Maya Galinsky
The ultimate guide to understanding period skin care throughout your menstrual cycle.
Taking care of your skin is important, but did you know that your menstrual cycle can affect the health of your skin? In this article, we will discuss the different phases of the menstrual cycle and how they can impact your skin. We will also provide tips on how to care for your skin during each phase.
Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase, also known as the shedding phase, lasts for 3-7 days. Hormone levels during this phase are at their lowest, which can cause skin dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. To combat these issues, it is important to maintain a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle products and listening to your skin. Avoid using products that contain alcohol or fragrance, as these can be drying and irritating. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins after the menstrual phase and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the egg follicles mature, and estrogen levels start to rise. Increased estrogen can cause an increase in sebum production, an oily, waxy substance, which can lead to breakouts. To combat breakouts, use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Ovulation Phase
The ovulation phase lasts for 24-48 hours and is when the egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. Hormone levels during this phase are at their highest, which can cause dryness, redness, and sensitivity. To combat these issues, use a moisturizer that is rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Luteal Phase
The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual cycle, making this the longest phase of the menstrual cycle. Usually, when you start noticing subtle or not-so-subtle pre-period symptoms, you’re most likely in the Luteal phase. Progesterone levels rise, and estrogen levels start to decline. Increased progesterone activates sebum production, causing inflammation and sensitivity. This is the perfect storm for painful cystic acne to pop out on the chin and jawline. The key here is to prevent dead cell buildup and to treat the skin gently.
Roles of Hormones during Period
Estrogen: Produced by ovaries, estrogen plays a vital role in the development of egg follicles and thickening of the endometrium. Increased estrogen can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to breakouts.
Progesterone: Produced by ovaries and corpus luteum, progesterone helps prepare the endometrium for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Increased progesterone can cause sebum production to decrease, which can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH helps stimulate ovaries to produce eggs. Increased FSH can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to breakouts.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Produced by the pituitary gland, LH helps trigger ovulation. Increased LH can cause dryness, redness, and sensitivity.
Common Skin Problems During Period
Dryness: One of the most common skin problems during this period is dryness. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations and a decrease in sebum production. The best way to combat dryness is to use a moisturizer that is rich in hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Breakouts: Another common skin problem during the period is breakouts. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations and an increase in sebum production. The best way to combat breakouts is to use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is another common skin problem during the period. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations and a decrease in sebum production. The best way to combat sensitivity is to use a gentle cleanser and avoid using harsh exfoliants.
Uneven skin tone: Uneven skin tone is another common skin problem during the period. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations and a decrease in sebum but also in collagen production. The best way to combat uneven skin tone is to use a serum that contains vitamin C or niacinamide.
Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne is another common skin problem during the period. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations and an increase in sebum production. The best way to combat hormonal acne is to use a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid and to use a serum that contains vitamin C or niacinamide.
Now that you know how your menstrual cycle can affect your skin, you can take steps to care for your skin during each phase. By maintaining a consistent skincare routine and using the right products, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all month long.
References
Foreo. (2021). Period Skincare: The Connection Between Cycle and Skin. Retrieved from https://www.foreo.com/mysa/period-skincare-connection-between-cycle-and-skin/#:~:text=Sensitive skin is another common,and avoid using harsh exfoliants
Natural Cycles. (2021). Skin and Hormones. Retrieved from https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/skin-and-hormones
Natracare. (2021). Skincare for Menstrual Phases. Retrieved from https://www.natracare.com/blog/skincare-for-menstrual-phases/
Realsimple. (2021). How Does Your Skin Change During Your Period? Retrieved from https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/how-does-skin-change-on-period
Sinclair Dermatology. (2021). Period Skincare: Yes, You Can Hack Your Skincare to Match Your Menstrual Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.sinclairdermatology.com.au/period-skincare-yes-you-can-hack-your-skincare-to-match-your-menstrual-cycle/
Sofy. (2021). Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin During Period. Retrieved from https://www.sofy.in/blog/tips-tricks/generic-concerns/skincare-routine-for-glowing-skin-during-period/
The Guardian. (2019, July 30). Do women really need period skincare? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/jul/30/vicious-cycle-do-women-really-need-period-skincare
Period Skincare Cycle Days 17-28: What Helps Skin During Luteal Phase? (n.d.). StackedSkincare. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://stackedskincare.com/blogs/blog/period-skincare-101-what-helps-skin-during-luteal-phase
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