Imagine this: You walk into a beauty store, anticipating a new skincare revelation, and instead of a sales pitch for the latest product, you're met with a question about your menstrual cycle. Wild right? However, as it turns out, your cycle may hold the secret to unlocking your most radiant skin. If you've ever downloaded my Flow Journal (it's free!), you're already aware that across the month, your body experiences four distinct phases where hormones, brain chemistry, and energy levels ebb and flow. But what does this mean for your skin? Have you ever wondered why your skin feels exceptionally dry some weeks or why you suddenly crave that exfoliating scrub? It's all connected to your ever-changing hormones, and it's a vital consideration before you indulge in a shopping spree at the cosmetic counter. Unless, of course, you're a die-hard beauty enthusiast – then, by all means, go for it! Believe me, I get it. However, indulge me and let me introduce you to the fascinating interplay of your menstrual cycle and skincare.
Menstrual Phase: Nurturing Sensitivity
The Menstrual Phase is the time when your skin's barrier is at its thinnest, possibly drier, and most sensitive. During this phase, nurturing and soothing your skin is essential.
What's Happening:
Skin barrier is at its thinnest
Skin may be drier and more sensitive
What To Do:
Nurture, soothe, and hydrate
Opt for gentle care with rich moisturizers, cream or oil cleansers
Avoid physical scrubs and exfoliants
Period Skincare Ritual:
Oil Cleansing AM/PM with gentle facial massage
Overnight moisture mask for plumped, hydrated skin
Follicular Phase: Embrace Plumpness
During the Follicular Phase, collagen production increases, leading to plumper and thicker skin. This is the time to exfoliate and rejuvenate.
What's Happening:
Collagen production increases
Skin becomes plumper and thicker
What To Do:
Pay attention to when your skin needs exfoliation
Introduce detox masks and scrubs
Consider a deep cleansing facial or extractions
Follicular Skincare Ritual:
Dry brushing your face and body
Using your favorite detox mask or scheduling a facial
Ovulation Phase: Managing Oily Skin
The Ovulation Phase is characterized by peak sebum production and the oiliest skin you'll experience all month. To prevent breakouts, focus on thorough cleansing and gentle exfoliation.
What's Happening:
Peak sebum production
Oiliest skin phase
What To Do:
Double cleanse to prevent pore congestion
Use chemical or natural exfoliants if desired
Ovulation Skincare Ritual:
Gua Sha facial massage for a dewy, sculpted look
Luteal Phase: Balancing Oil and Sensitivity
In the Luteal Phase, your skin transitions from peak oil production to heightened sensitivity. Carefully manage this delicate balance to avoid over-exfoliating.
What's Happening:
Skin shifts from peak oil production to heightened sensitivity
What To Do:
Tune in to your skin's needs
Double cleanse with a gentle facial massage
Use natural enzyme masks for exfoliation
Luteal Skincare Ritual:
Using natural fruit enzymes for exfoliation
Incorporating gentle cleansers and oils
While beauty products are a wonderfully indulgent and luxurious way to treat yourself, truly healthy skin starts from within. Your diet and self-care practices significantly impact your skin's health. Furthermore, it is so important to be mindful of what you apply onto your skin. Endocrine disruptors in skincare products have the potential to block, or alter the actions of hormones, leading to a cascade of effects, including disruptions in hormonal balance, skin sensitivities, and even potential long-term health consequence. By aligning your skincare routine with your menstrual cycle and being more aware of what goes into the products you choose, you're practicing internal skincare.
Understanding your menstrual cycle and its impact on your skin will not only help you to elevate and personalize your skincare routine, it will empower your self-connection and inner knowing. I hope you've found something interesting here. Drop into the comments or find me @_michelledelvalle_ to ask me anything or to chat more!
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