Taking the Pimples Out of PMS
Naweko
San-Joyz
"Nooooo!" shrieks Shelly. Gazing into the
morning mirror, she sizes up the latest addition to her face, an anticipated,
though uninvited pimple loitering on her chin. "It's like freaking
clockwork."
Ironically, these pimples do arrive like clockwork
according to dermatologist Alan R. Shalita, MD. During PMS, some
women- like Shelly- release more androgens (male hormones)
from their adrenal glands. This hormone release alters the skin pH
and increases facial oil secretion, a combination that encourages
an onslaught of acne eruptions.
Dr. Shalita's research of how the menstrual cycle
affects acne confirmed that premenstrual acne flare-ups are a reality
for millions of women. However, Dr. Shalita offers a means for forecasting
PMS pimples by pointing out that a previous investigation has demonstrated
a link between the skin's pore size and the menstrual cycle.
For example, the study showed that the skin's pores
are smallest in days 15 to 20 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
Facial oil secretion increased in days 21 to 26 of
the cycle and decreased again two days before menstruation. The worst
premenstrual acne flares occurred on day 22 of the average 28-day
cycle.
It appears that Mother Nature, a procreative mastermind,
designed the skin of women to look most radiant and alluring when
fair-game maidens most likely have an egg in utero- awaiting a sperm
bath.
If you are fantasizing that Mrs. Nature will ease
up and that you will grow out of acne, dermatologist Alan R. Shalita,
MD omens, "Acne that worsens during a women's
monthly cycle isn't something that women will grow
out of as they get older".
"That's some consolation doc," snorts Shelly.
Nevertheless, lay your worries aside ladies. You can derail PMS pimples
with preparation.
Counteract the excess oil secretion during your PMS
days by using clay masks to extract excess oils. Additionally,
ensure that you are eating foods containing Omega
3 such as olive oil, salmon, spinach, mustard greens and rainbow
trout. The essential fatty acid found in these foods
helps the body eliminate pro-inflammatory substances that can trigger
acne. Also, during PMS, give yourself permission to relax. Rest removes
stress from your adrenal glands and helps reduce the amount of androgens
circulating in your system.
Naweko San-Joyz recently published "Acne Messages:
Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204).
Naweko is presently working on title called "Skinny
Fat Girls, Why we're still not getting this diet thing" (ISBN:
0974912212) for release in June of 2005. To challenge and verify her
research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.
