It’s that time of the month again where Aunt Flo comes to visit. Ask any girl how she feels on her period and I’m sure her answer won’t paint a positive picture. Along with the cramps, bloating and moodiness come the inevitable phenomenon period skin. Even celebs like Chrissy Teigen have opened up about their experience with period skin which proves that it can happen to the best us.

A few days ago when I was catching up with all the conversations on Malini’s Girl Tribe I noticed that many girls had a lot queries on how to deal with their skin when they’re on their periods. I couldn’t help but wonder “is there really a cure to period skin?” Taking matters into my own hands, I decided to research further. I approached Dr. Suchitra Dalvie MD MRCOG, of Asia Safe Abortion Partnership (ASAP) who is an obstetrician and gynaecologist and asked her all the burning questions related to period skin. Here’s what she had to say:

What Exactly Causes Period Skin?

Hormonal levels fluctuate throughout the period. People do not know this but women, as well as men, have estrogens, progesterone as well as androgenic steroid hormones in their body. When the level of androgenic hormones increases, we get acne and oily skin a.k.a period skin.

What Can I Do To Prevent It?

Sometimes all one needs to do is use a good face wash and water and wash it off regularly so it doesn’t block the pores. It is more important to keep one’s skin healthy with a good diet that includes at least five helpings of fruits and salad every day, plenty of water as well as adequate sleep and regular exercise.

Can Birth-Control Help?

Birth control pills can help with period acne and many other conditions but you should definitely ask your gynaecologist to assess and prescribe them for you.

I hope this helped you understand more about period skin. What do you do to deal with it? Let us know in the comments below.

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