For many of us who have a menstrual cycle, we are all too familiar with the mood swings, cramps and cravings that come along with our cycles every month. Our skin is no exception to these hormonal changes either! Depending on which phase of your cycle you are in, you may be experiencing those pesky pimples along your chin and jaw line, oiliness, dry skin or even a natural glow!

In this blog post, I walk you through each phase of the menstrual cycle, the changes you may see with your skin, and how you should be optimizing your skincare regime for radiant skin all month long!

Skincare Cycling – How to optimize your skin regime during your menstrual cycle

The idea behind this approach to skincare is  that our skin changes with our hormone cycle, and hence our skincare should follow suit!

First half of your cycle = plump and hydrated skin

In the first half of our cycle, prior to ovulation, our estrogen levels are high and peak just prior to ovulation, normally around Day 13.

High levels of estrogen promote the surge in luteinizing hormone which is the trigger for the release of an egg from a follicle. This surge in oestrogen keeps skin looking plump, springy and hydrated.

I recommend using water-based serums like our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum along with a light-weight lotion like our No.4 Vanilla Silk Lotion to keep skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Skin will have less of a tendency to clog so keep to exfoliating 1-2 times a week.

Pre-period breakouts

Before our periods, the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, and testosterone becomes a more dominant hormone. This signals our oil glands to produce excess oil which may result in clogged pores and breakouts.

We recommend using our No.2 Citrus Rhaposdy Toner Mist to keep bacteria and clogged pores at bay. Switch to dry oil like our Exotic Seed of Youth Oil which is non-comedogenic and contains anti-inflammatory properties ensuring skin is hydrated without becoming congested.

Increase exfoliation to 2-3 times a week and use a purifying mask such as our & Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse. This mask contains an extract called Alpha Avocuta, derived from avocado oil. It has been clinically proven to reduce the conversion of testosterone into DHT and hence curbs the excess oil production that is caused by imbalanced androgens. 

Use our Turmeric Beauty Latte as a spot treatment for any pesky spots that may arise before your menstrual cycle begins.

Period day 1 = dull and dry skin

On the first day of your period and throughout the following 5 days, hormone levels are low so your skin may appear fairly dry and dull.

I recommend upping the ante on your ingestible wellness products like vegan collagen and greens powders. Increasing hydration internally and externally is key.

Pure oils like our & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil can assist in boosting hydration whilst also brightening the skin.

Use our & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair as a hydrating mask if your skin is really feeling moisture depleted.