Very often, many women dread that ‘time of the month’ because they have to deal with the myriad of issues that come with it; from mood swings to cramps, acne and other skin changes. Ever wondered why your face becomes extremely dry, or why your skin suddenly becomes extra oily, at a certain time of the month? The answer is Hormonal Fluctuations. The hormones in our bodies fluctuate depending on the menstrual cycle phase and these changes affect the skin. So we believe that by closely monitoring your menstrual cycle you should be able to tweak your skincare routine to cushion the blow. First, let’s have a closer look at the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual Cycle
As most of us know, menstruation (also called period) is a monthly process where your uterine lining sheds in response to hormonal changes. Menstrual cycles can range from 25-30 days, varies per individual. There are four phases in a menstrual cycle:
- Menstrual Phase
- Follicular Phase
- Ovulation Phase
- Luteal Phase
Now that we have a basic understanding of the cycle, let’s look at the hormones that fluctuate during this cycle:
Estrogen & Progesterone
- Estrogen is very important for skin health and helps with functioning of blood vessels, oil glands, hair follicles, and melanin producing cells. Estrogen also helps with increased collagen production, skin thickness, skin hydration, skin barrier function, and wound healing, like acne scars.
- Progesterone however, is believed to be involved in increased circulation and sebaceous (oil) gland activity, oil production.
And now we are going to tie it all in and show you how you can tweak your skincare routine to your menstrual cycle.
Menstrual Phase – Increased Hydration
The menstrual phase starts on the first day of your period. During the menstrual phase you may experience dry and dehydrated skin because of reduced oil production and weakened skin barrier function due to low levels of estrogen and progesterone, thereby reducing skin’s hydration. Also, skin conditions like contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis may get worse before or during your period.
- Skincare Prompt: Focus on increasing skin water content. Moisturize regularly and use products that boost hydration, e.g hyaluronic acid. Avoid using too many actives and harsh products if you have sensitive skin
Follicular Phase – (Maintenance) Regular Skincare Routine
As you move into the follicular phase, estrogen increases and helps to improve skin barrier function, hydration, and collagen production, resulting in radiant skin.
- Skincare Prompt: Focus on maintenance, your regular skincare routine with active ingredients should work at this time, e.g niacinamide, vitamin C etc
Ovulation Phase – (Maintenance) Regular Skincare Routine
Although oil production is still low at both the follicular and ovulation phase because of low levels of progesterone, the skin is best around ovulation because estrogen is at its peak.
- Skincare Prompt: Focus on maintenance, your regular skincare routine with active ingredients should work at this time, e.g niacinamide, vitamin C etc
Luteal Phase – Oil Control, Acne Prevention
Estrogen and Progesterone levels increase during the first week of the luteal phase and decline at the end of the luteal phase. Increase in progesterone levels causes more oil production and acne. Skin barrier is more penetrable and skin becomes sensitive to allergens and irritants towards the end of the luteal phase. Eczema flare ups are common for some women just before their period.
(NB: the decline in estrogen and progesterone leads to menstruation and the cycle repeats itself).
- Skincare Prompt: Focus on oil control and preventing acne flare-ups. Avoid products that may irritate your skin
We would like to know the skin changes you have noticed during your menstrual cycle and the routine changes you will make going forward.
Ps: If you are wondering where you can get top quality Skincare Products in Nigeria to help with your routine, check out our beauty directory where we have 20+ different Nigerian skincare retailers listed: BEAUTYDIRECTORYNG
