Having clear skin isn’t just about eating all the right foods for glowy skin. Or, using the best products on the market. Yes, the foods you eat and the products you use do matter when it comes to clear skin. But there’s a huge piece of the puzzle that most women miss: your cycle. Your monthly cycle seriously affects your skin. So, get to know your cycle so you can have clear skin every day. 

Cycle hormones and your skin

Your monthly cycle isn’t just about your reproductive system and getting your period. In each cycle, your hormones fluctuate, and these changing hormone levels influence your skin, too. 

Your skin during the follicular phase

This phase starts after your period and goes until ovulation (usually days 7-14). Here, high estrogen levels equal lots of collagen. Hello elasticity and glowy skin!

Follicular phase skin care:

Don’t be afraid of facials and hair removal – your skin can handle both now.

Your skin in the luteal phase

After ovulation and in your luteal phase (usually days 14 to 28), your testosterone and progesterone levels increase. This leaves you with thick skin, but sometimes high levels of testosterone can lead to acne – especially if you have too much of it. If you have excess estrogen during the luteal phase, it can also lead to skin outbreaks. 

Luteal phase skin care:

Try gentle masks to nourish your skin. And give yourself gentle facial massages to prevent excess estrogen from blocking up the lymph nodes. 

Your skin during PMS and your period

In the days leading up to your period and during menses, estrogen and progesterone both drop and your skin can become thinner, dryer and makes less collagen. 

PMS and period skin care:

Consider oil-based serums and creams, along with hydrating products to restore and soothe skin.