When you have finally curated your skin routine after researching and listening to all the advice. You now know your skin type and can finally have a healthy friendship with your skin. Then, during certain times in your menstrual cycle, just before your period starts, will tend to put a different set of strains on this already new friendship.   

Here’s what happens during your period and why we talk about period skin

Within a matter of 28-days, the average length of a woman’s menstrual cycle, our complexion can change in a matter of minutes. Drastically different each day from unpleasant shine and oily one day to dry and flaky another day. Then there are the breakouts that are not just reserved for the teenage years. Period skin is not constrained to only the days leading up to and during your period.  

But our skin does try to warn us when the tide is about to change. There are heads up or warning signs when our skin does these drastic changes that when better understood, we can be armed and ready to fight. It is time to stop your period from messing with your glow and it starts with knowing where you are in your menstrual cycle.   

The Period Skin Cycle

The Follicular phase  

Period skin symptoms:

During this phase, your skin is at its most cooperative, because as the research puts it done to the fact that your estrogen levels are at their highest. When your estrogen is at its highest your skin receives more collagen, sebum production is normalised, is moisturised to the required amount and at its brightest.   

Fight back with:

Now is the time to stick to the full works of your skincare and even the minimal effort with your skincare as it can handle it while loving the energy. Use your vitamin C serums, nightly retinoids and AHAs, of course in the required order as instructed by your favourite skincare brand.   

The Luteal Phase  

Period Skin symptoms:

Even if your skin is usually on the drier side in the Luteal phase, it will become oily thanks to the decrease of estrogen levels and increase in progesterone levels. Research says progesterone is responsible for your sebaceous glands producing more sebum which makes you oily. Whether your skin is of the drier skin type, oily or combination skin type, you will be battling against blocked skin meaning spots or an increase in period acne.   

Fight back with:

Time to use your skincare defence against increased oily skin and spots; clay face masks, gentle exfoliators, gentle cleaners and lighter moisturisers or oils.   

The Menstrual Phase   

Period skin symptom:

We all have that friend who is so intuitive she will know exactly when her period is about to begin and even predict if it is going to rain or pour. There is a lot you can learn from her because this way you can be prepared for the drastic change in your hormones. Yes, it is that dramatic, the decline in your estrogen and progesterone levels. We all understand this as period related skin. Which means, lack lustered, dull, sensitive, irritated and dry skin of varying degrees.   

Fight back with:

Soothing ingredients like chamomile, Aloe Vera, cucumber and honey, to name a few. And, staying hydrated.   

 Final Note

It should go without saying but remember to protect your skin during every phase, with sunscreen if you will only be leaving the house today for a walk. We hope you have a few soothing self-care items to for those period cramps.