Hello beautiful! Taking care of your skin can be challenging, especially when it seems to have a mind of its own. Like the rest of your body, your skin has different needs during every stage of your menstrual cycle. Hormone changes throughout the month can lead to different skin issues and needs. Understanding and syncing your skincare routine to these changes can make a world of difference. 

How The Menstrual Cycle Affects The Skin

A woman's menstrual cycle is divided into different phases, each affected by fluctuating hormone levels. These changes impact your skin in various ways, from increased oiliness to breakouts. 

• Follicular Phase: Oestrogen levels rise, promoting collagen production and hydration.
• Ovulation: Peak oestrogen levels make your skin glow but start increasing oil production.
• Luteal Phase: Progesterone causes increased sebum, leading to potential breakouts.
• Menstruation: Oestrogen and progesterone drop, causing dryness and dullness.

By understanding these phases, you can better anticipate and meet your skin's needs, ensuring a consistent and effective skincare routine throughout the month.

Follicular Phase (from menstruation to ovulation)

The Follicular Phase occurs in the first half of your 28-day cycle, characterised by a gradual rise in oestrogen levels.

• Collagen Production: Oestrogen promotes collagen, making your skin appear more youthful and plump.
• Hydration: Increased hydration and elasticity keep your skin radiant.
• Sebum Control: Lower androgen levels reduce oil production, minimizing breakouts.

Products to use in this phase:

• Gentle Exfoliants: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, giving your skin a fresh and glowing appearance.
• Lightweight Moisturisers: Provides adequate hydration without clogging pores.

Products to be avoided in this phase:

• Heavy Creams and Oils: Can clog pores and lead to breakouts, especially if your skin is not typically dry.

During this phase, focus on nourishing and hydrating your skin. Using gentle exfoliants can help maintain that glow.

Ovulation (around Mid-Cycle)

Ovulation marks the peak of oestrogen levels, giving your skin a vibrant glow but also starting to increase oiliness.

• Peak Oestrogen: Your skin looks and feels its best, with smooth texture and reduced pore size.
• Increased Sebum Production: Begin incorporating oil-control products.
• Preventive Care: Use products that balance oil without stripping moisture.

Products to use in this phase:

• Toners: Helps to balance your skin's pH and control excess oil. Try our Lavender Green Tea Hydrosol Water Face Mist Toner. This toner is perfect for balancing your skin while providing antioxidant benefits.
• Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen: Protects skin from UV damage without clogging pores.

Products to be avoided in this phase:

• Over-Exfoliation: Can irritate the skin and lead to increased oil production.

This is the time to enjoy your skin's natural glow but stay proactive with oil control. Opt for light, non-comedogenic moisturizers and gentle cleansers to maintain balance.

Luteal Phase (from ovulation to pre-menstruation)

Post-ovulation, progesterone rises, leading to increased sebum production and potential breakouts.

• Sebum Surge: Increased oil can clog pores, causing acne.
• Hormonal Flare-Ups: Be prepared for sudden breakouts and skin sensitivity.
• Spot Treatments: Keep salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatments handy.

Products to use in this phase:

• Gentle Cleansers: Helps to remove excess oil and prevent clogged pores without stripping the skin.
• Oil-Free Moisturisers: Provides necessary hydration without adding extra oil to the skin.

Products to be avoided in this phase:

• Fragrance-Heavy Products: Can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

Focus on keeping your skin clean and balanced. Use spot treatments and consider oil-free moisturizers. 

Pre-Menstrual Phase (Days Leading Up to Menstruation)

The days leading up to your period can cause skin sensitivity and flare-ups due to hormonal changes.

• PMS Effects: Increased sebum production can cause acne flare-ups and make your skin more sensitive.
• Sensitivity Management: Your skin may become more reactive and prone to irritation.

Products to use in this phase:

• Soothing Serums: Use products with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to reduce inflammation.
• Oil-Control Products: Keep using oil-free moisturisers and gentle cleansers.

Products to avoid in this phase:

• Harsh Exfoliants: Can exacerbate sensitivity and lead to irritation.

Menstruation

During menstruation, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, leading to skin dryness and dullness.

• Hydration Needs: Skin tends to be dry and sensitive.
• Gentle Care: Use soothing and hydrating products.
• Avoid Irritants: Stick to gentle cleansers and rich moisturisers to prevent irritation.

Products to use in this phase:

• Rich Moisturisers: Provides deep hydration to combat dryness and maintain skin barrier function.
• Soothing Face Masks: Calms and hydrates the skin, providing relief from irritation.

Products to be avoided in this phase:

• Alcohol-Based Toners: Can dry out the skin and lead to further irritation.

Prioritize hydration and gentle care. Use products designed for sensitive skin to keep your skin calm and nourished during this phase.

Week-by-Week Guide

• Week 1 (Dry Phase): Menstruation, akin to winter. Focus on hydration and soothing your skin.
• Week 2 (Improving Phase): Follicular Phase, like spring. Embrace renewal and radiance.
• Week 3 (Glowing Phase): Ovulation, resembling summer. Enjoy the glow but start controlling oil.
• Week 4 (Oily Phase): Luteal Phase, similar to autumn. Manage oiliness and prevent breakouts.

To cater to your skin’s needs without triggering a sudden acne flare-up, opt for gentle cleansers that prevent irritation. To keep excess oil under control, make the switch to oil-free moisturisers. Besides, keep spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at hand to deal with sudden breakouts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1) How do you take care of your skin during your menstrual phase?
Focus on soothing and hydrating your skin with gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and rich moisturisers.
Q2) What skincare should I use on my period?
Use products like sulphate-free cleansers, hyaluronic acid serums, and cream-based moisturisers to maintain hydration and soothe your skin.
Q3) How do you self-care during menstrual phases?
Engage in relaxing activities like gentle yoga, warm baths, and ensure adequate rest while using soothing skincare products.
Q4) What happens to your skin during period?
During your period, hormone levels drop, often leading to dryness, dullness, and increased sensitivity in your skin.
Q5) How to prevent PMS acne?
Maintain a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansers, oil-free moisturisers, and spot treatments, and avoid high-sugar and high-dairy diets.

 

Understanding how your menstrual cycle affects your skin is key to achieving a healthy and glowing complexion. Adjusting your skincare routine to each phase of the cycle allows you to meet your skin's unique needs and proactively prevent problems. For natural and effective solutions that support your cycle syncing skincare routine, check out our skincare collection.