Your Skin and the menstrual cycle

We all know that legend that says blemishes can indicate you’re about to start your period, but your skin undergoes an entire journey during the course of your cycle. Throughout the month, you might notice subtle fluctuations in oil production or patches of dryness as oestrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall. If you’re on the pill, your hormones are regulated so you don’t ovulate. With less testosterone in the body to prompt blemishes, changes in the skin might be less pronounced, but they can still follow a similar pattern.

Your menstrual cycle entails four phases – menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal – and each influences your skin differently. This can make skincare unpredictable and tricky to manage. We’ve broken it down for you to explain what to expect from each stage.

This is the stage when the follicles in the ovary mature. It’s possible you’ll notice you have more energy as oestrogen levels begin to rise.

About now, many people start to see improvements in their skin as collagen production restarts, making it look bouncier and feel firmer. Oil production spikes a little and dead skin cells can build up, so shift your attention to renewal.

After ovulation’s oestrogen spike, levels drop and your body starts producing more progesterone instead. Enjoy its natural calming effect as energy levels begin to wind down.

I Feel it Coming

In this week before your period, your complexion can take a hit. Oil and sebum production surges, leading to clogged pores and blemishes around the chin and jawbone.