Cycle sync your skincare routine
As soon as we reach puberty, our (cycle) hormones start to have a significant effect on numerous parts of the body, including the skin. Not only can we see this throughout our lives but also during shorter periods of time, like a menstrual cycle. Depending on what phase of your cycle you’re in, different hormones will peak or plummet, affecting factors like hydration level, sensitivity and sebum production. With your skincare routine, you can target these changes, to balance, nourish and maybe the most common condition of them all - prevent breakouts. Keep reading to know more about the connections between your hormones, how they influence your skin and which products you can bring into your routine for each phase to meet these changes.
Period (around days 1-5)
Hormones: low levels of both estrogen and progesterone
Skin: due to low hormone levels, you might experience more sensitive and dry skin
Skincare focus: barrier strengthening and soothing
At the beginning of a new cycle, your hormone levels start out low, which can cause your skin to become more sensitive and dry than usual. To ensure balance and protect against surface dryness, focus your routine on hydrating, soothing and barrier-strengthening formulas.
For this phase in your cycle, reach for products like The Hydra Serum and The Barrier Cream. With ingredients such as jellyfish mucin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, The Hydra Serum provides deep hydration, minimises inflammation and restores the skin barrier. To further target the increased sensitivity and fortify the skin, The Barrier Cream is the ideal moisturiser. With biomimetic ingredients and prebiotics, it is formulated to provide balance and nourishment, suited for even the most compromised skin.
Follicular phase (around day 6-14)
Hormones: estrogen levels are on the rise
Skin: rising estrogen levels will improve hydration resulting in more resilient skin
Skincare focus: exfoliation to increase radiance
Following your period up until ovulation, estrogen levels are on the rise promoting a more hydrated, plumped and balanced skin. To reap the benefits of estrogen’s effect on the skin, focus your routine around exfoliation and radiance.
For this phase of your cycle, we recommend you use The Wow Serum and The Miracle Mask. Featuring a combination of vitamin C, squalane and light-reflecting pigments, The Wow Serum helps even your skin tone, provides rich nutrients and orgasmic radiance. To further enhance glow, incorporate The Miracle Mask, AKA a facial in a jar. This product gently exfoliates, smoothes and plumps the skin, for a miraculous glow-up.
Ovulation (around day 14-18)
Hormones: estrogen and testosterone are at peak levels
Skin: high levels of hormones can cause increased sebum production, clogged pores and breakouts
Skincare focus: mild exfoliation to avoid congested skin
Mid-cycle, we experience the highest peak of estrogen and testosterone has a stronger effect on the body. The higher hormone levels can cause increased sebum production, making skin oilier and clogging pores. To avoid ovulation breakouts, include formulas that balance sebum production and help clear congested skin.
For this phase of your cycle, include The Skin Drink and The Green Mask into your routine. With increased sebum production, a formulation featuring niacinamide, like The Skin Drink, can help regulate sebum production and minimise the appearance of pores. Salicylic acid, matcha and fermented honey, found in The Green Mask, can further help combat congestion, deep clean pores and reduce breakouts - like a detox for your skin.
Luteal phase (around day 19-28)
Hormones: progesterone and estrogen peaks and dips
Skin: fluctuating hormones can cause sensitivity and increased sebum production
Skincare focus: balancing and soothing
As we pass ovulation, hormone levels will fluctuate which can cause both shifting moods and shifts in your skin’s needs. Peaks of progesterone and estrogen can lead to increased sebum production in combination with more sensitive skin. A balancing and soothing routine can help combat these hormonal effects on the skin.
For this phase of your cycle, products such as The Magic Milk and The Dream Mask can be beneficial. With its gentle and nourishing formula, The Magic Milk balances the microbiome and cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural oils. For overnight restoration and a hydration boost, The Dream Mask is the perfect formula for surface-dry and combination skin. By focusing your routine on maintaining a balanced microbiome, keeping hydration levels in check and strengthening the barrier, your skin will be well-equipped for this phase.