Review, 2011
When should acne comedones be extracted to treat premenstrual acne?
An expert proposes extracting comedones at ovulation to prevent the skin changes that trigger period-related acne. However, this proposal has not been tested in a clinical trial, so there is no evidence it works.
What they did
Literature review and expert opinion proposing a timing-based approach to premenstrual acne treatment.
What they found
The authors propose that comedone extraction at the time of ovulation, prior to the reduction of sebaceous gland size and changes in skin barrier function, could counteract increased sebum production, prevent pore blockage and bacterial colonization, and reduce inflamed acne lesions.
What it means for you
This is a theoretical proposal based on understanding of how skin changes during the menstrual cycle, but it has not been tested in women with premenstrual acne. No clinical evidence is provided that timing extraction to ovulation actually works.
About the study
- Original title
- Expert opinion and review article: The timing of comedone extraction in the treatment of premenstrual acne--a proposed therapeutic approach
- Authors
- Steventon K
- Journal
- International journal of cosmetic science
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Manual comedone extraction timed to ovulation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00610.x