Podcast
Hormones control more than just your menstrual cycle—they also affect your skin. Breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, and excess oil can all be linked to shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone throughout the month.
Understanding how your skin reacts during different phases of your cycle can help you adjust your skincare routine to keep your complexion balanced. Instead of using the same products every day, making small changes based on hormonal fluctuations can reduce irritation, manage oil production, and prevent breakouts before they start.
This guide breaks down how your skin changes throughout your cycle and what products work best at each stage.
Key Notes
- Skin changes throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Hydration and barrier repair are essential during menstruation to prevent dryness and sensitivity.
- Vitamin C and niacinamide help brighten and strengthen the skin during the follicular phase.
- Oil control and pore care are key during ovulation to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
- Salicylic acid treatments help manage hormonal acne in the luteal phase.
1. The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Changes
Your menstrual cycle is divided into four phases:
- Menstruation (Days 1-5) – Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest.
- Follicular Phase (Days 6-12) – Estrogen rises, boosting hydration and elasticity.
- Ovulation (Days 13-15) – Estrogen peaks, testosterone increases, and oil production may rise.
- Luteal Phase (Days 16-28) – Progesterone dominates, leading to excess oil and potential breakouts.
Hormonal shifts during each phase affect oil production, skin barrier function, and inflammation levels. Knowing what’s happening beneath the surface helps you choose the right products and treatments for your skin’s changing needs.
2. Skin Changes Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
Menstruation Phase (Days 1-5): Sensitive and Dry Skin
During your period, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can weaken the skin barrier. This makes the skin more prone to dryness, dullness, and sensitivity. Some people may experience increased redness or irritation, especially if they have pre-existing conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Common Skin Issues:
✔ Increased sensitivity
✔ Dryness and dullness
✔ Slower healing
Follicular Phase (Days 6-12): Hydrated and Glowing Skin
After your period ends, estrogen levels begin to rise. Estrogen helps boost collagen, improve skin hydration, and maintain elasticity, giving the skin a plumper, smoother appearance. This is often when your skin looks its best—pores appear smaller, and the complexion feels balanced.
Common Skin Benefits:
✔ Increased hydration
✔ Improved elasticity
✔ Naturally glowing skin
Ovulation Phase (Days 13-15): Increased Oil Production
As estrogen peaks and testosterone levels rise, oil production may increase. Some people experience clogged pores, minor breakouts, or shinier skin during this time. While the skin often looks plump and radiant, excess oil can make it harder for makeup to stay in place.
Common Skin Issues:
✔ Increased oil production
✔ Higher chance of clogged pores
✔ Occasional breakouts
Luteal Phase (Days 16-28): Acne and Inflammation
During the second half of your cycle, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. This can trigger increased sebum production, leading to breakouts, puffiness, and inflammation. Many people experience hormonal acne, especially along the jawline and chin, as well as larger pores and a duller complexion.
Common Skin Issues:
✔ Increased oiliness
✔ Hormonal breakouts (jawline, chin, cheeks)
✔ Puffiness and inflammation
3. Tailoring Your Skincare Routine to Your Cycle
Menstruation Phase: Hydration and Barrier Repair
Since the skin barrier is more fragile during this phase, focus on hydrating and calming products. Avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients that could cause irritation.
Best Ingredients:
✔ Hyaluronic acid – Provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
✔ Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
✔ Aloe vera – Reduces redness and soothes irritation.
Recommended Option: Willa Krause A-Z Hyaluronic Skin Supplement
The Willa Krause A-Z Hyaluronic Skin Supplement is a powerful, multi-nutrient serum that hydrates, plumps, and protects the skin when it needs extra support. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, B3, B5, C, D, E, F, and essential minerals, this formula rebuilds collagen, brightens the complexion, and smooths fine lines.
Follicular Phase: Gentle Exfoliation and Brightening
Since the skin is at its strongest, this is the best time to introduce exfoliation and antioxidants to maintain brightness.
Recommended Option: Willa Krause Vitamin C & B3 Glow Serum
This antioxidant-rich serum helps boost radiance, even out skin tone, and strengthen the skin barrier. Vitamin C brightens the skin, while Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) helps regulate oil production and minimize pores.
What to Use:
- Lightweight antioxidant serum (Willa Krause Vitamin C & B3 Glow Serum)
- Mild exfoliant (2-3 times per week)
- Hydrating gel-based moisturizer
Ovulation Phase: Oil Control and Prevention
With oil production increasing, focus on balancing the skin and keeping pores clear.
Recommended Option: Willa Krause Purifying Clay Mask
This mask contains Kaolin and Fuller’s Earth to absorb excess oil and refine pores, while Witch Hazel helps minimize inflammation.
What to Use:
- Gel-based or foaming cleanser
- Oil-free moisturizer
- Willa Krause Purifying Clay Mask (1-2 times per week)
Luteal Phase: Acne Treatment and Calming Care
As hormonal acne flares up, use targeted treatments to reduce breakouts without drying out the skin.
Recommended Option: Willa Krause Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Mask
This peel-off mask uses Salicylic Acid to clear pores, remove dead skin, and combat acne.
FAQs: Skincare & Your Period
1. Can hormonal birth control improve period-related skin issues?
Yes, some birth control pills help regulate hormonal fluctuations, reducing oil production and breakouts. However, effects vary, and some pills may worsen acne in certain individuals.
2. Why do some people experience skin purging before their period?
Increased progesterone and oil production can cause clogged pores to clear out, leading to temporary breakouts. This is different from regular acne and usually subsides after a few days.
3. Does sleep quality affect period-related breakouts?
Yes, poor sleep increases cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation and excess oil production, making hormonal breakouts worse. Prioritizing restful sleep may help balance skin.
4. Can diet impact period-related skin changes?
Certain foods, like high-glycemic carbohydrates and dairy, may trigger hormonal breakouts. Eating omega-3-rich foods, antioxidants, and plenty of water can help support clear skin.
5. Should I avoid makeup during certain phases of my cycle?
During the luteal phase, heavy or pore-clogging makeup can worsen breakouts. Using non-comedogenic formulas and removing makeup thoroughly can help prevent congestion.
6. How does exercise impact skin during the menstrual cycle?
Exercise boosts circulation and reduces stress, helping to balance oil production and inflammation. However, sweat can clog pores, so cleansing after workouts is important.
Conclusion
Hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle influence oil production, hydration, and acne. Adjusting your skincare routine based on hormonal fluctuations can help manage breakouts, dryness, and inflammation more effectively.
By focusing on hydration during your period, incorporating gentle exfoliation in the follicular phase, balancing oil during ovulation, and treating breakouts in the luteal phase, you can work with your skin’s natural cycle instead of fighting against it.
For expert, personalized advice on choosing the best skincare products for your skin’s changing needs, visit your nearest Willa Krause Consultant today.