Premenstrual syndrome has been much talked about in recent years. And for good reason, it is increasingly recognized and its negative consequences on the body and morale of women as well. But what effects does it have on our skin? Find out how to remedy the negative effects of PMS on your skin…
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome is the set of symptoms that occur just before menstruation. One in two women would feel the negative effects each month and for some of them, the symptoms can be particularly violent and the syndrome can last up to 10 days, against 3 to 4 days traditionally. The appearance of these symptoms, often unpleasant, is due to the hormonal changes that occur at this stage of the cycle in a woman’s body. PMS can therefore concern all menstruating women. PMS what effects on our skin and how to remedy it?
What are its effects on our body and brain?
Some of the most notable symptoms and effects of PMS include:
- Irritability;
- A drop in morale or even a depressive state;
- Tenderness in the chest;
- A swollen belly;
- Pain in the lumbar and lower abdomen;
- Digestive disorders: constipation, diarrhea …;
- Hot flashes;
- Headaches;
- Muscle pain;
- Increased appetite;
- A lack of tone;
- Mood disorders;
- Anxieties;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- …
What are the effects of PMS on our skin?
If hormones affect our organs and brain, they also impact our skin. Indeed, their activity has consequences on our tissues and secretions:
- Under the action of the progesterone, your skin’s sebum thickens, resulting in pores more clogged with impurities, pollution, and bacteria;
- The Estrogen They act directly on the hydration of the skin by stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.
In the days leading up to menstruation, testosterone levels rise and take precedence over estrogen, which naturally leads to a dull complexion and a drop in collagen and hyaluronic acid. Testosterone also has the unfortunate tendency to dilate spores and trigger an overproduction of sebum. The increase in progesterone levels at this time will also impact your skin and its sebum production.
Our natural tips to maintain beautiful skin in full premenstrual syndrome
Dull complexion, overproduction of sebum, appearance of comedones… This is enough to find yourself even more depressed in the middle of premenstrual syndrome! Fortunately, there are many tricks to remedy these drawbacks and maintain glowing skin during this time:
Tip n°1: Avoid stress
Easier said than done, certainly, but stress being one of the main causes of acne, we try to relax. If you can, install an app to track your menstrual cycle. This way, you will be able to see your SPM arrive and arrange your schedule accordingly. A few days before your period arrives, avoid urgent deadlines, stressful appointments and difficult clients. Think about yoga and meditation on a daily basis during the week before your period, you can even find videos specifically designed for practicing yoga during this particular time.
Tip n°2: We eat healthy
Fatty, salty and sugary foods tend to worsen PMS symptoms. Both in terms of morale and the condition of your skin. The period before your period is therefore an ideal time to eat healthy and fill up on good fats, such as vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. Consume as many seasonal fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains as possible. Here are some examples of meals and snacks suitable for this stage of your menstrual cycle:
- wholemeal bread accompanied by hummus;
- salmon with brown rice and spinach;
- a carrot and avocado salad;
- carrot, tomato and lentil soup;
- oatmeal with blueberries;
- A few apple wedges sprinkled with cinnamon ;
- squares of dark chocolate accompanied by almonds;
- …
Tip n°3: Fill up on omega 3
Omega 3 promotes the production of anti-inflammatory molecules and therefore acts directly on pain due to PMS. Antioxidants, omega 3 are also the allies of a well hydrated skin, which fights more effectively against external aggressions. These essential fatty acids help maintain healthy skin! You will find them in large quantities in the following foods:
- Fish : anchovies, mackerel, bluefin tuna, swordfish, salmon, trout, cod…
- Seafood : oysters, mussels, scallops…
- Eggs ;
- Vegetable oils : flax, rapeseed, avocado, olive…
- Dried beans : red, black, white…
- Nuts : walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts…
- Seeds : chia, linen …
- Vegetables : spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, avocado…
Tip n°4: We trust the benefits of clay
The days leading up to your period are the perfect time to make a homemade clay mask. Rebalancing and purifying, clay will give a boost to your skin which is trapped by an excess of sebum. In a bowl, mix:
- 2 tablespoons of powdered green clay;
- 2 tablespoons mineral water;
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (hazelnut, jojoba …).
Apply the mask to the entire face, taking care to avoid the fragile area around the eyes. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with clean water before applying your usual moisturizer.
