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- Period Skin: How to Cycle Sync
How to Sync Your Skincare With Your Menstrual Cycle
By Gabriella Buckner -
You might have clicked on this blog thinking 'there’s no way syncing your skincare routine with your period does anything, right?'
Well, our hormones are in constant flux during menstruation, which affects our skin. And since we’re already tailoring our beauty regimens to the needs of our skin, it’s only a little extra work for those of us who menstruate to tailor them to the way our skin changes during our cycles.
By paying attention to the phases of your cycle and adjusting the products you use, you can prevent and/or treat unwanted skin flare-ups. To make it even easier, we’ve laid out each phase of the typical menstrual cycle and the ideal products you’ll want to include in your regimen during these phases.
So sit back, relax and—if you’re deep in the luteal phase with those sugar cravings—indulge in a little bit of chocolate as we get you ready for glowing skin.
Menstruation Phase: Days 1-7
As you probably know (but if you don’t, no shame), when you’re actually ‘on your period’, i.e., bleeding, that is your uterine wall shedding. During this time, both estrogen and progesterone levels are low because the egg hasn't been fertilised and therefore doesn't need all the hormones that have been secreted in preparation for pregnancy.
What does this little science level have to do with your skin? Well, when both these hormones are low, your oil production and skin barrier function is also low - meaning heightened sensitivity and dehydration.
And what this means for your skincare routine is thicker creams, face oils and hydrating serums to really douse the skin in moisture. Cut out, or at least cut down on, harsh actives and exfoliators whilst your skin is more prone to irritation, redness and drying out. You definitely don't want to be stripping it even more!
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil
£7.04 £8.05 (13% off)This cold-pressed and sustainable chia seed oil restores your poor skin's moisture whilst also firming and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this The Ordinary oil is just what you need during menstruation for intense hydration.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream
£13.86 £46.00 (70% off)Pair your face oil with a nourishing moisturiser like Elizabeth Arden's restorative cream to banish any flakiness, irritation and uneven texture. The boost of hydration helps with fine lines too.
PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator
£42.00While most moisturisers work as a night cream too, during menstruation you might like the thicker formulation of a cream made just for overnight use, so you don't have to worry about makeup slipping and sliding. We love this PCA moisturiser, which combats dry, flaky skin with antioxidant-rich olive fruit oil, firming sweet almond fruit extract and softening shea butter.
Follicular Phase: Days 7-14
Once your period is over, the follicular phase begins - otherwise known as the hormonal sweet spot. The body starts producing more oestrogen because it's preparing for ovulation and wants to get pregnant. And since oestrogen helps with collagen production, you'll see plump, hydrated and calm skin during this phase. The low oil production from the menstrual phase becomes more balanced too, decreasing dryness.
During this safe haven in the storm of hormones, you just need to maintain your glowing complexion. We love ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and AHAs. It's also a great time to try out new products since your skin is as balanced and healthy as it's going to get all month.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
£32.88 £34.47 (5% off)Remove dead skin cells to keep skin vibrant and fresh with the exfoliating powers of the 8% glycolic acid in this lightweight gel. It also helps with any damage on the skin (like acne spots from the luteal phase, which we'll get to), plus signs of ageing.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
£36.00 £45.00 (20% off)Another radiance-revealing formula is this vitamin C serum from La Roche-Posay, which treats wrinkles, dull skin and uneven texture. In addition to antioxidant vitamin C, which soothes inflammation and improves your glow, there's also gentle exfoliation and pore-clearing from salicylic acid.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% In Squalane
£8.50Just one of The Ordinary's many retinol products, this serum helps with fine lines, pigmentation and uneven texture to give you an extra youthful glow. The squalane helps with retinol tolerance while also locking moisture into your skin.
Ovulation
The mid-point of your cycle is ovulation, when an increase in testosterone causes your ovaries to release the egg into your fallopian tube. Your body is about to enter the luteal phase, during which your body produces lots of excess oil.
We like to prevent problems during the luteal phase by exfoliating to clear out our pores, thoroughly removing makeup to prevent clogging and using a lightweight moisturiser to stay hydrated without laying it on too thickly.
Eucerin DermatoClean 3in1 Micellar Cleansing Fluid
£10.80 £13.50 (20% off)Micellar water really can't be beaten for effective and quick makeup removal. This particular one from Eucerin is sensitive skin-safe, hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid and gluco-gycerol as a cleansing complex gently removes all traces of makeup.
For a super thorough cleanse, you might like to try the double cleansing method, which our editors swear by. Check out our advice for How to Double Cleanse Correctly.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
£13.99 £18.00 (23% off)We love the Daily Microfoliant because it is still soothing and moisturising while being an exfoliant. Rice powder removes dead skin and brightens up any dullness too.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
£18.77 £24.00 (22% off)Gel moisturisers are great for oily skin. This oil-free one softens and smooths your complexion with glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, and strengthens with sunflower seed, barley and cucumber.
Luteal Phase: Days 15-28
We won't beat around the bush - this part of the cycle is no walk in the park. This phase is probably what you think of when you think of 'period skin'. Clogged pores, breakouts, sensitivity and redness, oh my!
The increased oil production during this phase means you'll want to ramp up the oil-regulating products in your routine (but also don't over-do it and stress your skin out). We like to feature one star product each morning and evening, whether that's a salicylic acid treatment, a clay mask or niacinamide serum.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
£9.72 £11.46 (16% off)Those with clogged pores and blemishes all month long know the power of Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant. The beta hydroxy acid (i.e., salicylic acid) minimises the appearance of pores and encourages collagen production for a smooth, youthful complexion. The exfoliating action means cell turnover as well - think radiant, renewed skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
£5.31 £5.60 (6% off)Another well-known formula, this 10% niacinamide and 1% zinc combination is superb at clearing congested complexions. It'll reduce the blemishes, discolouration and excess oil production that are all rampant during this phase of your cycle.
Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner Corrective Cream For Enlarged Pores
£11.90 £17.00 (30% off)When you're extra oily and congested during the luteal phase, this daily treatment from Bioderma will tighten your pores, regulate sebum production and mattify your skin, plus boost radiance with antioxidants.
ZOEVA Soft Rose Clay Mask
£18.53 £26.50 (31% off)And for a deeper purifying treatment, treat yourself to a clay or mud mask like this Rose Clay Mask from Zoeva. Infused with rose petal extract, green tea and kaolin clay, the mask's mild scrub effect renews the skin without stripping it, leaving it moisturised and dewy.
Well, there you have it! All the types of products and ingredients you'll want to phase in and out of your routine according to the phases of your cycle!
Now that your skin is glowing like it's the follicular phase all month long, you might like to check out these Top Moisturisers with SPF to protect that radiance. Or invest in some our Best Sleep Aid Products to keep your skin fresh and your mood (which might be a little up and down during menstruation) balanced.
Written by Gabriella Buckner
Gabriella is a junior content writer with a background in creative writing, content marketing and journalism. She’s passionate about all things makeup and skincare, but especially vegan and cruelty-free beauty that is effective and inexpensive.
