Cycle-specific skin care: when are which products useful?

Cycle-specific skin care
When do we need which products?

Hormones determine our cycle. But which hormones are responsible for what? We can read quite well from our skin where we are. You too may be familiar with the phenomenon of annoying pimples appearing just before your period or that your skin first appears dry and pale, only to be oily or irritated just a few days later. All those phases determine the hormones. Antonia Six, Holistic Women’s Wellness Mentor and Marketing Manager at breathe ilo, a women’s technology brand from Austria, explains what effects each phase of the cycle has on the skin and what care it needs when.

Understand the female cycle

The cycle is significantly influenced by the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Antonia Six explains: “In the first half, from the period to ovulation, estrogen stimulates the formation of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. This affects the moisture balance and the structure of the skin. When estrogen levels are at their highest, the complexion looks plump and radiant.” Then ovulation occurs in the female body and changes. “Progesterone boosts the production of sebum and causes the pores to contract. This can promote oily skin and impurities.” So now pimples and overly shiny skin can appear.

Adjust skin care to the cycle

Phase 1: Menstruation (Day 1-6)

In the first phase of the cycle, hormones are at their lowest point. Less sebum is produced, and at the same time the reduced estrogen content leads to a loss of moisture in the skin. Now it is time to counteract this with care. Masks and nourishing creams provide the skin with moisture. Peelings should not be done during this time, according to the expert.

Phase 2: the follicular phase (day 7-11)

The production of estrogen starts again. Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid are increasingly formed, which promotes the growth of stronger and more elastic skin cells. The result: a fresher and more alert complexion. Dead skin cells can now be removed with peelings, cell growth is also stimulated.

Phase 3: the ovulation phase (day 12-16)

Plump, moisturized and almost poreless – due to the high estrogen level, the complexion usually looks best around ovulation. “These days we don’t need many products, because we glow all by ourselves. Gentle dry brush massages help to stimulate the lymphatic system and thus flush toxins out of the skin,” says the menstrual cycle expert.

Phase 4: the luteal phase (day 17-24)

The estrogen content decreases again, the progesterone content increases – this stimulates the production of sebum. There may be imperfections. You can counteract this with clarifying masks.

Just before your period (Day 25-28)

Progesterone and estrogen fall below testosterone levels again, hormonal flare-ups of acne, especially on the chin and jaw, are now not uncommon. Products with niacinamide or salicylic acid can help.

Source: breathe ilo

Bridget