Written by Céline from FEMALIGN

25. Oktober 2023

Have you ever noticed that your skin changes regularly, even though your everyday life stays the same and you don't do anything differently? Yep, many menstruating individuals do.

Many menstruating individuals who have a natural cycle (i. e. who do not use hormonal contraceptives) perceive skin changes during the cycle. Some even speculate that hormonal changes are the reason for these changes.

Unfortunately, there is often a lack of a deeper understanding of what is actually behind it. In addition, there is often a high threshold to reading into the subject and having to understand everything.

Don't worry, we'll clear it up and explain it to you.

3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADAPT YOUR SKINCARE TO YOUR CYCLE

REASON NO.1: YOUR SKIN HAS A CYCLE TOO

If you have a natural cycle, your body usually goes through 4 phases per cycle, which are characterized by severe hormonal changes and fluctuations. Along with these hormonal changes, your skin needs change with each phase of the menstrual cycle.

This means that your skin is going through phases too - so why always follow the same routine, even though your skin is constantly changing its needs and you can achieve better results in the long run with a routine aligned with your cycle?

 

REASON NO.2: GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CYCLE

By taking a closer look at your skin needs during each phase of the cycle, you have to first engage with how your cycle works and how you can identify each phase.

Now, please don't let that put you off. Getting to know one's own body, being able to accurately interpret the symptoms of the individual phases and adapting the skincare to them can and should be fun - that's why we founded FEMALIGN.

We know from our own experiences how empowering it is to be in tune with yourself and your cycle, to have more control over your body and your daily routine, and to be able to accurately assess when you are in which phase.

REASON NO.3: SELF-CARE, BABY!

Sounds silly, but it's true. By focusing more on which skincare to use at which time and in which phase, you are much more attentive to your needs and can react accordingly.

That's how self-care should be, right?

HOW ARE YOUR SKIN NEEDS CHANGING DURING THE CYCLE?

PHASE 1: YOUR SKIN DURING THE PERIOD

During the period, the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels. Estrogen in particular has many positive effects on the skin. However, since the estrogen concentration is very low during menstruation, you can't really benefit from it here.

This means that your skin is not as good at absorbing and storing moisture, while collagen levels are low and your skin is not as thick.

The result: your skin is much more sensitive and drier and can appear dull, porous and wrinkled. At least, the production of sebum is usually lower, so that during the period you are less prone to pimples as well as impure and oily skin. We'll take a small win!

Caution: Because your skin is so sensitive during the period, you should stay away from new products and/or active ingredients. You better postpone it to the follicular phase.

PHASE 2: YOUR SKIN IN THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

With the end of the period and the start of the follicular phase, your estrogen level increases.

If you paid attention before, you can imagine what this means: your skin is better able to bind water and retain moisture, your skin's elasticity and firmness increases, and sebum production is increasingly inhibited.

This makes your skin look smoother, more radiant and even during the follicular phase. Normally, you also have fewer blemishes and pimples and your skin is less sensitive. The follicular phase is therefore a good time to test new skincare and integrate it into your routine.

PHASE 3: YOUR SKIN DURING OVULATION

Your personal glow up: ovulation.

During ovulation, your estrogen levels peak. By now, you should know what estrogen does to your skin.

For many, ovulation is the best time for their skin (a pity that it does not last that long): Your skin is well-supplied with blood, plump, radiant, glowy and even.

If that's not the case for you, your hormones might be out of balance or estrogen levels in your body might be too high.

PHASE 4: YOUR SKIN IN THE LUTEAL PHASE

Probably the most popular phase of the skin in the cycle (definitely ironic): *Luteal phase entering the chat*

The luteal phase is characterized by a sharply decreasing level of estrogen and a rising level of progesterone right after ovulation. After couple of days later, there is also a second estrogen peak.

Due to these sharp fluctuations, your skin during the luteal phase tends to be greasy, impure, uneven and more sensitive to light. Many suffer from pimples or even acne, especially in the last few days of the luteal phase. 

CREATED BY WOMEN.

We are Céline and Carolin, the founders of FEMALIGN. We take your skincare and well-being during your cycle to a new level.

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