Want to know why your skin can be glowy one week & then totally play you the next? One word: hormones 🥲
Here’s what you can expect from your skin across a typical 28-day cycle ⏰
Your experience will probably differ depending on other factors such as the time of the year, and whether your skin is naturally oily or dry.
Regardless, it’s helpful information to arm yourself with and adjust your skincare regime accordingly 😶🌫️
Week 1: Your Period
Oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels which means oil production and skin hydration are too.
You may also find your skin is more sensitive and easily irritated at this time (you may be able to relate).
Watch out for: Dry, dehydrated skin that's more prone to irritation and inflammation.
Make sure to: Layer on more moisturiser and oils - particularly if your skin is on the drier side. Oh and go easy on active ingredients and exfoliants while your skin is more sensitive.
Week 2: Follicular Phase
Thanks to rising levels of oestrogen, the follicular phase will see your most hydrated, thick and healthy skin, all while keeping sebum (skin oils) in check.
Watch out for: A potential breakout around day 14 thanks to an ovulation androgen surge.
Make sure to: Make the most of your strongest skin. Products with active ingredients (such as retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA etc) will be tolerated best in this phase. Get that glow hons!
Week 3: Early Luteal Phase
Progesterone joins the party bringing with it benefits for skin thickness and elasticity, while also ramping up sebum production.
Watch out for: An increase in skin oil and shine for those with combination or oily skin types.
Make sure to: Stay consistent. Trust us, this isn't a time to skimp on hydration or give your before-bed skincare a miss. Your skin can be less forgiving at this time of month.
Week 4: Later Luteal Phase
The hormonal fluctuations taking place at this time means things can really start to get interesting, and not just for your skin.
Watch out for: Before your period is when you are most likely to experience hormonal breakouts on the cheeks, chin, neck and along the jawline - but you probably didn't need us to tell you that.
Make sure to: Slow down, rest and be kind to yourself. Put on a face mask, light a candle and take your supplements. This is a good time to treat yourself to some new skincare, or a facial if you're feeling extra luxe. yes you read that right.
Need some extra support? Enter, Better Together: Skin pack (Period Pal + All Systems Glow) packed with ingredients clinically proven to support:
✨ Hormonal acne
✨ Skin hydration & bounce
✨ Skin healing & scarring
✨ Gut heath & gut-skin connection
✨ Detoxification for clearer skin
✨ Congested, irritated skin
Hormonal acne is a long game. It can take as long as 3-4 months to see an improvement in acne. Have faith, patience and self compassion. Good things take time 🧡