Have you noticed how your skin seems to change throughout the month? There's a scientific reason behind these fluctuations. Let's explore how your menstrual cycle affects your skin and learn effective strategies to maintain a healthy complexion month-round.
The Hormonal Trio Influencing Your Skin
Three primary hormones play crucial roles in your skin's monthly changes:
Estrogen - Your skin's best friend
Progesterone - The oil producer
Testosterone - The troublemaker
Hormonal Rhythms and Your Skin: A Cycle-by-Cycle Guide
Understanding these hormonal fluctuations is key to mastering your skincare routine throughout the month. As estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels shift, your skin's needs change accordingly. Let's explore how these hormonal dance plays out across your menstrual cycle, and what it means for your skin. Learn the impact on your skin of these distinct phases, and how to adapt your skincare routine for optimal results.
Days 1-6: The Dry Spell
During menstruation, estrogen levels are at their lowest. Your skin might feel dry, dull, and a bit sensitive. This is the time to focus on hydration. Treat your skin to moisturizers rich in hyaluronic acid and avoid harsh treatments.
SKIN CHANGES:
- skin barrier weakened
- water retention less effective
- skin prone to inflammation
- reduced sebum production
SKIN FEELS:
- Dry, dehydrated skin
- Increased sensitivity
- Potential flare-ups of dermatitis
FOCUS ON:
- Intensifying hydration with serums and moisturizers rich in hyaluronic acid and ceramides
- Incorporating nourishing face oils (best if without essential oils or fragrances) or overnight masks
- Avoiding harsh exfoliants
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| Shop LĪLĀ Hydrating Essence | Shop ÏIS Hydrating serum | Shop HAE Light Moisturiser |
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| Shop CLEO Sleeping Mask |
Days 7-13: The Glow Up
Estrogen makes its grand comeback, and your skin starts to feel fresher than ever. New skin cells are forming, making this the perfect time to exfoliate. Gently slough off those dead cells and reveal the radiant skin underneath.
SKIN CHANGES:
- Collagen, Elastin Hyaluronic acid production increased
- balanced sebum production
- pores less visible
- skin is plump, firm and healthy
SKIN FEELS:
- More balanced
- Cellular turnover increases
- Glowing and healthy
FOCUS ON:
- Gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
- Reintroducing active ingredients like peptides and retinoids
- Maintaining a consistent skincare routine
Our Expert Product Picks:
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| Shop MAMÃO Foaming Cleanser | Shop SOLE Exfoliant Mask | Shop HAE Light Moisturiser |
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| Shop NOOR Retinol Eye Oil | Shop AZUR Face Light Oil |
Days 14-18: Peak Perfection
Estrogen reaches its highest point during ovulation. Your skin is living its best life with moisture levels at its peak and pores appearing smaller. Make the most of this time by using products that boost collagen and elastin production.
SKIN CHANGES:
- peak of collagen, elastin hyaluronic acid production
- optimum sebum production
- skin is glowing
SKIN FEELS:
At its best!
FOCUS ON:
- Boosting collagen production with targeted treatments
- Continuing use of hydrating serums and active ingredients
- Considering professional treatments like facials or non-invasive procedures
Our Expert Product Picks:
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| Shop SOLE Exfoliant Mask | Shop ÏIS Hydrating serum | Shop SHAANT Regenerating Face Oil |
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| Shop AKAI Nourishing Lip Mask |
Days 19-28: The Fluctuation and Oily Phase
As progesterone increases and estrogen declines, oil production goes into overdrive. Your skin might start to look shiny, and hormonal breakouts might appear. Arm yourself with balancing serums, clay masks to absorb excess oil and products containing salicylic acid to fight acne.
SKIN CHANGES:
- slowing of collagen, elastin hyaluronic acid production
- skin barrier permeability increases
- skin more sensitive
- increased sebum production
SKIN FEELS:
- Oilier
- Potential for mild acne or flare-ups of existing skin conditions (eczema, rosacea)
- Increased sensitivity
FOCUS ON:
- Balancing oil production with non-comedogenic moisturizers
- Incorporating gentle exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs)
- Using targeted treatments with ingredients like niacinamide or azelaic acid
- Applying clay masks to manage excess oil
- Prebiotic-enhanced skincare
- Anti-bacterial serums
Our Expert Product Picks:
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| Shop MAMÃO Foaming Cleanser | Shop CHUN Prebiotic Skin Mask | Shop HAE Light Moisturiser |
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| Shop NAÃ Mattifying Skin Serum | Shop KORU Clarifying Dry Oil |
By understanding these cyclical changes, you can proactively adjust your skincare routine to address your skin's evolving needs. This knowledge empowers you to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion throughout the month.
Remember, consistency is key. While it's important to adapt to your skin's changing needs, maintaining a core routine with gentle cleansing, hydration, and sun protection forms the foundation of healthy skin at any stage of your cycle.
Embrace this natural rhythm and use it to your advantage. With the right approach, you can achieve your best skin, regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle.
