Period Skincare: How to Adjust Your Skincare to Your Menstrual Cycle?

As women, we go through many changes throughout our lives. One of those changes is our menstrual cycle. Our menstrual cycle can affect our skin in various ways, so it's essential to adjust our skincare routine accordingly. This blog post will discuss how to adjust your skincare to your menstrual cycle. We'll also provide a few tips for keeping your skin healthy and balanced during your period. Read on to learn more! 

The phases of the menstrual cycle

If you want to know what and how exactly you should take care of your skin during the period, let's talk about the phases of the menstrual cycle first. The entire menstrual cycle generally lasts 21 to 35 days and is made up of four hormone-driven phases — menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal.

Menstrual phase

During the menstrual phase, which is also known as the shedding phase, the inner lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This phase usually lasts 3 to 7 days. The hormone levels during this phase are at their lowest, which can cause skin dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity.

Follicular phase

The follicular phase begins after the menstrual phase and lasts until ovulation. This phase is when the egg follicles mature and estrogen levels start to rise. The increased estrogen can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to breakouts.

Ovulation phase

The ovulation phase is when the egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube. This phase usually lasts 24 to 48 hours. The hormone levels during this phase are at their highest, which can cause dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

Luteal phase

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual cycle. This phase is when progesterone levels rise and estrogen levels start to decline. The increased progesterone can cause sebum production to decrease, which can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

The role of hormones during period

Now that we know the phases of the menstrual cycle, let's discuss the role of hormones during this time. The hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and can affect the skin in various ways.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. It plays a vital role in the development of the egg follicles and the thickening of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus). Estrogen levels are at their lowest during the menstrual phase and start to rise during the follicular phase. The increased estrogen can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to breakouts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akqh9LWxjdI

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries and the corpus luteum (the follicle that remains after the egg is released). It helps to prepare the endometrium for the implantation of a fertilized egg. Progesterone levels are at their highest during the luteal phase. The increased progesterone can cause sebum production to decrease, which can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

FSH is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. It helps to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. FSH levels are at their highest during the follicular phase. The increased FSH can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to breakouts.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

LH is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. It helps to trigger ovulation. LH levels are at their highest during the ovulation phase. The increased LH can cause dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

The most common skin problems during period

Now that we know the role of hormones during the menstrual cycle, let's discuss the most common skin problems that can occur during this time.

Dryness

One of the most common skin problems during the 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. https://www.foreo.com/mysa/period-pimples-heres-deal-hormonal-acne-breakouts/

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. Also, hormonal acne sometimes can cause acne scars, so 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.

Tips for period skincare

Track your cycle

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to track your menstrual cycle. This will help you to know when your skin is going to be the most sensitive and when you need to take extra care of it.

Have a consistent skincare routine

Another good tip is to have a consistent skincare routine. This means that you should cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin every day. You should also use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on days when you don't think you'll be spending much time in the sun. [caption id="attachment_10384" align="aligncenter" width="959"] Speaking of gentle products you need during your period, FOREO Imagination is the one. It's the perfect base for your DIY masks.[/caption]

Use gentle products

When you have your period, it's important to use gentle products. This means that you should avoid using harsh exfoliants, such as scrubs, on your skin. You should also avoid using products that contain alcohol or fragrance, as these can be drying and irritating.

Listen to your skin

Finally, it's important to listen to your skin. This means that you should only use the products that your skin needs. If your skin is feeling dry, use a moisturizer. If your skin is feeling oily, use a cleanser. And if your skin is feeling sensitive, use a gentle cleanser.

The bottom line

The menstrual cycle can cause hormonal fluctuations that can lead to a variety of skin problems, such as dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, uneven skin tone, and hormonal acne. The best way to combat these problems is to track your cycle, have a consistent skincare routine, use gentle products, and listen to your skin.

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