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As I sit here, I’m right in the middle of what I like to call PMT Skin Week, that one week every month when my skin really likes to act up. If something’s going to go wrong, it tends to happen now. We’re talking about an angry, bumpy jawline, strange dryness on my forehead, little sore spots around my eyes, and an oil slick running down the center of my face—you get the picture.
During this week, I make a few tweaks to my skincare routine, like giving my face a thorough balm cleanse morning and night if I can, and opting for lighter day creams. But the real game-changer is adding a BHA exfoliant. Beta hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, can unclog, clarify, and refine pores, while soothing irritation and reducing redness that often accompanies hormonal breakouts.
If your skin feels angry, bumpy, sore, and sensitive during PMT, a simple swipe of a BHA liquid can make a big difference. It’s a quick and easy step for those times when you’re just trying to power through PMT skin issues. My go-to is Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid. It’s a wipe-on, leave-it-on exfoliant that calms your skin and clears your pores. It’s great for tackling blackheads and acne bumps, too.
After cleansing, apply the Skin Perfecting Liquid before layering on your serum or moisturizer. Just pat it on with your fingertips or wipe it with cotton wool—as simple as that. Here are some skincare combos I use when my skin is both prone to breakouts and sensitive during PMT. These suggestions aren’t exhaustive, but they’ll give you an idea of what to look for.
Sensitive Oily Skin Routine:
– Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – cleanses thoroughly without stripping your skin
– Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – exfoliates without irritating
– La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Fluide – a soothing moisturizer that won’t leave you oily
Dry, Angsty PMT Skin Routine:
– Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – same as before
– Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – same as before
– Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser – brightens and intensely moisturizes overnight
Oily Dehydrated Skin Routine:
– Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser – lightweight yet thorough
– Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – same as before
– Indeed Labs Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion – hydrates without grease
Spot-Prone SPF Routine:
– Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm – same cleansing routine
– Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid – same as before
– First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum – ultralight hydration before SPF
– Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50 – lightweight and feels fantastic on your skin
I could suggest tons more products, but it might be fun to show how each fits into a routine with every skincare review. Let me know if you’d find that helpful! You can find Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid online—it works wonders on both teen and adult acne.
On a related PMT note: ever since having kids, my pre-menstrual symptoms have hit new levels. My mood swings are intense, and I often feel quite unwell, although I never experience cramps anymore, which were a nightmare before kids. It’s a bit of give and take, but those moods are something else. Perhaps a separate conversation on this could be useful!