Every year on May 28th, the world comes together to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day—a day aimed at breaking stigma, raising awareness, and empowering women and girls to manage menstruation safely and with dignity. While most conversations focus on menstrual products and hygiene, few highlight an equally important issue: skin health during menstruation, especially for girls experiencing their first period.
As a leading dermatologist in Dubai, I frequently meet young girls and first-time menstruators experiencing unexpected skin changes—and confusion—without knowing it’s all part of the hormonal transition. This blog explores what’s happening beneath the skin and how to build a healthy, age-appropriate skincare routine from the very beginning.
🩸 Hormones, Periods, and Your Skin: What’s the Connection?
When your period begins (usually between ages 10–14), your body starts producing a new hormonal rhythm involving estrogen and progesterone. These hormones affect your:
- Oil (sebum) production
- Skin hydration
- Sensitivity levels
- Immune response and inflammation
This is why, during menstruation, many girls notice:
- Breakouts or whiteheads, especially on the forehead or chin
- Increased oiliness and clogged pores
- Redness or itchiness, particularly in intimate areas
- Body acne on the chest, back, or buttocks
- Irritation from sanitary products (due to fragrance or prolonged wear)
These symptoms are completely normal—but manageable with the right information and routine.
🚨 Why Menstrual Hygiene Impacts Skin Health
Proper menstrual hygiene helps prevent:
- Contact dermatitis from scented pads or liners
- Fungal infections due to heat, sweat, and moisture retention
- Ingrown hairs or folliculitis caused by friction and tight clothing
- Blocked pores and acne in intimate or sweat-prone areas
Poor menstrual hygiene doesn’t just affect your health—it visibly affects your skin. The good news? With the right skincare habits, you can balance hormones, prevent infections, and feel more confident.
👩⚕️ Dr. Shruti’s Beginner Skincare Guide for Teen & Young Skin
🔹 During Your Period (Days 1–5)
- Use a gentle cleanser (not scrubs!) twice a day
- Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer
- Use a pimple patch or spot treatment only on breakouts
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and change pads every 4–6 hours
🩲 Tip: If you feel itchy or irritated near your intimate area, use a fragrance-free, pH-balanced intimate wash, or just plain water — never soap.
🔹 Mid-Cycle (Days 6–14 – Your Glow Phase)
Estrogen levels rise, and your skin may feel clearer.
- Cleanse as usual
- Add a hydrating toner or serum with hyaluronic acid
- Wear sunscreen daily (yes, even if you’re indoors)
☀️ Sunscreen helps prevent dark spots, especially if your skin is breaking out or healing.
🔹 Before Period (Days 15–28 – Pre-PMS Phase)
This is when most girls get breakouts or oily skin.
- Don’t add too many products — keep it simple
- Include a product with niacinamide or zinc to control oil
- Dab with rose water or aloe gel to calm inflammation
🧴 5 Skincare Dos for First-Time Menstruators
✅ Wash your face twice a day — no more, no less
✅ Choose fragrance-free products
✅ Use oil-free sunscreen during the day
✅ Drink water and eat more fruits during your period
✅ Track your skin — notice if breakouts follow a pattern
❌ 5 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using your body soap on your face
🚫 Scrubbing acne or using toothpaste on pimples
🚫 Popping pimples — this can leave scars
🚫 Wearing pads too long
🚫 Trying viral skincare hacks without asking a professional
💬 When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You should consult a dermatologist if:
- You’re getting very painful or large acne
- You see dark marks or scars forming
- You have frequent rashes or itching in your private area
- You feel unsure about which products are safe for your age or skin type
Even if you’re starting your period, it’s never too early to understand what your skin needs.
🩷 Final Thoughts from Dr. Shruti
Periods are natural. So are skin changes.
What matters is how you care for your skin — with patience, awareness, and the right support.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, I want every young girl to know: Glowing skin isn’t about looking perfect — it’s about feeling confident in your own skin.
And that starts with understanding it — one cycle at a time.
📍 Dr. Shruti Kakar
Specialist Dermatologist, Medcare Al Barsha, Dubai
📧 shrutikakkar1@gmail.com
Menstrual hygeine faqs
During a girl’s first period, hormonal changes can cause increased oil production, breakouts, redness, and body acne. These changes are common and manageable with the right skincare routine.
Teenage girls should follow a gentle routine:
Wash the face twice daily with a mild cleanser
Apply an oil-free moisturizer
Use sunscreen daily (even indoors)
Avoid scrubs, harsh treatments, or scented products
Consider spot-treating breakouts with acne patches or dermatologist-recommended solutions
Yes, periods can trigger hormonal acne due to fluctuations in oil production. This often appears as breakouts around the chin, forehead, or jawline before menstruation. Ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, and aloe vera can help manage it.
If acne becomes painful, causes scarring, or if there’s frequent itching, irritation, or rashes in the intimate area, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. Personalized advice ensures the safest and most effective care for young, developing skin.