Understanding PMS: Impact on Skin & Effective Management Strategies

OMG! It’s that time of the month again.

Every time I near my period start date I feel unsettled and uncomfortable. Hormonal changes play havoc on my skin .I decided to investigate these symptoms and realised that they are mostly PMS. Once I discovered the cause of these changes I was able to look at various remedies for them

The Best advice I ever received from my sister for PMS was “Keep Calm and eat chocolate “

Well it does work to some extent. Let us look at what is PMS and how we can combat its effects on our complexion.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a set of hormonal changes that causes a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms in women.

These symptoms can be anything from anger and irritability to abdominal cramps to food cravings. It occurs between 7 to 14 days before menstruation and stops once menstruation begins.

Causes of PMS:

When your body realizes it is not pregnant, it stops secreting estrogen, testosterone and progesterone and drops their levels dramatically. Since progesterone affects you only during pregnancy, your body feels strong estrogen and testosterone withdrawals which cause the uncomfortable symptoms of PMS. These changes not only make us feel tired and cause headaches, but also affect our skin. And this results in the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

 [Read:Causes of Cracked Heels]

Premenstrual Syndrome Effects On Skin:

1. The most common side effect of PMS is a dull complexion. Five days before our menstrual cycle starts, testosterone becomes dominant over estrogen (the hormone that enhances our feminine qualities).Estrogen gives our complexion a radiant glow, reduces pore size and increases production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. Yes we can blame Men or manly hormones for all our Woes.
2. Our skin breaks out due to excess oil production.Testosterone increases sebum production and adds lubricity to skin and hair, but it also increases pore size to secrete more oil. Acne will be your new friend.

  [Read:3 Causes Of Psoriasis]

Tips to Prevent the Effects:

1. Avoid Stress:

Stress is the major cause of acne, so you need to take extra care to keep stress at bay during PMS. Listening to music, taking a walk or meditation are a few ways to do so.Take time to unwind and pamper yourself.Indulge in spa treatments or even gossip session. Opt to hit the gym with your buddy.

2. Avoid Junk Food:

Avoid oily food like pakoras, chips and pooris. These will irritate your system further and will make you feel lethargic. Instead opt for fresh fruits and juices.

3. Omega 3 Foods:

Include foods rich in omega 3 in your diet. These include fish, olive oil and spinach.

4. Avoid Harsh Acne Products:

Acne flareups are temporary so don’t indulge in harsh chemicals to get rid of them.Since your skin is already sensitive, soothe it will mild and gentle products

5. Clay Mask:

Clay masks are your best bet to absorb the extra oil secreted by the skin during this time. Apply it once a day for 20 minutes or on the affected areas only and leave overnight. This also helps to dry out acne.

6. Opt for Supplements

Post discussions with your doctors you can use supplements for

• All in one Multivitamins
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B6
• Calcium

Take care not to mix and match as overdose of vitamins is also not recommended. You should opt for a 1 a day vitamin mix.

So hopefully these remedies will help you battle the PMS symptoms. Above all remember to smile and be happy as this too shall pass.