Why do I get spots during my period?

Many young people develop spots as a result of hormonal changes during their teens, but it’s also common for women to develop spots just before or during their period. It can also be one of the annoying symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that many women suffer with.

There are several things you can do to try and minimise flare-ups. A healthy diet is important, as is drinking lots of water, as it helps flush out any toxins in your body. Gently exfoliating and using antibacterial face washes may also help alleviate the problem. You can also generally look after your skin in the following ways:

• Wash your face twice a day with warm water
• Dab spot-prone areas with tissue to gently remove oils
• Get some sunlight, but never get close to burning
• Don’t overdo it with harsh soaps or astringent cleansers

If you’ve got a spot that’s begging to be punished, follow the squeezers guide as recommended by the Acne Support Group, which you can read in our article here.

If your problems persist, make an appointment to see your doctor (GP). They can prescribe specific treatments to help deal with spots, and can refer you to a dermatologist if necessary.