Acne in your menstrual phase

Acne is spots and breakouts, often along the jaw and chin, that track with your cycle. In your menstrual phase it tends to flare because estrogen and progesterone bottom out and prostaglandins rise to shed the uterine lining, which can bring on acne.

What's happening in your menstrual phase

Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Energy dips and your body wants rest, warmth, and iron-rich, easy-to-digest food.

What to eat

How to move

manage stress with movement, since cortisol worsens hormonal breakouts.

Quick relief

  • Keep a simple, consistent routine rather than over-stripping the skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory omega-3 foods can calm breakout-prone skin.
  • Don't pick, which prolongs marks and healing.

Sync your whole cycle, automatically

PhaseBloom builds your meals, workouts, and skincare around your exact cycle phase, day by day.

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Frequently asked questions

Why do I get acne in my menstrual phase?

In your menstrual phase, estrogen and progesterone bottom out and prostaglandins rise to shed the uterine lining, which can bring on acne.

What should I eat for acne?

Foods that help include salmon, broccoli, berries, flaxseed.