If you want to have clear, glowing skin without any blemishes, it’s important that you follow an effective skincare routine based on your period cycle.

Your cycle is a very good indicator as to what kind of products will work best for you. It can determine the hormonal changes in your body at different times. Your period cycle will affect more than just your skin’s appearance, most women will have to deal with period cramps and bloating too. There is never a better time of the month to give yourself some period self-care and help combat those pesky spots and help you feel generally better. The first day of your period is very different to the last day of your period as your skin changes throughout the month.

In this article, we’ll talk about how you can use your period to create a skincare regimen that works best for you as you go through a series of changes during your monthly hormonal cycles.

Skincare Routine On Your Period

Phases Of Your Period Cycle

Before we dive into exactly which products to use during each phase of your cycle, let’s first take a look at how your menstrual cycle actually occurs.

Your monthly cycle or menstrual cycle is approximately a 28-day cycle. It starts with menstruation and ends with the luteal phase. During these 28 days, you suffer from hormonal fluctuations as they prepare you for pregnancy.

There are three phases:

Menstruation Phase

The menstrual phase lasts around three to seven days. This is the time when you’re bleeding and the unfertilised egg from the previous cycle is being shed from the uterine wall.

Since pregnancy hasn’t taken place, your estrogen levels and progesterone levels drop, causing you to feel crampy and bloated.

You may experience mood swings, anxiety, or irritability during this time as well. Make sure to be prepared with different period products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period underwear.

Follicular Phase

Overlapping with the menstrual phase, the follicular phase lasts around 16 days or longer, depending on your cycle.

During this time, your hormones rise as you prepare yourself for fertilisation. The rise of hormones is also associated with your body releasing extra estrogen to thicken the uterine lining.

Since your hormones are rising, you may notice that your energy levels are high and you feel more energised throughout the day.

Ovulation Phase

Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovary and moves through the fallopian tube to meet up with a sperm cell.

Once the egg meets up with the sperm, it will attach itself to the wall of the uterus. If fertilisation does not occur, the egg will die. This triggers the release of another surge of estrogen and progesterone, and it’s part of the reason why you may have a higher libido and feel more confident when ovulating.

Luteal Phase

The last phase of your menstrual cycle is the luteal phase which usually lasts around two weeks.

In this phase, the level of estrogen drops while the level of progesterone rises, as your body prepares for another cycle. Because of this, you may begin experiencing some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and fatigue.

However, if the egg is fertilised, you’ll soon be pregnant.

How To Base Your Skin Care Around Your Cycle

Creating a skincare routine based on your cycle is one of the most effective ways to keep your skin healthy and reverse ageing. By understanding your cycle, you can care for your skin and create a routine that fits perfectly into your life. It’s good to switch up your skincare routine at every phase of your cycle because your skin needs different things at different times.

The rise and fall of hormones cause our bodies to produce different amounts of oil and water, so having a routine that changes along with your hormone levels is beneficial.

Here are some tips to help you base your skincare routine around your cycle:

During The Menstrual Phase

Your skin is sensitive during this phase, so the best thing to do is to avoid usi

ng harsh products that strip away moisture.

Instead, use products that can hydrate and nourish your skin. Products that are thicker are better for this period because they help bring back the lost oils. This includes moisturisers and creams that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera.

During The Follicular Phase

As your hormones start to rise, you may notice that your skin is improving as well.

During the follicular phase, your skin is producing extra oil and the pores are open

ing up to allow for more oxygen and nutrients to enter your skin. You can use heavier products that stimulate the production of new cells during this phase. These include serums and masks that contain retinol, glycolic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and other similar ingredients. This is also a great time to try out new products since the skin is less sensitive.

During The Ovulation Phase

When you’re ovulating, your skin is naturally glowing because there’s more oil production.

Use a light serum or moisturiser during this phase to boost your glow without adding too much weight to your face. If you tend to have oilier skin, it’s best to use an exfoliator or detoxifying mask to remove any impurities from your phase. This will help you maintain blemish-free skin while keeping your complexion looking radiant.

During The Luteal Phase

The skin during the luteal phase tends to be puffier because of the change in hormone levels.

To combat this, use skincare products that have anti-inflammatory properties. This helps keep swelling under control and prevents breakouts. You can also use products that help with congested skin, such as toners or astringent. It’s also important to use sunscreen to protect against UV rays during this phase. As being able to reverse the sun damaged skin isn’t the easiest of tasks.

Syncing Your Skincare To Your Cycle

Your skincare routine based on the phases of your cycle means you can easily prevent acne breakouts and maintain healthy skin. By aligning your skincare practices with the hormonal changes throughout your menstrual cycle, you can optimize the effectiveness of your skincare products and achieve a radiant complexion.

Having a better understanding of the intricacies of your menstrual cycle allows you to have a battle plan to attend to the needs of your skin at different times. During the menstrual phase, focus on hydration and nourishment to combat sensitivity. The follicular phase is the perfect time to introduce active ingredients that promote cell regeneration and skin health. Ovulation brings a natural glow, so lightweight, balancing products are ideal. Finally, the luteal phase calls for anti-inflammatory and decongesting skincare to address puffiness and potential breakouts.

Moreover, this approach extends beyond your skincare routine. Recognizing the broader impacts of hormonal fluctuations can enhance your overall well-being. Period self-care, including managing cramps, bloating, and mood swings, is an integral part of this holistic routine. By taking care of your body and mind, you support not only clear and glowing skin but also a balanced and healthier lifestyle.

Incorporating these practices into your routine is the best way to ensure that your skin is resilient and vibrant throughout the month. Embrace the power of your hormonal cycle, and use it to your advantage for a consistent and effective skincare regimen. By staying in tune with your body’s natural rhythms, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy skin all year round.

Pin this guide for easy reference and embark on your journey to flawless skin!