While I know that most of you just worry about the 5 to 7 days a month when your vagina opens its gates and lets out the red waterfall, a menstrual cycle is more than just seven days. The menstrual cycle lasts for around 28 days.
In these 28 days, your body goes through multiple changes that effect your mood, you daily activities and also your skin. These 28 days are actually divided into 3 phases known as the menstrual phase, the follicular phase & ovulation and finally the luteal phase.
Each stage in your menstrual cycle causes changes in your hormones which can cause your skin to react differently as well. Here’s what happens during each menstrual phase and what to do to counter react to the changes in your hormones:
+ Menstrual Phase (Day 1 to Day 7)
What happens?
During this phase, your oestrogen levels are at its lowest. This impairs your skin barrier function and reduces skin hydration. Your progesterone levels are also at its lowest. This reduces oil gland activity and also there’s less oil production.
Results
Skin is dry and dehydrated.
What to do?
Focus on skin hydration and reduce usage of harsher actives
+ Follicular Phase & Ovulation (Day 7 to Day 14)
What happens?
During this phase, your oestrogen levels start increasing which means your skin is more hydrated and there is an increase in collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Your progesterone levels are still low. This means that there’s still reduced oil gland activity and also less oil production.
Results
Skin is calm, plump, and radiant.
What to do?
Resume normal skincare routine. There are no special precautions for this phase. Just enjoy having good skin for a while.
+ Luteal Phase (Day 14 to Day 28)
What happens?
At the beginning of this phase, your oestrogen levels are still high, and your progesterone levels start rising. This means that while you skin is properly hydrated and there is an increase in collagen and hyaluronic acid production, there is also an increase in oil gland activity and increased oil production.
At the end of this phase, your oestrogen levels start decreasing making your skin barrier more permeable thus making it more sensitive. Your progesterone levels also start decreasing meaning that there reduced oil gland activity and less oil production.
Results
Most women will start experiencing mild acne and greasy hair. If you are prone to eczema, then be extra careful as it tends to flare up during this period. You skin will also be more sensitive to irritants.
What to do?
Focus on controlling oil production to prevent breakouts. Also, avoid any products with active ingredients. Try more soothing and hydrating ingredients.
