For many women, period skin is just another thing to deal with at that time of the month. We try to cover it, to hide it, and wait it out, but the fact is that period skin is a fact of life – and there are ways to embrace it. Practicing naturopath and founder of Edible Beauty, Anna Mitsios, shares how to sync your skincare to all 28 days of the menstrual cycle.
Note that syncing your skincare isn’t about using a different cleanser every week, more so knowing when to exfoliate, when to try new products, and when to leave your skin alone. Keep in mind that every cycle is different and tracking yours is the first step. This can also be useful if you deal with breakout acne at seemingly random times of the month, along with casual good skin days that you want to keep rolling right through the year.
Day 1-5: Menstrual Phase
“During our menstrual cycle, all of our hormones start off being at low levels and our basal body temperature is therefore low too,” says Mitsios. “This means we have a decrease in our temperature, sebum production, and skin may appear relatively dull and lacklustre.”
She recommends hydrating from the inside out. Natural means of doing this include drinking plenty of warm teas, which enhance circulation and increase skin hydration. Lean towards hydrating products such as nourishing oils and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s outer layers.
As syncing your skincare embraces the natural state of your skin, Mitsios recommends following it up with the use of organic skincare during all stages of the menstrual cycle. “Xenoestrogens, found in conventional cosmetic preservatives and fragrances, can wreak havoc on hormonal balance, resulting in an imbalance of androgens that are often the root cause of breakouts and congested skin.”
Day 6-10: Follicular phase
“As we enter our follicular phase, oestrogen starts to rise and peaks just prior to ovulation. During this time, our skin is glowing! Progesterone levels are low which means the skin is not producing extra sebum and oestrogen is supporting collagen production, keeping skin feeling hydrated and plump.”
To keep the good skin days going, Mitsios recommends supporting the skin’s organic production of collagen with natural retinol alternatives and being consistent with your cleansing and exfoliating routine.
“Skin is also less sensitive during this time, so it is the ideal time to road-test any new products on your skin.”
Day 11-18: Ovulation Phase
For those who haven’t heard of period skin’s sister, ovulation skin, Mitsios says that it is definitely a “thing”. “During ovulation, the ovaries secrete hormones that are known as androgens – predominantly testosterone.
“Increased androgen and oestrogen that occurs between our menstrual cycle and ovulation can cause sebum (oil) to accumulate in follicles, which can lead to blackheads. This can also lead to a build-up of bacteria which may lead to pimples and breakouts, similar to typical premenstrual acne.”
Keep up your cleansing with organic products, “a wonderful way to prevent pores from being clogged with mineral oils or other silicones”.
During the more acne-prone points of your cycle, it’s especially important to avoid synthetic fragrances and preservatives, which are notorious for causing skin to become sensitive and inflamed.
Day 19-28: Luteal Phase
“After ovulation, our progesterone levels start to rise with the release of Luteinising Hormone (LH) from the pituitary. Along with an increase in progesterone, skin can become greasier. Our basal body temperature increases, and pores can become clogged.”
An increase in LH levels can make your skin prone to bacterial overgrowth. Now is the time that Mitsios endorses being religious with your cleansing, and considering exfoliating more frequently, “but do not use any sensitising treatments, as skin may be sensitive during this phase”.
She recommends the use of an antimicrobial toner mist, a water-based serum, and throwing in a purifying sleep mask to keep pores clear and refined. If you don’t have sensitive skin, consider salicylic acid to help to refine pores.
And as the old adage goes, rinse and repeat!
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