Everyone who has ever menstruated will tell you it affects your body in its entirety. When most people think about period-related symptoms, they think about the obvious, cramps, discomfort, tiredness, irritability, and more. But many people do not think about how it affects the largest organ in our anatomy, our skin. During menstruation, our bodies undergo many hormonal changes, which can lead to a plethora of skin issues. Not to mention the often not-so-healthy food many tend to junk out on due to insatiable cravings that can wreak havoc on our skin. During menstruation, the effects on our skin are so profound that Irish Times reports there is a phenomenon known as “period face” that reportedly affects many. Let’s look at the relationship between menstruation and skin and how cannabinoids and other botanicals, such as those found in Potency No. 710 products, may be beneficial.
Menstruation’s Effect on Your Skin – The Stats and Facts
It is estimated by studies that anywhere from 40%-80% of women experience premenstrual acne. One study found that 78% of participants who commonly suffered from acne considered their period to be the most aggravating factor that caused flare-ups. During a woman’s cycle, skin issues tend to start about 7 to 10 days prior to menstruation and often begin improving once menstruation starts. Throughout your cycle, estrogen hits highs and lows that affect many aspects of the skin, including fluid balance, fullness, and texture.
Additionally, prior to menstruation, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This hormonal change results in an increase in oil production in the body and in the skin for many. Excess oil production is a primary underlying cause of breakouts and acne flare-ups. Additionally, these hormone changes tend to lead to skin inflammation which in turn causes many different skin-related issues.
What Can You Do to Help Prevent Period Face and Skin Issues During Your Period
While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent breakouts and other skin issues from occurring during your period, there are some things that you can do that may help increase the chances of keeping your skin glowing and free from breakouts all month long!
Increase Intake of Vitamin B6 the Week Prior to Your Cycle
Some studies suggest that Vitamin B6 can help improve hormone metabolism and metabolic function, which could help ease breakouts and other premenstrual symptoms. This vitamin is also known for increasing energy by converting food into cellular energy, helping to improve mood, and helping maintain normal nerve function, among other aspects.
Avoid Undue Stress to the Skin that May Cause Inflammation Leading Up to Your Period
Acne’s underlying cause is inflammation. Unfortunately, we sometimes do things to help our skin that can cause increased inflammation, such as using sonic cleansing brushes, having professional facial treatments, and using abrasive facial scrubs. If you often experience breakouts during your period, try avoiding aspects such as these in the days leading up to your cycle. Additionally, utilizing skin products that contain ingredients that help to decrease inflammation may also help to prevent it from ever becoming an issue.
What You Eat and Drink Truly Matter
What we expose our bodies to, both inside and out, plays a major role in our skin’s health. To help minimize breakouts, it is advised to eat a diet that consists of foods that are packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. These foods can help reduce inflammation and increase circulation within the body, helping you maintain moisturized, healthy, and supple skin. Part of a healthy diet also includes keeping your body properly hydrated.
Wash Your Filthy Face
Washing your face is vital to help balance oil in the skin, but overdoing it and underdoing it can both cause issues. Here at Potency No. 710, we recommend washing your face once daily with a nonabrasive cleanser such as our Filthy Face activated charcoal cleanser. This daily wash will help to remove buildup and oil on the skin that can lead to clogged pores resulting in a breakout. Washing your face daily is just one of the daily healthy habits that Potency No. 710 recommends adopting into your skin-care routine.
Cannabinoids Can be Your Skin’s Friend
CBD, which can be found in abundance within several Potency No. 710 products, has been shown to reduce inflammation, balance sebum production, and much more that can all be beneficial to your skin during that time of the month. You can find the cannabinoids Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) in the Higher Good fully body moisturizer, the Gold Serum, and the White Water Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C! To learn more about the benefits of CBD and CBG in skincare products, check out our blog!
What About Other Period Issues Such as Discomfort – Can Cannabinoids Help?
Skin issues are just one of the many things that plague women during that wonderful time of the month. Another common issue that many women experience during this time is discomfort. Sometimes this comes as dull or sharp shooting pains; other times, it comes as cramps or in one of many other forms. The one thing all of these pain types during menstruation have in common is that they are primarily caused by inflammation in the body.
Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, as well as others, have been shown through various research studies to offer substantial therapeutic benefits for various types of pain through their ability to reduce, prevent, and eliminate inflammation throughout the body. That is where products such as the ones offered by AIMA can be very beneficial during that time of the month. Stay tuned for an exclusive article covering Ovy Relief by AIMA, publishing soon!
Want to learn more about how cannabinoids may help with period issues, skin conditions, and more? If so, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter and stay in the know!