1. The Pill

Before we get into these skin care tips for your period, I just wanted to add that these tips probably won’t apply to you if you’re on birth control. Birth control has been known to help calm or, in some cases, eradicate acne by reducing sebum, so it’s very likely that you won’t experience the same symptoms as those who don’t take birth control. According to the Mayo Clinic, birth control is considered as an acne treatment when other treatments and prescriptions fail to work.

2. Hydrate Skin

A great skin care tip for when you’re on your period and really anytime is to keep your skin well hydrated with a good moisturizer. Experts say that your skin is more sensitive and tends to be drier when you’re PMSing and when you’re on your period, so it needs oil-free or comedogenic moisturizers to keep skin balanced during this stressful time.

3. Mask Imperfections

Another way to pamper your skin during your period is to use a moisturizing or exfoliating mask to moisturize dull and dry skin or get rid of flaky skin and balance it out. Not only will a mask improve the look and feel of your skin, it’s a fab way to relax and treat yourself to something nice while you’re going through something not so nice!

4. Be Gentle

Another skin care tip to remember while you’re on your period is to use gentle skin care products. Your skin is more sensitive and can appear splotchy, puffy or washed out. Use calming skin care products with anti-inflammatory effects to soothe your skin and even things out. Look for skin care products with ingredients like chamomile or green tea.

5. Get Glowing

During this time you might also feel like your skin looks extra dull. But who says you can’t fake a healthy glow?! Low estrogen and prostaglandins are responsible for making skin appear dull and have a pallor to it. Combat the effects of prostaglandins and estrogen by using a skin care or beauty product with light reflecting particles in it to give your skin a healthy but faux glow.

6. Acid Wash

I know the term acid can sound intimidating when it comes to skin care products but it’s actually a friend to our skin! Using products containing salicylic acid can help gently remove excess skin, help prevent pores from clogging and help in the treatment of rosacea and acne, namely blackheads. Look for products like cleansers, astringents and serums that contain salicylic acid.

7. Be Consistent

Another way to combat the maddening effects of your period on your skin is to be consistent with your skin care regimen all month long. Be proactive with your skin care and not reactive so you can nip any impending skin issues in the bud. You’ve probably noticed that your skin changes during certain times of the month, not just during your period, so be consistent!

Many times it seems like the condition is totally out of our control during our period but there are some things we can do to improve the situation. I hope these simple skin care tips make skin care during your period a little bit easier. If you have persistent skin care problems despite taking good care of your skin, be sure to consult a healthcare professional. Do you have any skin care tips for when you’re on your period?