Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the skin’s structure, function, and appearance. Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to changes in the skin. These shifts can cause alternating periods of dryness and oiliness, with the skin often becoming most troublesome during menstruation and the days leading up to it.
To fully grasp the intricate relationship between skin health and the menstrual cycle, it’s essential to first understand the key hormones involved.
hormones 101
Hormones act as the body’s chemical messengers, overseeing various biological processes such as metabolism, mood, and skin health. Three key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—have a profound impact on our skin.
1. Estrogen: The Glow Booster
Estrogen is often considered the “beauty hormone” due to its beneficial effects on skin. It plays a vital role in the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which help keep the skin smooth, plump, and firm.
2. Progesterone: The Balancer
Progesterone is a key hormone in maintaining skin balance, though it can also cause some challenges. It increases the production of sebum or the oil glands in the skin, which may result in breakouts, and can also cause water retention, making the skin appear puffier or swollen.
3. Testosterone: The Acne Culprit
Testosterone, often associated with men, is also present in small amounts in women and can have a notable impact on skin. Like progesterone, it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce oil, leading to clogged pores, breakouts, and aggravated acne.
So how exactly does their ebb and flow impact the skin? In this section, we will explore how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect the skin and how to tailor a skincare routine to meet its needs during each phase.
know your cycle and costumize your skincare for each phase
We’ll use the standard 28-day cycle as a guideline, but it’s important to note that each woman’s cycle can differ, and the number of days may vary for each individual.
Menstrual phase (Days 1-6)
In the initial days of your cycle, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are low, which can cause the skin to appear dry, dull, and accentuate fine lines or wrinkles.
To boost skin health, moisturizing and hydration are essential for keeping the skin feeling refreshed. Apart from regular cleansing and moisturizing, the skin typically requires minimal attention and should remain in good condition. Maintaining proper hygiene is also important to protect the skin from bacteria and potential infections.
Follicular phase (Days 6-14)
During the follicular phase, estrogen production starts to rise, promoting healthy cell turnover. This is a great time to use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath.
Around days 10 to 13 of the menstrual cycle, just before ovulation, estrogen peaks, giving the skin its healthiest and most radiant appearance. At the same time, testosterone levels begin to rise, boosting natural moisture and collagen production, which strengthens and firms the skin.
During this phase, the skin tends to behave well, with less chance of irritation. This means that a simple skincare routine of cleansing and light moisturizing is usually enough to meet the skin’s needs.
Ovulation phase (Days 14-19)
Around day 14 of the cycle, ovulation typically occurs. For the next five days, your skin may appear clearer and more radiant as estrogen and testosterone levels stay high. The peak in estrogen can give the skin a natural, healthy glow.
As estrogen and testosterone begin to decrease, progesterone levels rise, leading to an increase in sebum production, which can result in oilier skin. It’s best to avoid pore-clogging products during this time.
Additionally, higher luteinizing hormone levels can make the skin more susceptible to bacterial growth, so it’s important to maintain good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face to prevent acne.
Luteal phase (Days 19-28)
Premenstrual symptoms, aside from triggering cravings for unhealthy food and mood swings, can also cause changes in the skin.
As estrogen levels drop and progesterone reaches its peak, the skin will typically be at its most inflamed. This means it may be more prone to oil build-up and potential acne breakouts. It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid layering multiple products, especially oil-based ones. Proper cleansing is key, and using a deep-cleansing mask to draw out impurities can help prevent blemishes.
Right before your period, testosterone production takes over, and can lead to the dreaded period breakout. To manage this, avoid heavy makeup, touching your face, and reduce consumption of processed foods, salty snacks, sugar, dairy products, and caffeine, as these can lead to bloating, dryness, and worsening breakouts.
By understanding the connection between hormones and skin, you can take proactive measures to care for your skin during different phases of your menstrual cycle. The more you understand how your hormones impact your skin and when changes are likely to occur, the easier it will be to anticipate and ward off unwanted consequences.
Ultimately, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine is key to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best, regardless of hormonal fluctuations!
REFERENCES
“Acne.” National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 6 Jan. 2021, www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne#tab-overview.
Raghunath, R. S., et al. “The Menstrual Cycle and the Skin.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 11 Feb. 2015, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ced.12588.
Geller, Lauren, et al. “Perimenstrual Flare of Adult Acne.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Matrix Medical Communications, Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142818/.
“Acne.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047.
From Acne to Dryness: How Your Hormones Affect Your Skin. Axia Women’s Health, www.axiawh.com/resources/how-your-hormones-affect-your-skin.
How Hormones Impact the Look and Feel of Your Skin. Southface Dermatology Clinic, 7 Oct. 2024, www.southfaceskin.com/how-hormones-impact-the-look-and-feel-of-your-skin/.
Aalemi, A.K., et al. “Dairy consumption and acne: a case control study in Kabul, Afghanistan.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 14 Apr. 2019, www.dovepress.com/dairy-consumption-and-acne-a-case-control-study-in-kabul-afghanistan-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID.