Hormone levels and hormone combinations can go up and down each month. Of course, these hormone changes are enough to turn our appetite, stress level, and mood upside down. For this reason, during the month, changes occur in our skin due to hormonal changes.
It is impossible to know the stress and needs of our skin without understanding the menstrual period. Then let's first talk about to what is the menstrual period, what its stages are, and what our hormones are telling us.
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What is the Menstrual Cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a process in which changes in the female reproductive system are repeated regularly. The menstrual cycle begins with a women's menstruation (menstruation) and ends with the onset of the next menstruation. T
ypically, a menstrual cycle averages 28 days, but it can vary among women and range from 21 to 35 days.
The menstrual cycle is governed by a complex interaction of hormones and is essential for the proper functioning of the reproductive system for women to become pregnant.
Menstrual Cycle Phases
Menstruation phase:
This phase starts from the beginning of the menstrual bleeding and lasts about 3-7 days. Estrogen and progesterone levels in the inner surface of the uterus decrease, and therefore the endometrium (inner surface of the uterus) is poured, and vaginal bleeding occurs.
Follicle phase:
This phase begins at the end of menstruation and ends with ovulation. The ovaries form follicles (egg sacs), and estrogen levels increase. This phase usually lasts 7-10 days.
Ovulation phase:
This is the most critical phase of the menstrual cycle and is when a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. Ovulation usually occurs on day 14, and estrogen levels reach their highest levels during ovulation.
Corpus Luteum phase:
This phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the onset of menstruation. The ovarian cyst, called the corpus luteum (yellow body), secretes the hormone progesterone and causes the endometrium to thicken further.
If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum shrinks after 10-14 days, and estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the onset of menstruation.
What Does Our Skin Experience During Menstrual Cycle Phases?
Menstrual Phase
The Menstrual Phase is when women menstruate, and hormonal changes can cause the skin to change.
The following changes can be observed in the skin under the influence of hormones:
Period Acne: As estrogen levels drop, androgen hormones can cause an increase in the skin. This can lead to clogged follicles and period acne formation.
Dryness: As estrogen levels drop during menstrual, moisture loss may occur in the skin. Therefore, the skin may become more prone to dryness and flaking.
Sensitivity: Decreased estrogen levels can cause the skin to become more sensitive. The skin may become more susceptible to irritation, which can cause further redness, irritation, or itching.
Swelling: In the menstrual phase, swelling may occur on the face and body due to fluid retention and salt balance in the body.
These changes may be different for each woman and may vary due to changing factors in the skin throughout the menstrual cycle. Skin care can help to alleviate or prevent these changes.
Skin Care Routine in the Menstrual Phase
During menstruation, skin care is when the skin becomes more sensitive and dry due to hormone changes.
Skincare suggestions you can do in this phase:
Moisturizing: Due to changes in hormones, the skin can become more prone to dryness. Therefore, it is essential to use a moisturizer. Especially if you have light and dehydrated skin, you can use a heavier moisturizer during the menstrual phase.
Sunscreen: Hormonal changes can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun's rays. By using sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Regular cleansing: During menstrual, the skin's oil balance may be disturbed, and period acne formation may become more common. Therefore, it is essential to clean your skin regularly. By cleansing your skin morning and evening, you can keep your skin cleaner and healthier.
Period acne treatment: Acne may become more common due to hormone changes. Therefore, you can add an period acne treatment to your skincare routine. As a period acne treatment, you can use products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Avoiding stress: Stress can cause hormonal imbalances. During the menstrual phase, you can practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress.
Follicle Phase
The follicle phase is the second phase of the menstrual cycle, and one of the ovaries' structures, called a follicle, begins to develop an egg cell.
At this stage, the estrogen hormone begins to rise and may cause some changes in the skin.
The following changes can be observed in the skin during the follicle stage:
Humidity: Estrogen hormone increases the level of moisture in the skin. Therefore, your skin may be more moist and vibrant during the follicle phase.
Acne: Estrogen hormone regulates the oil production of the skin. During the follicle phase, the skin's oil production may increase as estrogen increases. This can cause period acne formation.
More hair: While the estrogen hormone reduces hair production in the skin, hair production may increase during the follicle phase. Because of this, more hairs may come out.
Skin color: Estrogen hormone balances the color of the skin. Skin discoloration, spots, or redness may occur during the follicle stage.
These changes may not be the same for every woman and may vary depending on skin type, age, and other factors.
Follicle Stage Skin Care Routine
The follicle phase is the second phase of the menstrual cycle, when the estrogen hormone rises. During this phase, your skin may be more lively and moist.
You can follow the following recommendations for skin care in the follicle phase:
Moisturizing: Estrogen hormone helps the skin to be more moist and lively. Therefore, using a moisturizer can help maintain the skin's moisture balance. In particular, you can use a light moisturizer.
Skin cleansing: Skin cleansing helps keep your skin healthy. During the follicle stage, the skin may be more oily. Therefore, you should clean your skin morning and evening using a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
Sunscreen: Sun rays can affect your skin. Therefore, you should protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun by using sunscreen.
Skin renewal: The follicle stage is ideal for skin to look more vibrant and youthful. Adding skin renewal products to your skincare routine can make your skin look brighter and more energetic.
Nutrition: A healthy diet can help keep your skin healthy. You can nourish your skin in the follicle stage by adopting a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and proteins.
Ovulation Phase
The ovulation phase is the third phase of the menstrual cycle, and the ovarian follicle releases the maturing egg cell.
During the ovulation phase, the hormone levels in the body replace estrogen with the hormone progesterone. This hormone change can cause some changes in the skin.
The following changes can be observed in the skin during the ovulation phase:
Oily skin: Progesterone hormone increases the oil production of the skin. Therefore, the skin may be oilier during the ovulation phase.
Acne: Since the skin's oil production increases during ovulation, it can cause period acne formation.
Sensitivity: Progesterone hormone makes the skin more sensitive. During the ovulation phase, the skin may have more sensitivity or irritation.
Redness: The hormone progesterone can cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate. Therefore, during the ovulation phase, there may be more skin redness or changes in skin tone.
Acne: The hormone progesterone can cause bacteria on the skin to multiply. This can cause period acne formation.
These changes may not be the same for every woman and may vary depending on skin type, age, and other factors.
Skin Care Routine in the Ovulation Phase
It can vary depending on factors affecting your skin due to hormonal changes. However, you can follow some steps in your overall skincare routine.
Use a moisturizer: During the ovulation cycle, estrogen levels rise, and this can increase the production of natural oils that hydrate your skin. However, some women may also experience dry skin. Therefore, using a moisturizer suitable for your skin type is essential.
Avoid the sun: Rising estrogen levels can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, sunscreen can help prevent skin blemishes and signs of aging caused by the sun and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Face wash: During the ovulation cycle, oil production on the skin may increase. Therefore, it is essential to clean your face daily. However, washing it frequently can dry out your skin so you may need a cleanser suitable for your skin type.
Peeling: During the ovulation cycle, skin cells can regenerate faster. Therefore, light exfoliation once a week can help exfoliate dead skin cells and help your skin look brighter and healthier.
Avoid pinching your skin: The skin may become sensitive due to hormonal changes. Therefore, avoiding putting too much pressure on your skin is crucial. You should also avoid using boiling water, which can dry your skin.
As a result, it's essential to adjust your skincare routine to suit the effects of your ovulation cycle.
Corpus Luteum Phase
The corpus luteum phase is a post-ovulation phase in a woman's menstrual cycle. At this stage, the corpus luteum, formed after the follicle ruptures, produces the hormone progesterone and causes the intrauterine tissue to thicken.
The corpus luteum stage can cause some changes in the skin:
Acne: During the corpus luteum phase, estrogen levels decrease, and testosterone levels increase. This hormonal change can increase the formation of acne by increasing oil production in the skin.
Sensitive skin: Hormonal changes can cause the skin to become sensitive. The skin may be more easily irritated and reddened during this period.
Dryness: The increase in progesterone level can cause dehydration in the skin. Therefore, it is essential to moisturize your skin during the corpus luteum phase.
Blemish formation: Hormonal changes can increase melanin production in the skin. This can improve the appearance of spots on the skin in the corpus luteum stage.
Therefore, taking care of the skin in the corpus luteum stage is essential. Moisturizing your skin, using sunscreen, and keeping your skin clean with cleansing products will help protect your skin's health.
Skin Care Routine in the Corpus Luteum Stage
The corpus luteum stage is essential in a woman's menstrual cycle and can cause changes in the skin.
You can apply the following recommendations for skin care in the corpus luteum stage:
Keep your skin clean: During the corpus luteum stage, oil production in the skin can increase, leading to clogged pores. Therefore, clean your skin regularly.
Use moisturizer: Hormonal changes can cause dry skin. Therefore, it is essential to hydrate your skin by using a moisturizer.
Use sunscreen: Hormonal changes can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, using sunscreen will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Pay attention to your diet: Your dietary habits significantly impact skin health. In the corpus luteum stage, consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help keep your skin healthy.
Pay attention to water consumption: Water helps maintain the skin's moisture balance. Drinking enough water during the corpus luteum stage will help you maintain your skin's moisture.
Use natural skin care products: Chemical-containing products can cause skin irritation. Therefore, natural skin care products may be better for protecting your skin.
By following these recommendations, you can maintain the health of your skin in the corpus luteum phase. However, if your skin problems persist, it is recommended to seek help from a dermatologist.
The changes experienced in the menstrual cycle can be different for every woman and may vary depending on the changing factors in the skin during the menstrual cycle. Skin care can help to alleviate or prevent these changes.
Keeping your skin moist at every stage of your cycle, using sunscreen, and taking care of your skin in the morning and evening will soothe your skin and create a balanced skin barrier. When you have different skin problems, do not forget to go to a dermatologist and provide the most appropriate care for your skin.
Remember, you deserve to make the best choice for yourself.
Period acne and skin changes during the menstrual cycle can be frustrating, but understanding how hormones affect your skin makes all the difference. Adjusting your skincare routine to each phase of your cycle is a great way to maintain balance and reduce breakouts. For example, using gentle cleansers during sensitive phases, adding salicylic acid for breakouts, and keeping your skin hydrated with moisturizers can help. If you're exploring options for enhancing skin health, consider professional-grade products like juvederm wholesale to help restore and maintain a youthful appearance, especially for deeper hydration and volume loss concerns.
Delving into the intricacies of period acne and its remedies sheds light on a common yet often overlooked concern. As individuals navigate the complexities of hormonal changes, mylifechoice, a clinic dedicated to treating patients with incurable diseases, recognizes the importance of addressing associated skin issues. Offering a holistic approach, mylifechoice acknowledges that effective solutions extend beyond skincare, emphasizing the need for personalized treatments tailored to individual health circumstances. By providing comprehensive care, mylifechoice supports patients in managing not only the visible aspects but also the underlying factors contributing to period acne, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence in the face of health challenges.