Do you tend to experience breakouts right before your period, or notice that your skin glows naturally about a week to 10 days afterward? It took me about 35 years to realize that my skin changes throughout the month due to hormonal fluctuations and that my skincare routine should change accordingly. Hopefully, you’ve reached this realization sooner and have adjusted your diet, lifestyle, and skincare routine to match.
If not, I’m here to help you understand how your hormones shift each month and what you can do to support your skin through these changes. With this knowledge, you can make a big difference in your skin’s health! For instance, I apply our Hella Hydrating serum twice a day at certain times, and only in the morning when my skin is naturally oily. You can read more about my skincare routine here. I also adjust my diet and exercise to align with my hormone levels.
As shown in the chart above, if you still have a menstrual cycle, your hormone levels change significantly throughout the month, directly affecting your skin’s moisture levels. Let’s explore this in more detail.
**Your Period: Days 1-6**
During this phase, your skin’s sebaceous glands produce the least amount of oil, which can make your skin feel and appear dry. If you’re acne-prone, this is the time you’re least likely to break out, although you might still deal with leftover pimples from the previous week.
**Ovulation: Midway through your cycle**
This is when you might feel most attractive, as your skin usually looks its best and has a natural “glow.” You’re not imagining it—you really do have that glow!
**The Luteal Phase: Second half of your cycle – Day 15 onwards**
The hormone progesterone increases, affecting your body temperature and the oil production in your skin.
**Day 17-24: Getting close to your period!**
I hope this information empowers you to feel more in control of your body and capable of positively influencing your hormones.
If your hormones seem unbalanced, here are a few more posts that might help. If you’re unsure which phase you’re in (other than when your period occurs), you can use a period tracking app. I use a calendar myself, but if you have an app you love, please share it below!
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.
Thank you for finding this information valuable. It really makes sense to align with our cycle’s natural rhythm!
Hi Sandrine, you’re welcome!
That’s amazing! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to read more!
I’m glad you found it helpful!
