4 Steps for Getting Rid of Hormonal Acne, Fast

If you are noticing painful bumps on your chin and jawline that seem quite resistant to your usual acne ointments and gels, meet hormonal acne. These zits usually happen during menstruation or when your hormones are going out of whack due to stress and other factors.

"Hormonal acne is a type of acne due to the hormonal fluctuations and seen before or during a period. It is not a medical term, it is a commonly used term used to describe acne caused due to hormonal imbalances. Typically seen during puberty, it can also affect adult women with underlying conditions such as menstrual abnormalities, PCOS and menopause due to high levels of androgens," says Dr Varalakshmi Yanamandra, an Ayurvedic practitioner and director of Ayur Wellness and Pain Centre.   

She adds that our skin is a mirror of our internal health and any internal imbalances can lead to skin eruptions. So, an unhealthy diet of spicy, fried or acidic foods,  lack of sleep and stress or exposure to hot temperatures for a prolonged period can cause eruptions on your skin. Here are her hacks to prevent hormonal acne:

Eat anti-acne foods

"If you are acne-prone, your diet should include blood cleansing and detoxifying foods. So, have sweet and cooling bitter and astringent vegetables such as carrot, cucumber, broccoli, and beetroot once or twice a week. Fresh and cooling fruits like apples, pears, watermelon, guava, and berries are also good for you," she says. 

Amp up fibre intake

"Good digestion is crucial for our health and to detox our blood. Include fibre-rich foods such as apples, pears, soaked nuts for an easy bowel movement. Aim for at least six-eight glasses of water every day and sip warm water in between meals." 

Treat and prevent acne

If you are battling active acne, you will require a spot treatment to prevent scarring. Dr Yanamandra suggests a DIY treatment, "Make a paste with turmeric and honey. Apply this on the pimples and pimple scars. It helps to soothe the inflammation and reduce the post-pimple marks."  She also advises preventing new eruptions by applying a sandalwood face mask. Mix a teaspoon of chandana (sandalwood powder) and a teaspoon of manjistha (Indian madder) powder with rose water. Keep it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off. It can help to balance Pitta and prevents hormonal acne.

Don't skip on sleep 

"Optimal sleep is essential for good skin health. Maintaining good sleep hygiene and routine is beneficial. Avoid exposure to artificial lights on your mobile at least 90 minutes before you sleep. Warm oil massage on your feet with Brahmi tailam can calm the mind and induce sleep naturally. A warm bath followed by gentle breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing or humming bee Pranayama can stimulate deep sleep."