Why our skin changes during the menstrual cycle? Skin and hormonal changes

What hormonal changes happen to our skin during the menstrual cycle and how to address them in our beauty routine

We know that our body changes throughout the menstrual cycle with mood swings, bursts of energy and cravings, and our skin is no different. Depending on the time of the month, our skin can be oilier, drier, with breakouts or with radiant skin. Oestrogen and progesterone are the main hormones that are part of this delicate balancing process.

It’s crazy, right?

Don’t stress and don’t blame your hormones. Labelist is here to give you a little more information about this process so that you understand what is happening and, best of all, to propose a plan to help you achieve healthy skin no matter where you are in your menstrual cycle. Let’s get into it!

ADAPTING YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE TO YOUR HORMONAL CYCLE

We know our body better than anyone else, so you have probably already noticed if your skin shows changes during the different phases of your menstrual cycle. Of course, everyone is different and will have a different experience. However, we want to take the time to explain what happens during the menstrual cycle, how hormones can influence it and how you can adapt your skincare routine to your unique cycle.

The menstrual cycle is basically divided into 2 phases:

FIRST PHASE: FOLLICULAR 1–16:

From day 1 to 5: menstruation

The menstrual cycle begins with the period. At this stage, oestrogen and progesterone levels are low, so your skin is drier and more sensitive than usual. You have to pamper it!

• Recommendations: Cleanse and hydrate your skin and drink plenty of water. Products with soothing ingredients are essential, for example:

Aloe Vera: Osmolyte Cleanser and HA + B5 Serum.
Panthenol: Niacinamide serum and HA + B5 serum.

• Avoid aggressive treatments or those which dry out your skin.

From day 6 to 16: ovulation

During this stage, ovulation occurs and oestrogen levels increase, so your skin is stronger and has a radiant and supple appearance. Your mood is better during this stage and serotonin levels are high.

Close care is less of a necessity during this stage. ???? This is the time to prioritise treatments that are more aggressive, such as exfoliation whether with physical particles or acids.

Glycolic + AHA Booster is our intensive treatment which will help you to remove accumulated dead skin cells and renew your skin in record time.

SECOND STAGE: LUTEAL 17–28

During this stage, oestrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This is associated with premenstrual syndrome. In addition to bad moods and cravings, you might feel a little bloated and your skin changes. Your body begins to overproduce sebum, which can make your skin oilier and lead to mild acne or blocked pores. We define this as the control phase.

During the second phase of your menstrual cycle, we recommend the use of the following products:

• Recommendations: light textured products. Enhance your usual routine with products with:

– Salicylic acid. Salycilic serum.

– Niacinamide. Niacinamide serum.

Clay masks may also work well for you.

• Avoid oily or greasy products.

LABELIST HAS A PLAN FOR YOU

If your skin goes through noticeable changes, Labelist suggests the following:

• HA + B5 Serum, essential for hydrating your skin. 
• Combine it with Salicylic serum (if you have a tendency for pimples or blackheads) or Niacinamide serum (if you have large pores and/or marks on your skin).
• To top it all off, take advantage of ovulation to use Glycolic + AHA booster and remove dead skin cells.

The composition of these products and their light textures will make your skin noticeably more comfortable, with less breakouts and blemishes. We’re sure you’ll be happy with the results from the very first month.