THE MONTHLY BEAUTY CYCLE

You might be used to the odd pimple popping up when you’re on your period, but do you know how much of an impact your monthly cycle has on your skin? Once you pay it attention, you’ll notice a repetitive pattern and know how to treat it accordingly eg: you might use a clarifying serum before your period to battle those breakouts from rearing their ugly head, then swap it out for a formula that addresses dullness once you’re actually on your period.

THE MENSTRUAL PHASE (day 1-5): your actual period, when your uterus sheds its lining

If you’re wondering why your skin might be looking dull during this time, the reason is that during your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels fall, so body temperature and blood circulation is lower than usual. The lack of blood circulation causes skin to appear dull, and sebum production (high at other times of your cycle) decreases, leading to dryer skin.  

Combat this by: products that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants to alleviate dullness and revive your natural glow.

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THE FOLLICULAR PHASE (day 5-13): starts on the last day of your period and ends when you start to ovulate.

The time between the end of your period and the beginning of ovulation is your skin’s time to shine. This is when it tends to be in its best condition

Combat this by: enjoy this period of time and stick to what your skin knows and loves.

THE LUTEAL PHASE (day 15-28): generally starts 10 days before your period and happens while you’re ovulating.

As we all know, the PMS phase is the one that causes the most visible changes to your skin. In the second half of our cycle, rising levels of progestogens and androgens kick our oil glands into overdrive. This attracts bacteria which thrives and leads to oilier skin and premenstrual blemishes typically in the lower ‘U’ part of the face.

Combat this by: using a cleanser with salicylic acid to get rid of excess oils, and a nourishing moisturiser to rehydrate. Look for formulas containing ingredients to calm inflammation — and exfoliating properties to avoid build-up of dead skin cells.

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