Female hormones are no longer just a topic of discussion. Increasingly, individuals, companies and brands are openly accepting and addressing how hormonal changes affect women, from the menstrual cycle to menopause and beyond. But how do hormones affect your skincare needs? Circular living is a hot skincare trend At the moment, we’re specifically focusing on people who menstruate and how it impacts their skin care needs. But what exactly is it? And can it help solve your skin care problems?
What is Cyclic Living Skin Care?
Cyclical living is about aligning elements of your lifestyle with natural cycles like the seasons, lunar cycles and menstrual cycles. This approach recognises that our bodies and energy levels are not constant, and understanding and managing these fluctuations improves our mental and physical health and wellbeing. With this in mind, cyclical living skincare involves adjusting your skincare routine to the different phases of your menstrual cycle to accommodate changes in your skin.
Understanding your menstrual cycle and your skin’s needs
Let’s take a look at the menstrual cycle and how each one affects your skincare needs. Before we get into these, it’s important to note that this process is all about tailoring your skincare routine to your personal needs, so the best way to keep track of this is to track your cycle and record how your skin looks during each phase of your cycle. The menstrual cycle is made up of four phases: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. Here we’ll explain what those phases are and what your skin needs.
First stage: Menstruation
This is when you have your period, which usually lasts for 3-7 days. Because hormone levels are low during this stage, your skin may be more sensitive and prone to breakouts. During this stage, consider focusing on gentle cleansing and moisturizing products to soothe your skin.
Stage 2: Follicular phase
This phase begins after the end of menstruation and continues until ovulation, when new eggs develop in the ovaries. During this phase, estrogen levels begin to rise, which may brighten your complexion and increase collagen production. Use this time to incorporate products that focus on exfoliation and promote radiance and hydration.
Third Phase: Ovulation
This is when an egg is released from the ovaries and can be fertilized. It usually occurs halfway through your 28-day cycle, on day 14. This is when your skin is likely to look its best due to high estrogen levels. To boost your skin’s radiance, you can maintain a skin care routine and focus on sun protection and moisturizing. This isn’t true for everyone, and some people may experience breakouts around the time of ovulation.
Stage 4: Luteal phase
This phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of your next period. Hormonal changes are marked by the production of progesterone, which makes your skin oily and prone to breakouts. To prepare for this phase, it’s a good idea to avoid skin care products that contain oils.
Does Cyclic Living Skin Care work?
Paying more attention to your body and your skin’s needs is always beneficial. Even if you’ve gone through menopause or hormonal contraceptives have affected your cycle, it’s worth paying attention to how lifestyle and environmental factors are affecting you. As well as your menstrual cycle, the seasons are also cycles to pay attention to when it comes to your skin, as environmental factors such as the weather and the sun, pollution, central heating and air conditioning can all affect your skin. If you notice that certain foods are causing skin problems, avoid them too.
When it comes to your menstrual cycle, addressing your skin’s specific needs during each phase of your cycle can promote healthier skin and reduce the chance of breakouts and other skin problems that could be avoided with customized care.
Read next: How to stop stress from affecting your skin | Menopausal skin care guide
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Source: Wendy Rowe – wendyrowe.com
