All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

Yes, You Can Prevent Acne Before Your Period—Here’s How

Brittany Leitner DefaultBrittany Leitner Default
By
Published on Jan 15, 2025 • 4 min read
period-acne-thumbnailperiod-acne-header

Photo by AMR BO SHANAB/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

As if having a period wasn’t already annoying and stressful enough, nothing’s worse than when that time of the month rolls around and takes your skin down with it. Even if you typically never deal with acne breakouts, a period can truly shake up your skin in all the wrong ways. 

But the good news is, doctors and derms know why your skin breaks out when you’re on your period, so that means there are some things that can help prevent your next breakout. To find out more, we spoke with Azza Halim, MD, to get the low-down on everything you need to know to help prevent breakouts during your next period.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
MEET THE EXPERT

Azza Halim, MD, is a board-certified physician and anesthesiologist specializing in aesthetics.

Why Do I Get Breakouts Before My Period?

Long story short: Your hormones are going crazy when it’s that time of the month. “Hormonal changes such as increase in progesterone and androgens (testosterone) stimulate oil production,” explains Dr. Halim. This “can trigger inflammation and clogged pores resulting in acne breakouts.” Ugh! We know you can’t stop any of that from happening internally, but you can prep your skin to the best of your ability to be able to take on all of the hormone challenges that are coming your way.

How Can I Prevent Breakouts Before My Period?

Here are Dr. Halim’s tips to prep your skin before your period.

1. Start using a salicylic acid cleanser. 

If you’re not already doing this, Dr. Halim says that using a salicylic acid cleanser can help unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, so no gunk is lingering on your skin’s surface (that makes it extra susceptible to breakouts). We love the COSMEDIX Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser. COSMEDIX is actually one of our favorite brands! The salicylic acid will help prep your skin and clear it out before your period, and ingredients like coffee extract will help it look brighter and more awake when your period starts to zap your energy.

2. Use a clay mask.

Dr. Halim recommends using a clay mask in general if you have oily skin, but especially the week before and during your period. Dr. Halim notes that all you need to do is use it one to two times per week to absorb excess oil which will in turn help reduce breakouts. We are fans of the INNISFREE Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X with Super Volcanic Clusters to really get into pores and clear out lingering debris, sebum, and gunk (yes, gunk is a medical term). 

3. Switch to non-comedogenic products.

If you deal with breakouts, non-comedogenic products are your best friends! Make sure to look for this label on both your skincare and makeup products. If you wear foundation/skin tint daily, we recommend the CLINIQUE Acne Solutions™ Liquid Makeup for daily wear that won’t clog pores.

4.Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.

According to Dr. Halim, “Keeping skin hydrated and moisture balanced is key to prevent further breakouts.” So, you shouldn’t skip the moisturizer even if you feel like your skin is oily. You can pare down the ingredients you put on it, though. For example, instead of layering SPF and then a moisturizer, get a two-in-one product like the JUICE BEAUTY SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer. It’s packed with SPF 30 for protection and hydrates the skin without clogging pores.

5. Try to manage your stress where you can.

Besides taking care of your skin externally, Dr. Halim notes that taking care of yourself internally can be just as helpful when dealing with breakouts. She recommends getting on an exercise and meditation regimen, so when your period comes around, you will already have a stress-relieving practice put in place. 

Final Thoughts

Although acne during your period is annoying, tiresome, and can cause more stress (which in turn causes more breakouts), knowing how to care for your skin during this time is key. Limit excess oil by switching to oil-free and non-comedogenic makeup that will help keep pores clear—and don’t underestimate the power of masking. You can also use a clay mask one to two times per week to maintain healthy skin if you’re prone to breakouts.

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

Beautiful excited girl in sleeping eye mask lying in bed, Close up face of beautiful sleepy girl wearing eye mask while peepingBeautiful excited girl in sleeping eye mask lying in bed, Close up face of beautiful sleepy girl wearing eye mask while peeping

Skin

Why Sleeping in Your Makeup Is a No-Go (and How to Recover)

Published on Aug 1, 2025 • 4 min read

Skin

AHAs, BHAs, PHAs—Which Acids Does Your Skin Actually Need?

Published on Jul 25, 2025 • 6 min read

An image of a dark-skinned woman playfully hiding one eye with her hand, glancing out from behind her fingers, against a warm, light brown backgroundAn image of a dark-skinned woman playfully hiding one eye with her hand, glancing out from behind her fingers, against a warm, light brown background

Skin

Getting Breakouts Out of Nowhere? Here Are 12 Possible Reasons Why

Published on Jul 25, 2025 • 4 min read

The image shows several clear, round, transparent containers placed on a pink surface, inside some of the containers, there are various cosmetic or skincare products: a pink sponge-like item, a clear gel with bubbles, and a white creamThe image shows several clear, round, transparent containers placed on a pink surface, inside some of the containers, there are various cosmetic or skincare products: a pink sponge-like item, a clear gel with bubbles, and a white cream

Skin

Not All Moisturizer Is Created Equal! What To Know About Gel, Cream, and Lotion Formulas

Published on Jul 23, 2025 • 6 min read

Skin

The Best Face Washes to Try Now (No Matter Your Skin Type)

Published on Jul 17, 2025 • 4 min read

Skin

8 Natural At-Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Published on Sep 14, 2023 • 4 min read

Skin

Does Oily Skin Really Age Better? Our Skin Expert Weighs In

Published on Sep 14, 2023 • 4 min read

Skin

The Best Acne-Fighting Face Masks for Clearer Skin

Published on Jul 17, 2025 • 4 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module Imagebottom_subscribe_module_image_desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started