Karen Period pimples are pimples that appear before we get our period every month. Even though they can pop-up anywhere on the face, they tend to appear consistently around the chin area. They are frustrating when they come unexpectedly and can get really red and painful if left untreated. Also, these pimples are hard to cover with makeup alone, and leave scars on our face if not taken care of properly 🙁
When our period is approaching, focus our skincare routine on oil control and balancing. Manage your pores and clear any blackheads and whiteheads that may grow into bigger pimples. This simple skincare routine really helps to prevent those period pimples from getting out of control. It also would help to reduce skin inflammation, improve complexion, and protect the skin from damages.
TL;DR
Evening Routine
- Squalane Cleanser
- Azelaic Acid 10% (or Niaciminade 10% + Zinc)
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Morning Routine
- Squalane Cleanser
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
- 100% Plant-derived Squalane
Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle face wash
Squalane Cleanser, $7.90 (1 oz)
A gentle cleanser that removes makeup and excess oil from the skin. Makes the skin feel clean and fresh without overstripping the face. Use this cleanser in the morning and night every day!
Suitable skin types
- Oily & acne-prone
- Dry & acne-prone
- Sensitive & acne-prone
Unsuitable skin types
- None
Key active ingredients
- Squalane: Dissolve makeup and lift away surface dirt and keep the skin hydrated at the same time.
Use instructions
- Squeeze a quarter size product into the palms of your hands and rub the product until it melts into a thick oily texture.
- Massage on your face for 15 to 30 secs if you have makeup on.
- Rinse with lukewarm water until all the products are gone.
How often should I wash my face?
2X daily – AM and PM routine
Step 2: Treat any pimples with an anti-inflammatory product
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, $7.90 (1 oz)
An acne treatment that works to calm inflamed skin and get rid of acne-causing bacteria. This is especially effective for controlling those nasty big, red, painful pimples. This also helps to fade any acne marks you have so your overall skin tone is improved.
Suitable skin types
- Oily & acne-prone
- Dry & acne-prone
Unsuitable skin types
- Sensitive & acne-prone (can substitude with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%)
Key active ingredients
- Azelaic Acid: a natural acid extracted from grains. It can control pimple growth and fade acne scars.
Use Instructions
- Use as spot treatment for acne: dab a thick layer on top of any pimples you have
- Use as spot treatment for acne marks and blackheads: dab a thin layer on any marks and blackhead areas.
Warning: you may experience some burning, tingling sensation upon first putting it on your skin. This is a common side-effect of the acid and should go away quickly.
Note: Product may cause pilling.
How often should I apply acne treatment?
Frequency: 1X daily – PM routine
Step 3: Moisturize the skin to replace lost hydration
100% Plant-Derived Squalane, $7.90 (1 oz)
Acne treatments like the Azalaic Acid are seriously drying for the skin and this hydrator can help us restore hydration to our skin.
Suitable skin types
- Dry & acne-prone
- Sensitive & acne-prone
- Oily & acne-prone
Unsuitable skin types
- None
Key active ingredients
- Squalane: a natural skin mimicking oil that helps to maintain optimal hydration level of the skin.
Use instructions
- Apply 1 to 2 drops onto the palm of your hands and rub until it is spread evenly
- Lightly press your palm against your skin until the skin absorbs all the products
How often should I apply moisturizer?
Frequency: 2X daily – AM and PM routine
Step 4: Sunscreen/SPF
Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 with Antioxidants
The most important aspect about controlling acne is to protect your face from physical environment stressors that can irritate the skin.
Suitable Skin Types
- Dry & Acne-prone
- Oily & Acne-prone
- Sensitive & Acne-prone
Unsuitable Skin Types
- None
Key Active Ingredients
- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide
Use Instructions
- Spread a thick layer evenly all over the face and neck
- Wait until the product films and aborbs into the skin before applying makeup
Optional step: Give your skin a deep cleanse or exfoliation once per week
Note: When you exfoliate, skip the acne treatment step as using these products within the same routine can over-dry and strip your skin into demise.
The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Mask, $12.00 (1 oz)
A wash-off mask that provides deep cleansing to get rid of all the excess gunk that is in your pores. This can boost the cleaning of your skin to a deeper layer.
Suitable Skin Types
- Oily & acne-prone
- Dry & acne-prone
Unsuitable Skin Types
- Sensitive & acne-prone (can replace with more gentle acid such as Lactic Acid 5% + HA)
Key Active Ingredients:
- Kaolin: Absorbs excess oil from surface of the skin
- 2% Salicylic Acid: unclog pores from dirt, oil, impurities
Use Instructions
Apply a thin layer onto the face. Leave on for max 10 min and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Oily, acne-Prone skin: Use 1 to 2 times per week as step 2 of your PM routine, after cleansing.
- Dry, acne-Prone skin: Use once per week as step 2 of your PM routine, after cleansing. Only apply to oily areas of the skin
How often should I exfoliate?
Frequency: 1X weekly – PM routine only.
Additional lifestyle tips for controlling period pimples
- Reduce foods high in oil, fats, spicy food
- Reduce sweets because sweets can increase dopamine -> increase overall hormone activities -> more oil production
- Try to maintain a nicely hydrated face -> reduce chances of breaking out
