Not everyone experiences the same challenges with their skin throughout their cycle but have you notice your skin experiencing dryness and oiliness at different times? As if the agonising symptoms like cramps and bloating isn't enough, all thanks to the effects of multiple hormones, it causes the appearance of dry skin and excess production of sebum!

Here's everything you need to know about how hormones can have a big impact on your skin and ways to reboot your skin to achieve that glowing and radiant skin. 

The Four Hormonal Phases

Phase 1: Menstruation (Day 1-5)

Changes in the skin

During the first week of the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone level decreases while testosterone level rises. The dip in estrogen level causes the skin to have difficulty in retaining moisture, resulting in your skin looking dry, dull and lacklustre. Testosterone causes the stimulation of the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which can clog pores and cause acne. 

Skincare tips

It is vital to keep your skincare and makeup routine light during this period, focus on hydration to replenish your skin barrier's moisture level. Our H2O Jelly Mask contains moisture-rich blend of Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to hydrate and refresh your skin. Whether your skin is dry or irritated, this 10-minute highly effectively mask will deliver the boost your skin deserves.

Phase 2: Follicular (Day 6-12)

Changes in the skin

The follicular phase lasts for about 7-10 days. At this stage, your skin will look brighter with a luminous glow and this is the part of the month with the least chance of having breakouts. Estrogen is prominent as it is crucial in improving skin elasticity, hydration and strengthening skin barrier.

Skincare tips

Supercharge your skin with this lightweight and fast-absorbing Deep Sea Glow Serum. The potent serum helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and evens out skin tone with nutrient-rich formula including Antarcticine and Niacinamide. Snow Fungus and Velvet Horn provides the nutrients needed for to replenish moisture in the dermis and restore firm, elastic, and younger-looking skin. 

Phase 3: Ovulation (Day 12-16)

Changes in the skin

This phase varies from 3-5 days when estrogen level is at its peak, revealing clear and bright complexion. During this phase, progesterone will rise steadily, which leads to increased sebum production, and a higher likelihood for breakouts to occur.

Skincare tips

This lightweight formula delivers a burst of moisturising, soothing and brightening ingredients without weighing the skin down. Quench your skin with our Healing Elixir for an instant boost of hydration with the strength of 8 Amino Acids, Aloe Vera and Niacinamide. Pre and Probiotics improve the skin barrier for soft, firm skin that won't quit while Chamomile Extract soothes irritated and sensitive skin.

Phase 4: Luteal (Day 17-28)

Changes in the skin

This is the phase where many women experience hormonal-related symptoms such as acne breakout and oily skin. This period lasts for 10-14 days where estrogen and progesterone continue to rise and then dips drastically when menstruation phase takes over. 

As estrogen and progesterone level falls, your skin may suffer from loss in hydration, which compromises the skin barrier, making fine lines and wrinkles to appear more obvious. 

Simultaneously, testosterone continues to rise uniformly. This means that the likelihood of sebum production and water retention is high, leading to pore compressions which encourages the growth of acne-prone bacteria and clogged pores, resulting in an acne breakout.

Skincare tips

Wash your face with our Charcoal Beads Gel Cleanser to remove excess sebum and keep bacteria at bay. This gentle, low-foaming gel cleanser is packed with encapsulated charcoal beads to draw out pore-clogging bacteria and impurities to prevent acne breakouts. Infused with 5 super fruits – Goji Berry, Acai Berry, Camu Camu, Blackberry, Sea Buckthorn and a hint of Geranium essential oil, the cleanser nourishes the skin with Vitamin C to promote skin renewal, collagen synthesis to help in skin tightening and keep skin cells hydrated.

Summary

Changes to your skin can be a bane and hard to understand because of these hormonal changes that causes the skin to become either drier or oilier. However, learning to adjust your skincare routines can keep your skin in its optimal condition, regardless of drastic hormonal changes.