Do you get period pimples? Your fertility hormones estrogen and progesterone are actually great for skin, and this is why your skin may be clear and beautiful in the middle of your cycle but break out when those hormones drop off before your period. Here are three things you can try to lower inflammation and reduce period acne.

Avoid Sugar: Consumption of sugar increases insulin growth factor and production of keritin, sebum and inflammation
Avoid Cow Dairy : This can be inflammatory in many people because of the A1 protein casein. A2 milk (Jersey milk) has no A1 and goat and sheep milks and cheese are ok. Avoiding dairy can make a huge difference to PMS symptoms across the board, but it can take up to three months to notice a real change.
Include plenty of cruciferous vegetables in your diet such as cabbage and broccoli for diindolymethane, this helps lower androgens which may be contributing to your inflamed skin.

Other factors may be at play, like insulin resistance, histamine intolerance or nutritional inadequacies. If you persistently get bad skin that bothers you, book a naturopathic appointment for a targeted approach to clear up your skin for good.

Libby is a naturopath and shiatsu massage therapist in South Fremantle