That time of the month. I think we all dread it, but what I dread even more is PMS. From acne to irritability, PMS symptoms aren’t fun. Here are some of my favourite ways to get PMS relief, as well as some products I like to keep on hand!
1. PMS Acne
Acne for me is always the first sign of PMS. I suffer with it a lot, but when I get random blemishes around my chin or jawline, I like to add an extra step to my skincare routine with a zit-zapping spot treatment. Lately, I’ve been using the Murad system but love the Murad Clarifying Mask. I use it as a spot treatment overnight, and it helps dry out blemishes and reduce redness.
2. Tea
Tea has a few benefits, especially when it comest to acne. I try to avoid sugary drinks most of the time, but white tea is my all-time favourite. Buddha’s Blend from David’s Tea is a delicious white and green tea blend with jasmine pearls and white hibiscus blossoms. It’s floral and incredibly soothing. I find that it’s a great digestive and can calm your stomach especially with cramps!
3. Chocolate
I always keep a bar of dark chocolate on hand when I get stomach cramps or feel just grumpy. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and is less likely to flare up acne than sugar-filled milk chocolate versions. For an instant boost of cramp-reducing endorphins, eat a couple squares and indulge!
4. R&R
When PMS symptoms set in, I think the best thing you can do is relax. Either take a quick nap or spend some time reading a book. Hot water bottles (or a warm furry friend) can easy tummy troubles, but I find that lying down and either taking a nap or distracting yourself with a fun diversion is a great way to relieve any tension.
5. o.b. tampons
The last thing in my PMS relief kit is some prevention…I think people either love them or are too scared to try them… I used to use o.b. when I lived in Europe (that’s pretty much all they sell there), and switched back to my regular brand in Canada. Lately, I’ve been using o.b. and once you get the hang of not having an applicator, there is no reason to go back. For me, I like that they are compact and don’t take up too much space in my purse or in my cramped apartment washroom and they’re also great for travelling. They are also excellent against leaks, because the design draws fluids to the centre, so I can twirl like a girl in a cheesy ad! When PMS symptoms set in, I throw a couple of these tiny (but very foolproof!) tampons into my purse just in case!
Fun facts about o.b.:
They were invented by Dr. Judith Esser, a female gynaecologist, 50 years ago. She wanted to create a smaller tampon for women that wasn’t available on the market. Because the product is smaller, it’s a lot more comfortable, especially if you have a lighter flow. I’ve wondered what o.b. stands for and it means “ohne binde” in German, which means without napkins!
I’ve teamed up with o.b. to offer my readers free samples of o.b. tampons. Who doesn’t love FREE? If you’ve never tried the brand before, #giveusoneperiod! To get your free sample please fill out the contest form below, making sure to leave your email address, or you can enter by @ mentioning my Twitter handle @natalieast and mentioning @ob_Canada with your PMS tips or comments!
NOTE: this giveaway is only open to Canadian residents!
P.S. my makeup bag is from Forever 21!
This post and giveaway was generously sponsored by o.b., all opinions are my own!
I usually stock up on chocolate to help me get through my pms each month.
Make sure you have all the products you need on hand because its awful when you have nothing and do not feel like going to get it!
I always use OB!
I love o.b. 🙂 always does the job, there are a huge variety of sizes and they are so discrete with little waste!
My PMS tip is to drink plenty of water. It helps with cramps and oily skin.
chocolate, heating bags and sleep if possible
Eat lots of fruit! Berrys and Bananas especially.
I find that a heated pad on your tummy helps with the cramps!
lay in bed and do nothing