A survey on our Instagram account revealed that many people in our community are affected by skin blemishes before and during their period. A full 89% notice a change in their skin during the individual phases of their cycle.
This made us curious: How are cycles and skin connected? Is the period responsible for poorer skin? And should we adapt our skincare routines to the different needs of our skin in the individual phases of the cycle?
The menstrual cycle consists of four main phases – menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation phase and luteal phase. Each phase brings with it unique hormonal changes, which in turn can have different effects on you, your energy levels and mood, but also on your skin.
The menstrual phase begins on the first day of your period and lasts about 5 days. After menstruation, in the follicular phase, estrogen levels rise and reach their peak in the middle of the cycle, during the ovulation phase. As estrogen levels rise, so does your energy level, so you feel more active and motivated. After ovulation comes the luteal phase, which is characterized by a rise in progesterone levels. At the same time, energy levels drop, you probably feel tired more quickly and you may experience cravings and mood swings.
The right skin care can help balance out hormonal skin problems during the individual menstrual phases and provide optimal support for the skin in each phase of the cycle. For specific advice on what the care routines can look like in the individual menstrual phases, we teamed up with the skin care experts at salted. The Berlin-based beauty brand develops vegan, sustainable skincare with active ingredients from the sea and has shared tips with us on how we can best support our skin in the different phases of the cycle.
The natural female cycle causes fluctuations in hormone levels, which can affect the condition of the skin. In particular, the amount of sebum produced by the skin can change over the course of the month. For example, the skin often produces more sebum on the face before and during menstruation and appears oilier. In people who are prone to acne, these breakouts can be more severe before and during menstruation. Sensitive skin types, on the other hand, are even more sensitive during menstruation, and dry skin can struggle with itchy patches during and shortly after menstruation.
During the menstrual phase , the skin has low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Possible consequences of these hormonal changes on our skin are impaired barrier function, more sensitive and delicate skin and a reduced supply of moisture. The skin can therefore appear dull and dry during this phase of the cycle.
In the follicular and ovulation phase , estrogen levels rise again and can stimulate collagen production. In the ovulation phase, i.e. when ovulation occurs, estrogen levels are at their highest, which can stimulate collagen production. The follicular phase causes estrogen to peak, which binds the body's own hyaluronic acid and creates a natural glow. Sebum production (sebum), on the other hand, increases again, which is why more thorough cleansing is required. Possible consequences of these hormonal changes are an increased occurrence of sebum, which can lead to pimples, inflammation and blemishes.
The luteal phase is characterized by falling estrogen levels. Progesterone first rises and then falls again. This can cause sebum production in the skin to increase further. Possible consequences include oily skin, which in turn leads to more blemishes, pustules and clogged pores. This can get worse in acne and the skin barrier appears weakened.
During your period , it's best not to experiment with new products or cosmetic treatments. We recommend good hydration, gentle products (fragrance-free for sensitive skin), especially for cleansing, and no strong peelings or acids.
salted products: Recommendations for the menstrual phase
03 STAY SAFE Rich day and night care
02 STEP FORWARD plumping hyaluronic serum
02 STEP FORWARD soothing serum
+ GO FURTHER gentle PHA peeling
The follicular and ovulation phase is usually a good time to try out products or cosmetic treatments, to carry out treatments, and to support skin renewal and collagen production with suitable products.
salted products: Recommendations for the follicular and ovulation phase
+ GO FURTHER Skin-renewing AHA peeling
+ GO FURTHER Vitamin C Facial Care
03 STAY SAFE Barrier Strengthening Cream
+ GO FURTHER clarifying kaolin mask
02 STEP FORWARD Niacinamide Serum
02 STEP FORWARD firming peptide serum
+ GO FURTHER gentle PHA peeling
In the luteal phase, you should ensure thorough cleansing and, if necessary, use clarifying products to remove excess sebum and prevent clogged pores or the formation of pimples. You can counteract impurities with peelings and/or prevent them with serums.
salted products: Recommendations for the luteal phase
02 STEP FORWARD soothing serum against impurities
02 STEP FORWARD Anti-Pimple Serum
+ GO FURTHER clarifying micellar water with salicylic acid
+ GO FURTHER clarifying kaolin mask
02 STEP FORWARD Niacinamide Serum
Our tip is a coordinated skin care routine. This supports the skin individually, gives it what it needs and creates an optimal complexion! The skin gets used to the routine and can react with irritation if it is not used for a long time.
Sun protection, especially on the face, is also essential to prevent skin aging, as our face is always exposed to UV radiation, even when it is cloudy and in colder seasons.
Thanks, salted!
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