PMS Skin Blues and just life that happens.

As a woman, we are constantly on the go multitasking.

I have that big project due at work. Check.

Bobby has soccer practices every Tuesday and Thursday at 3.00. Check.

Jenny has karate on Mondays at 4.00 and ballet on Saturdays at 12.00. Check.

OMG I need a pedicure bad. Not quite check....

Date night is Friday night with the hubby. OK, have to take it up a notch to look gorgeous.

There is that training program I have to take over the internet in order to qualify for a pay-rise.

And somewhere during that time I have to get to the gym.

Oh, I feel that I still forgot something.... Sounds familiar?

Then somewhere in between all of that BAM you get PMS. It isn’t enough that you are saddled with loads of stress and need to juggle 50 balls in the air at once, but all your skin issues get intensified 1000 percent. Your hair may get oilier and you may feel just plain yucky.

So, exactly what happens to your skin? Why does PMS cause such havoc every month and what can you do to look your best during “that” time of the month?

There are many reasons why PMS causes problems for your skin, but it all boils down to the basic one. Between ovulation and menstruation, a woman will go through a period of two weeks where levels of the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) fluctuate. This then causes many other hormones in the body to be affected.

For example, levels of cortisol, which are important in controlling inflammation, change. If you have eczema or psoriasis this may be why you find that it gets worse with each menstrual cycle. Cortisol also influences the body’s immune system. This could be the reason why there is a greater tendency for an outbreak of cold sores in the days preceding your menstrual period. Just before your period starts your levels of testosterone are higher than your estrogen. This then causes the size of your skin pores to increase and your body to secrete more sebum (oil). Because of this your pores become blocked and cause normal skin bacteria to penetrate further into the skin, increasing the chances of acne.

This is probably all very frustrating, but we are here to give you some tips that might help you during this time of the month and even beyond.

-If your skin problems are caused by the excess oil production then try wiping up the extra oil regularly or look for a clay face mask. It will help to reduce the amount of oil in your skin.If you already observed those unsightly pimples, try to regularly wipe your skin with a toner rich in Witch Hazel. That will help to combat them.

If your skin becomes quite noticeably oilier, we suggest using an oil-free moisturizer.

-Remember to try not to touch the affected areas too much. Even if they are sore or itchy. It will only exacerbate the issue, in addition to increasing the odds of leaving scars.

-Drink plenty of water. It will keep your skin hydrated, which is very important. It also helps to flush out any toxins in your body that help irritate your skin. Besides that it also helps out your liver, digestive system and the overall health of your body which in turn is reflected in your skin.

Take Probiotics. Beneficial intestinal flora may help metabolize and recycle hormones, including estrogen, thyroid hormones, and phytoestrogens from food sources, which can help balance symptoms of PMS, including hormonal acne.

Use sunscreen of at least SPF30 if sun exposure is not avoidable. In a week or so leading to your period, female skin is more sensitive to UV rays, as our female hormonal activity of estrogen / progesterone is causing melanocytes or the pigment-producing cells to produce and deposit excess pigments which leads to uneven skin and brown spots overtime.

Exercise. It is important to sweat. It helps to clean out your pores. Then when you shower right afterward it washes away all the dirt and sweat you just cleaned out. Exercise also helps to release stress and improve ability to relax.

We hope these tips help you and that your skin looks radiate all month long.