How Your Skin Changes With Your Menstrual Cycle
If you've ever noticed your skin behaving differently throughout the month, you're not imagining things. Your menstrual cycle causes a complex hormonal dance that directly impacts your skin's appearance, texture, and behavior. Understanding these cyclical changes can help you adapt your skincare routine and embrace your skin's natural rhythm so that you can keep your skin feeling great throughout all these changes.
In this post, we’ll go over:
So if you’re ready to learn more about how your skin changes through your menstrual cycle, read on! 💃
The Science Behind Cyclical Skin Changes
Your menstrual cycle is governed by fluctuating levels of 3 key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The levels of these hormones in your body shift in regular patterns throughout your cycle (where cycles typically last ~28 days, but can range from 21-35 days), creating distinct phases that each affect your skin differently.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Reset and Renewal
The first day you start bleeding marks the start of menstruation, and the first day of your cycle. During menstruation, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop to their lowest points. This hormonal decline triggers the shedding of your uterine lining and creates noticeable changes in your skin (usually negative :/).
What happens to your skin:
Increased sensitivity and potential irritation
Drier skin due to reduced oil production
Possible inflammation and redness
Slower cell turnover
The drop in estrogen reduces your skin's natural moisture retention and collagen production, while low progesterone levels can make your skin more reactive to external irritants. As such, this tends to be a phase when your skin doesn’t feel at its best, and many women experience heightened sensitivity to skincare products during this time.
For some skincare products that could help with a damaged skincare barrier, check out: 5 Calming Ampoules to Help Soothe Inflamed Skin
Follicular Phase (Days 1-13): The Glow-Up Begins
The follicular phase overlaps with menstruation but extends beyond it. As your period ends, estrogen levels begin to rise steadily, preparing your body for ovulation. Estrogen is your skin’s friend, so this increase in the hormone helps restore your skin’s glow following the menstrual phase.
What happens to your skin:
Gradual improvement in skin texture
Increased hydration and plumpness
Enhanced collagen production
Improved skin barrier function
Rising estrogen levels stimulate hyaluronic acid production, which helps your skin retain moisture. The increased collagen synthesis during this phase contributes to firmer, more elastic skin. As such, many women notice their skin becoming more radiant and even-toned during the latter part of this phase.
Ovulatory Phase (Days 14-16): Peak Skin Performance
During ovulation, estrogen reaches its peak before dropping slightly, while a small surge in testosterone occurs. This hormonal combination often creates optimal skin conditions. ✨
What happens to your skin:
Maximum glow and luminosity
Balanced oil production
Improved skin texture and firmness
Enhanced healing and repair
The peak estrogen levels maximize your skin's moisture retention and collagen production, so this tends to be the time in your cycle when your skin looks and feels its best! However, the slight testosterone increase can begin to stimulate sebaceous glands, potentially leading to minor changes in oil production that become more noticeable in the following phase.
Luteal Phase (Days 17-28): The Challenging Period
The luteal phase is often when skin concerns become most apparent. After ovulation, estrogen levels drop while progesterone rises significantly. In the later part of this phase, both hormones decline if pregnancy doesn't occur.
What happens to your skin:
Increased oil production and sebum
Higher likelihood of breakouts
Potential for clogged pores
Increased skin sensitivity
Possible water retention affecting facial puffiness
Progesterone stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. It also has a slight androgenic effect, which can contribute to acne formation. The combination of increased oil and potential inflammation makes this phase particularly challenging for acne-prone individuals.
Adapting Your Skincare Routine to Your Cycle
Understanding the different phases of your cycle and how your skin is impacted will allow you to customize your skincare approach. Below are some ways to adapt your routine to your cycle:
During menstruation and early follicular phase: Focus on gentle, hydrating products. Avoid harsh exfoliants and introduce calming ingredients like centella, green tea, and ceramides.
During ovulation: Since your skin is at its peak and is most resilient, this is an ideal time for more intensive treatments like retinoids or chemical exfoliants.
During the luteal phase: If needed, and if your skin can handle it, consider incorporating salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to manage increased oil production. Consider oil-free moisturizers and non-comedogenic products.
Your skin's monthly changes are completely normal and reflect your body's healthy hormonal function. So rather than fight these fluctuations or helplessly suffer at the whims of your skin, you can track your skin changes alongside your cycle to identify patterns and optimize your skincare strategy. By understanding how your menstrual cycle affects your skin, you can make informed decisions about your skincare routine and feel more confident in your skin's natural variations throughout the month.