Syncing Your Skincare with Your Menstrual Cycle to Glow All Month Long
It’s no surprise that when your hormones change, so does your skin. After all, it's the reflection of everything going on inside. Women’s hormones are changing frequently and the monthly cycle is the best representation of it. To avoid waking up with pesky acne that seemingly formed overnight, or reapplying moisturizer to extra dry skin may come as a surprise throughout the month, but it’s actually more calculated than you think. In order to optimize your glow throughout the month, we’re breaking down all the best products to use in each phase of your cycle and why.
The Menstrual Phase
During your menstrual phase (days 1-7 of your cycle, also when you get your period) estrogen and progesterone levels plummet. With lower levels of estrogen, your skin’s collagen production slows down, leading to thinner skin and less moisture retention. Lower progesterone levels can also cause your skin barrier to become more fragile leading to increased sensitivity and inflammation. Now’s the time to support your skin with hydrating products that replenish moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.
THE NOURISHING CLEANSER
Deep clean and dissolve impurities without stripping your already sensitive skin barrier. This oil to milk cleanser is designed to support depleted skin caused by low hormones. It plumps and hydrates skin with Sea Fennel Extract, and balances the skin’s microbiome with Inulin.
THE ULTRA HYDRATOR
Smooth on this lightweight yet deeply hydrating Hyaluronic super serum. Its molecules are skin-identical and clinically proven to address the effects of depleted hormone levels, instantly plumping up your complexion.
The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase (days 1-14 of your cycle) is the time between the start of your period and ovulation. As this phase begins, estrogen and progesterone levels are still low coming out of the menstrual phase, but gradually ramp up. With reproductive hormones increasing, collagen production kicks in and skin is thicker and more resilient to treatments, potent actives, and exfoliation.
THE GLOW TREATMENT
With a stronger skin barrier, now is the time to gently exfoliate and reveal smoother glowing skin by applying actives such as Glycolic Acid. This concentrated dual action treatment is made with exfoliating 8% Glycolic Acid, soothing Niacinamide, and Benthi Plant Peptides (a natural Retinol alternative). The ingredients reveal smoother, more youthful skin, and prep the complexion by decongesting pores before acne-inducing testosterone ramps up in the next phase.
The Ovulatory Phase
During ovulation (at or around day 14 of your cycle), estrogen stays high and testosterone peaks. If your hormones are balanced, this fluctuation should keep your skin plump, hydrated, and glowing. However, if your body has difficulty detoxing excess hormones, testosterone can accumulate causing an overproduction of sebum leading to breakouts and clogged pores. Combatting existing breakouts and preventing future ones is priority numero uno during this phase - the key is to treat your skin gently, though this can feel counterintuitive when battling blemishes.
THE BREAKOUT FIGHTER
Stop breakouts in their tracks with sulfur and Boswellic acid, clinically effective and hormone clean pimple fighters. This gentle foaming cleanser deeply cleanses and sweeps away unwanted bacteria, decongests pores, soothes irritation, and restores the skin barrier - everything your skin needs during ovulation.
The Luteal Phase
The luteal phase (days 15-28 of your cycle) is the time from ovulation until your next menstruation. This phase is typically 14 days giving plenty of time to notice skin changes. Progesterone first increases and then sharply plummets during the luteal phase, causing a weakened skin barrier that can lead to breakouts, inflammation and sensitivity. Any pre-existing skin conditions can also be exacerbated. Manage inflammation and be gentle on your skin.
THE SKIN SOOTHER
Calm the skin with a cell repairing antioxidants and gently combat irritation with skin safe, salicylic acid alternative, Willow Bark. This super serum addresses the effects of hormonal imbalances that lead to blemishes and flare-ups and instantly reduces redness and irritation.
Your skin may feel like a fickle stranger - constantly changing with each phase - but if you work with your skin and nourish it in each stage, you can extend your glow all month long.