Rethinking the way we take care of our skin according to menstruation and the entire menstrual cycle is essential to maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Breast pain, headache, mood swings, appearance of imperfections – although many physical manifestations are characteristic of premenstrual syndrome, we do not always make the connection between skin manifestations and the menstrual cycle. The way hormones change within the menstrual cycle affects the health and beauty of the skin, and it’s not unusual for it to become drier or break out as you approach your period. How to take care of our skin according to the rhythm of the monthly cycle? A menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days or one month. A period during which the levels of female sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone change from week to week. The condition of the skin synchronizes with these hormonal changes. To understand how best to take care of our skin throughout the month, we need to look at all the phases that the body and skin go through during the menstrual cycle. The key is in skin care adapted to each moment of the menstrual cycle. Week before ovulation or follicular phase A few days after the end of menstruation, the production of estrogen increases, which improves blood circulation and the skin’s receptivity to care. Generally, this is the time of the month when skin is at its best and looks radiant. Immediately after menstruation, the skin is still reactive, so it is recommended to avoid overly aggressive facial treatments, such as abrasive scrubs and peel-off masks. On the other hand, it is recommended to perform a gentle enzymatic exfoliation, which prevents the appearance of blackheads. It is recommended not to epilate the face during this period of the month. It is important to keep the skin hydrated with a moisturizer suitable for the needs and skin type. Ovulation During these few days, the estrogen level remains high and ensures good collagen production, which is why the skin is quite firm and elastic, but can become slightly dry. At the same time, the level of testosterone increases, which contributes to the appearance of imperfections – blackheads and pimples, especially in acne-prone skin. It is recommended to avoid comedogenic products that can clog skin pores and increased hydration is recommended. The week before your period or the luteal phase This is when estrogen levels drop sharply, causing the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. The skin becomes oily, pores become clogged, blackheads and pimples may appear. It is recommended to use facial cleansers to reduce excess sebum and unclog pores before the accumulated impurities turn into blackheads and pimples. When prone to hormonal acne during menstruation, anti-imperfection care is not limited to cleansing the skin,it is recommended to apply a specific serum as well. Rather, mattifying serums are recommended, which counteract the effect of excess sebum, and again it is important to keep the skin well hydrated. Menstruation Hormone levels are at their lowest during menstruation. Blood circulation slows down, the skin becomes sensitive and fragile, dry, dehydrated and dull. The tendency to inflammation increases. Pimples and blackheads may continue to appear. It is recommended to take care of the skin through moisturizing but also soothing procedures. It is important not to use aggressive cosmetics, and to avoid applying the products with rougher movements, so as not to increase skin irritation. References: https://www.aufeminin.com/soins-visage/la-cosmetique-menstruelle-ou-comment-adapter-sa-routine-beaute-a-son-cycle-s4044908.html#registration_ok