The hormonal changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle can affect the look and feel of her skin. Many women experience acne or eczema flare-ups, while others find their complexion clears up. Although many factors can affect your skin, it's often tied to these hormonal fluctuations. Understanding how your skin changes during your period can help you make sure you are taking care of your skin appropriately.

Menstrual Phase

During the first week of the menstrual cycle, you shed your uterine lining and bleeding happens. This is also where estrogen and progesterone levels are the lowest and lasts between 3 to 7 days. Your skin is generally trouble-free and if it was breaking out just before your period started, it starts to clear up. Your skin requires the simplest maintenance right now.

Skincare tip:

Continue with your regular skincare routine. If you had a breakout the days before your period, this would be a good time to reduce pimple scarring. We recommend products targeting pimples such as bSoul Acne Spot Serum and IOMA Repair Gel.

Follicular Phase

This phase starts after your period ends. Your body produces more estrogen to thicken and grow the uterine lining. Your skin is obedient and continues to clear up. Your skin is most likely to be calm.

Skincare tip:

Continue with your regular skincare routine. If your skin feels a little on the dry side, switch out to a richer moisturiser such as IOMA Generous Night Cream at night.

Ovulation Phase

On approximately the 14^th day of your period, ovulation starts to take place. Your estrogen levels peak, your skin starts to glow and looks its best. As your skin starts to produce a little more oil, your pores may appear to look a little larger.

Skincare tip:

You should continue with your regular skincare routine. 

Luteal Phase

This is the last two weeks of your cycle and starts after ovulation. This is the time your estrogen and progestogen levels are the highest, this can cause your skin to become oiler and more prone to pimples and blemishes. As your sebaceous glands produce more sebum, your skin will look shiny and oily. This additional sebum can clog pores and lead to more blackheads.

Skincare tip:

You may consider using a gentle foam cleanser like IOMA Astringent Toner Foam at the end of the day. Serums that help manage additional sebum, pimples and clogged pores can be added to your routine. bSoul Hydra-Sebo Mask contains a non-skin irritating form of salicylic acid, which helps to keep excess oil in check without drying up your skin. Additionally, hydrating your skin with alcohol-free facial mists, like bSoul Aqua Comfort and IOMA City Mist in the day can help to reduce the oil your skin produces. To clear clogged pores, you can also use a purifying cream mask like IOMA Absorbent Mask.

The Week Leading Up to Your Period

The worst skin concerns occur right before your period. Your skin tends to break out and can become more irritable. You may notice some pimples developing in clusters especially in the chin area. It can be worse for some women more than for others.

Skincare tip:

It is important to cleanse your face properly. To reduce inflammation and bacteria, we recommend bSoul Acne Spot Serum to help rescue you from hormonal acne. Natural anti-inflammatory plant extracts such as boswellic acid can help to heal the skin and works as an anti-bacterial agent to reduce the severity of the pimples.

Final Note

While you may add and remove some products from your skincare routine to match your skin needs during your menstrual cycle, it is important to have a consistent routine that strengthens the skin barrier health. Having healthy skin can help combat hormonal acne and maintain more stable skin throughout your cycle.