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How Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Skin

Ever noticed that your skin seems to have a mind of its own during different days of the month? One week it’s flawless and glowing, and the next, it’s like your pores have declared war on you. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin changes throughout your menstrual cycle, you’re not alone. I’m here to enlighten you about how your hormones play a role and what you can do for your skin to look and feel its best throughout.

The Ups and Downs of Your Skin Through the Menstrual Cycle

  1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5):

    During your period, your hormone levels especially estrogen and progesterone takes a nosedive. This hormonal drop can leave your skin feeling dry and looking a bit dull. Some of us might also notice that our skin becomes more sensitive, leading to those pesky breakouts that pops up out of nowhere.

What to Do: Think gentle cleansers that don’t remove your natural oils and rich moisturizers that give your skin the hydration it craves. A lifesaver to your skin would be a good hydrating serum during this phase.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14):

As your period ends, your body starts ramping up its estrogen production again. This hormone is your skin’s best friend during this time, boosting collagen production and improving elasticity. The result? Clearer, more radiant skin that’s resilient and not prone to irritation. The follicular phase is when your skin really shines so if you’re planning a wedding or a big event, this is your time to glow up and steal the show!

What to Do: Take advantage of your skin’s stronger barrier by introducing active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol. Your skin is more tolerant now, therefore it is the perfect time to go for those glow-boosting products.

  1. Ovulation (Around Day 14):

    Oily Skin

    Mid-cycle, estrogen peaks, and testosterone gets a little boost too. While this combination can give you that coveted mid-cycle glow, the increase in testosterone can also lead to more oil production. This might mean dealing with the dreaded breakouts especially around the chin and jawline and a shiny face.

What to Do: If you’re prone to breakouts, having a spot treatment on hand can help nip those pimples in the bud . To keep the shine under control, consider incorporating a  salicylic acid-based cleanser into your routine.

  1. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):

    As you head toward the end of your cycle, progesterone takes center stage. This hormone has a knack for making your skin produce more oil and retain water. This combination can lead to puffiness and increase the chance of breakouts, especially in the days closer to your period.

What to Do: It’s all about balance during this phase. Go for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog your pores, and stick to non-comedogenic products. If you’re dealing with breakouts, a gentle approach is best. Avoid anything too harsh that could irritate your skin further.

Final Thoughts

Your menstrual cycle plays a huge role in how your skin looks and feels throughout the month. Paying attention to these changes and adjusting your skincare routine accordingly, can help take better control of your skin’s health. Remember, every woman’s skin is different, so it will take a little trial and error to figure out what works best for you. A bit of patience and the right approach, you can keep your skin glowing all month long!!

If you find that your skin concerns are more than just a minor inconvenience and seem to get worse with every new cycle, it might be worth consulting with a dermatologist who can offer more personalised advice or treatments.

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