovulation Acne

Maintaining a consistent skincare routine can help you stay on top of your fight against acne. Frequently switching products could increase your risk of breakouts, so it's best to settle on a skincare regimen and stick with it.

Building a Sustainable Skincare Routine

Overwashing your skin can worsen acne by increasing oil production and stripping away protective barriers.[2] Most people need to wash their face only once per day. You can cleanse with a witch hazel toner if your skin feels greasy between washes.

Limit exfoliation to twice weekly, and apply a lightweight moisturizer morning and night. And don't forget about sunscreen. You may have heard that tanning can reduce breakouts, but this is a myth. Sun exposure is still the top risk factor for skin cancer, so slather on that sunscreen.[14]

Understanding Your Skin's Needs

Finding a skincare regimen that meets your unique needs isn't always easy. A dermatologist or aesthetician can offer personalized guidance. If you need help tracking your ovulation or managing fertility, Natalist is here.

How Natalist Can Help

Our cost-saving bundles help you track your cycle and support regularity. Natalist's online store also offers a wide range of supplements to manage skin inflammation. Check out our catalog today.

References

1 Reed BG. The normal menstrual cycle and the control of ovulation. Endotext. August 5, 2018. Accessed February 13, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279054/.

2 Acne. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. December 29, 2022. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/acne.

3 Vigil P, Lyon C, Flores B, Rioseco H, Serrano F. Ovulation, a sign of health. The Linacre Quarterly. 2017;84(4):343-355. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1394053

4 Grice EA, Segre JA. The skin microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2011;9(4):244-253. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2537

5 Su H, Yi Y, Wei T, Chang T, Cheng C. Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. 2017;2(3):238-246. doi:10.1002/btm2.10058

6 Zari S, Alrahmani D. The association between stress and acne among female medical students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2017;Volume 10:503-506. doi:10.2147/ccid.s148499

7 Ennour-Idrissi K, Maunsell E, Diorio C. Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Breast Cancer Research. 2015;17(1). doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0647-3

8 Salicylic acid topical. MedlinePlus. October 15, 2023. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607072.html.

9 Benzoyl peroxide topical. MedlinePlus. August 15, 2015. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601026.html.

10 Kim S, Park TH, Kim WI, Park S, Kim JH, Cho MK. The effects of green tea on acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2020;35(1):374-383. doi:10.1002/ptr.6809

11 Bassett IB, Barnetson RS, Pannowitz DL. A comparative study of tea‐tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Medical Journal of Australia. 1990;153(8):455-458. doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.1990.tb126150.x

12 Rinaldi F, Marotta L, Mascolo A, et al. Facial acne: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the clinical efficacy of a symbiotic dietary supplement. Dermatology and Therapy. 2022;12(2):577-589. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00664-z

13 Zinc. MedlinePlus. October 18, 2023. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/982.html.

14 Skin cancer prevention. National Cancer Institute. October 23, 2023. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-prevention-pdq