6 Causes of Period Acne & Effective Solutions to Banish “Aunt Flo Pimples”

Struggling with period acne? Also called “hormonal breakouts” or “Aunt Flo pimples,” this is a monthly challenge for many women! During menstruation, hormonal fluctuations affect sebaceous glands, increasing oil production and making pores more prone to inflammation, which triggers acne.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re prone to period breakouts and want solutions. Here’s a complete guide to period acne, including common breakout zones, causes from both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives, and professional solutions. Stick around until the end!

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Why Do Hormonal Breakouts Show Up Every Month? Unveiling the Secret of Period Acne

As menstruation approaches, hormonal fluctuations intensify—estrogen drops, while progesterone and androgen levels rise. These changes stimulate sebaceous glands, destabilizing skin. Excess oil combined with dead skin cells can clog pores, and individual immune responses may worsen the situation, leading to inflamed acne.

Period acne often appears with pus-filled bumps, redness, and swelling, especially around the chin, jawline, cheeks, and forehead.

When androgen levels remain elevated, oil overproduction worsens acne and may leave persistent scars. This explains why many women experience breakouts in consistent areas before and during menstruation—a natural response to hormonal cycles. Understanding the causes helps prevent and manage breakouts, keeping skin smooth and stable even during periods.

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6 Key Causes of Period Acne: Insights from Western & Chinese Medicine

Western Medicine Perspective: Hormonal Fluctuations Affect Skin

1. Hormonal Shifts: Menstrual Chain Reaction

During the cycle, estrogen decreases and progesterone/androgen levels rise, activating sebaceous glands. Excess oil mixed with dead skin cells clogs pores, commonly on the chin and cheeks, forming red, painful “Aunt Flo pimples.”

2. Oil Secretion & Inflammatory Response: Pus Formation

Clogged pores allow Propionibacterium acnes to grow, triggering inflammation. Pus, redness, and pain appear. During menstruation, slightly lowered immunity and a weakened skin barrier make acne harder to heal and may leave scars.

3. Diet & Stress: Adding Fuel to the Fire

High-fat or sugary diets increase insulin and androgen responses, boosting oil production. Stress, irregular sleep, and poor routines reduce skin repair capacity, causing recurring breakouts.

Chinese Medicine Perspective: Body Constitution & Qi-Blood Imbalance

1. Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat: Internal Heat from Rich Foods

Chinese medicine links acne to damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. Overly oily, spicy, or sweet diets create internal heat, rising to the face and causing acne. Symptoms include facial redness, pus-filled pimples, mild oiliness, and dry mouth.

2. Yin Deficiency & Blood Dryness: Imbalanced Skin

Yin-deficient individuals have insufficient body fluids, leading to dry, inflamed skin during menstruation. Often accompanied by sleep problems, dry mouth/throat, and irritability.

3. Qi-Blood Stagnation: Pre-Menstrual Acne Flare-Ups

Some women experience qi-blood imbalance before menstruation, causing poor circulation and localized red, swollen acne, usually on the chin and cheeks, recurring with each cycle.

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Comprehensive Prevention & Relief: Say Goodbye to Period Acne

Many women are troubled by “Aunt Flo pimples” before or during menstruation. These breakouts are linked to hormonal fluctuations, weakened skin barrier, and lifestyle factors.

The key to preventing recurring period acne lies in:

1. Early prevention
2. Proper emergency care

Part 1: Daily Habits — Golden Period for Stable Skin

1. Pre-Menstrual Skincare Window

One to two weeks before menstruation is ideal for acne prevention. Use oil-control and hydrating cleansers to gently remove excess sebum and impurities. Products containing salicylic acid or plant-based cleansing agents help exfoliate and prevent clogged pores.

2. Boost Hydration & Strengthen Barrier

During menstruation, skin is fragile, prone to dryness and inflammation. Use hydrating masks or serums with hyaluronic acid to maintain softness and elasticity. Well-hydrated skin reduces flakiness, oil imbalance, and prevents breakouts.

3. Balanced Diet to Support Hormones

Diet is crucial for hormonal balance:

• Omega-3 rich foods: Salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds for anti-inflammatory effects.
• Reduce sugar & fried foods: Prevent excess insulin and hormonal imbalance.
• Nutritional supplements: B vitamins, zinc, probiotics to support endocrine and skin repair.

4. Relaxation & Stress Management

In TCM, the liver regulates qi flow. Stress disrupts hormones and increases oil. Pre-menstrual exercise, deep breathing, or meditation promotes liver qi circulation, stabilizing hormones and skin.

Part 2: Emergency Relief for Active Period Acne

1. Localized Treatment to Reduce Inflammation

Avoid squeezing pimples to prevent scarring. Use spot treatments with salicylic acid or plant-based anti-inflammatory ingredients. Cold compresses can temporarily reduce swelling and redness.

2. Hydration & Repair Together

Even with breakouts, maintain hydration with light moisturizers or hyaluronic acid masks. Hydrated skin repairs faster, reducing peeling and redness.

3. Diet & Nutritional Support

Support skin repair from the inside:

• Omega-3-rich foods to reduce inflammation
• Fresh fruits & vegetables for antioxidants
• Limit caffeine & alcohol to maintain hydration and circulation

4. Seek Professional Help

For severe or recurring period acne, consult a dermatologist. They may suggest topical or oral treatments to balance hormones and restore skin health.

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Period Acne Complete Solution: Perfect Medical Acne Treatment

Not just for period breakouts, this treatment suits anyone struggling with long-term acne. One session reduces redness, soothes, calms, and banishes pimples.

Perfect Medical’s patented technology — dual-spiral suction + vacuum micro-exfoliation — clears clogged follicles painlessly and non-invasively, balancing oil and hydration at the source. It also fades acne scars, clears blackheads, whiteheads, uneven texture, large