This is one of the golden rules of skin care. “Everything that’s happening on the outside is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside.” Pimples, dull skin, and dryness are often signs of nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, and hormonal imbalances. There is a nature. And of course, when hormones are involved, we know that your monthly menstrual cycle often plays a role. It is a practice of cycle synchronization of skins. (Not to be confused with other trendy beauty terms. skin cycling. )
Thanks to holistic health initiatives, the idea of changing habits to support hormonal changes has become mainstream. (That’s why we created our Cycle Sync Guide to help you understand the foods and workouts that best support your body at each stage.) .
You should already be aware of how your body changes before your period. Cystic chin acne and high emotions are your monthly warning signs. For years I’ve just dealt with it. Inevitably, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation became a new occurrence every month. But then I had an epiphany.
Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Iskra Lawrence.
Cycle sync details
I know how to treat pimples. I know when they will come.So why not change your evening routine accordingly? Paula’s Choice BHA Lotion I got it on my chin the moment I realized I was having menstrual symptoms. And my monthly cystic acne is almost gone.
This miraculous shift in my approach to skin care happened a few years ago. I came across the idea of cycle synchronization only recently. Here’s how it works:
Anyone who menstruates goes through a 28-day cycle that keeps hormones fluctuating.Meanwhile, our body different phases Symptoms change and change. In the meantime, some experts suggest listening to your body and responding according to its needs instead of following a strict routine. As a beauty editor, I am always preaching the importance of following your skin’s needs with a routine. Usually that means choosing the right product for oily or dry skin, but synchronizing your cycle is a much more profound way to get in tune with yourself.
Skin Cycle Synchronization Expert
In a perfect world, we would be able to synchronize our entire lives with the monthly cycle. We work when we have the energy, rest when we feel sluggish, and work to our natural rhythm. But sadly, deadlines are looming and the world is constantly knocking on our door. But synchronizing your cycle is a viable way to improve your skin by aligning your daily routine with your monthly cycle and improving your mind-body connection.
To understand the changes our skin experiences during the cycle, I spoke with Dr. Trevor Cates, a qualified naturopathic physician and author of The Trevor Cates. Natural Beauty Reset: A 7-day program to balance hormones and restore radiance. The beauty and hormone expert shared with us how your monthly menstrual cycle affects your hormones. Keep scrolling for tips on overcoming monthly breakouts.
Skinny-on-cycle sync for skins
Cycle synchronization means aligning your skincare with your menstrual cycle. Every month, your skin goes through distinct but predictable stages. Knowing your menstrual cycle can help you know when you’re going to have breakouts, when your skin will be dull, and what you can do to keep your skin looking even throughout the month.
While everyone could benefit from more intuitive skincare, cycle syncing can especially benefit from:
what happens to the skin throughout the cycle
Dr. Cates reminds us that hormonal changes affect skin differently throughout the month. Learn more about what happens to your skin during your 4-week menstrual cycle.
- Week 1: Menstruation. The skin is in its most sensitive state.
- Week 2: follicular phase. The skin is the most resistant state.
- Week 3: Ovulation. Hormone levels rise.
- Week 4: Luteal Phase. Skin is volatile.
During this period, hormones fluctuate and the skin reacts. “High androgen levels stimulate sebum production in the skin, especially just before a woman’s period begins, which can lead to acne in some women,” says Dr. Cates. “There is an increase in progesterone around the 17th to 24th day after ovulation, which may also increase sebum production.”
Benefits of Balanced Hormones for Skin
By changing your skincare, diet, and exercise habits, not to mention your mindset, says Dr. Cates says it’s possible to address the hormonal imbalance that’s causing the problem. “First, it’s good to know what’s out of balance so you can address the problem,” she notes.
Dr. Cates recommends this if you feel your hormones are particularly imbalanced. hormone quiz to understand what is going on. But for most of us, simply following our skin cycle can lead to radiant, less irritated skin.
The best skin care products for cycle synchronization
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Phase 1: Menstruation
During the first week of your menstrual cycle, your skin is at its most sensitive. Focus on moisturizing and repairing. Forget harsh actives and use nourishing, restorative and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Phase 2: Follicular
The best skin condition is the first week after your period. Shining and elastic. Extend this by using skin lightening ingredients, reintroducing exfoliants, or even trying new products.
Phase 3: Ovulation
As estrogen and testosterone rise, so do oil levels. Watch out for clogged pores and inflammation! Regularly consume active ingredients, exfoliants, and detox ingredients to flush out pores and prepare for rising sebum levels.
Phase 4: corpus luteum
Prevention is key in this final stage. Anti-inflammatory products such as AHA, BHA, and niacinamide can help you get through this volatile period with as few breakouts as possible.
This post was originally published on September 20, 2022 and has since been updated.
