It’s no secret that the body goes through huge hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle, and many of us understand the dread of that monthly breakout that screams “my period is coming!” But it can be helpful to know what exactly is happening to our bodies during these changes, and how to help your skin as it works through them.
The skin works closely with the endocrine system, which uses hormones to control your body’s metabolism, growth & development, mood, and, you guessed it, period. The skin contains receptors for hormones, making it particularly vulnerable when hormonal shifts occur (as they do, monthly). Here, we break down the four phases of the menstrual cycle, and what that means for your skin.
Menstrual Phase
What’s Happening Underneath:
During menstruation, the body is actively lowering levels of the hormones estrogen (also known as oestrogen), progesterone, and testosterone. It may come as no surprise that blood circulation can also be slower during this phase. However, prostaglandins levels are particularly high during your period. These hormone-like lipids are sent to areas of the body for defense and repair, resulting not only in menstrual cramping, but also in general skin sensitivity.
Skin Looks & Feels:
Due to lower hormone levels (AKA, less sebum production), the skin is often drier and duller during the menstrual phase. It can also be more sensitive and irritable. It may also be recovering from the luteal phase, when skin is more prone to breakouts.
Skin Care to Focus On:
Gentle skincare is key during this phase. Use lightweight moisturizers and calming cleansers to maintain hydration and a balanced skin barrier. Try a calming serum for recovering breakouts. So much is changing on the inside of your body, so be consistent, patient, and nourishing with your skin
Follicular Phase
What’s Happening Underneath:
Estrogen levels begin to increase to a peak during this phase, preparing for ovulation, as the body rebuilds and balances its hormonal levels. Estrogen is responsible for increased collagen production, hydration, and barrier function.
Skin Looks & Feels:
With a return to hormone stability, the skin starts to revive and glow. This phase is when skin starts to clear up, balance, and recover from the breakouts and sensitivity of the menstrual phase.
Skin Care to Focus On:
With a return to happy and balanced skin, maintenance is key here. Try a vitamin C product to maximize radiance, a hydrating hyaluronic acid toner to plump, or even a newer product with retinol or bakuchiol that your now-less-sensitive skin can handle
Late Follicular/Ovulation Phase
What’s Happening Underneath:
Estrogen levels peak here. Testosterone levels are also generally higher. High estrogen catalyzes the release of the luteinising hormone (LH), which triggers a release of an egg in the ovaries, beginning ovulation.
Skin Looks & Feels:
With higher estrogen levels, the skin continues to glow. The skin is generally more balanced and healthy here, although an increase in hormones may also produce more sebum, which could lead to excess oil production in more oily skin types.
Skin Care to Focus On:
Try a lightweight lotion to help maintain the skin’s balanced hydration. Exfoliating treatments also help avoid buildup in the pores. Incorporating niacinamide will also aid with brightness and reduce sebum production.
Luteal Phase
What’s Happening Underneath:
During the luteal phase, the body prepares for potential pregnancy by producing extra progesterone (& slightly less estrogen than the follicular phase) and thickening the uterine lining as the egg travels from ovary to uterus. This may also lead to shifts of appetite (AKA, period cravings!).
Skin Looks & Feels:
This increase in progesterone also produces more sebum, which can create particularly acne-prone skin and cause the skin to swell. Hormonal shifts here are why more breakouts & sensitivity occur during this phase, right before your period. Your face (& body) may also feel slightly puffier & bloated.
Skin Care to Focus On:
Products that control and balance oil levels on the skin are great for this phase. Salicylic & glycolic acids, as well as pore-clarifying products, are most effective in this phase. Be sure to stay gentle with your skin (as tempting as it may be to pick or over-exfoliate). Slowly introduce any acids your skin isn’t used to yet, and focus on gua sha-ing and face rolling for extra comfort
Keep in mind, this is a general summary of a regular (ovulatory) menstrual cycle. Every body is different! An irregular menstrual cycle can also lead to skin imbalances in other ways, as hormonal shifts and inconsistencies are more frequent. It’s generally most important to focus on balancing and strengthening the skin barrier to soothe the skin as it experiences these shifts.
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