Have you noticed how you always get acne and breakouts at the same time of the month? Then you probably can’t help but wonder how your menstrual cycle impacts the state of your skin. Hormonal acne is a real thing, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Not only that, but it can also affect women of all ages. But by understanding how your monthly cycle works, and how you can balance out your hormones, hormonal acne can be a thing of the past.
Understand Your Monthly Cycle
Every month, like clockwork, your body goes through a series of hormonal changes. These changes are responsible for preparing your body for pregnancy, and they can also influence the health and appearance of your skin. So, let’s break down the four main phases of your menstrual cycle and see how they play a role in your skin’s condition.
Menstruation
During your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, and your body is shedding the uterine lining. This can leave you feeling tired and moody, but fear not—your skin is often benefiting from this phase. The increase in blood flow can give you a natural glow, and the shedding process may help eliminate toxins, resulting in clearer skin.
Follicular Phase
As your period ends, your body gears up for ovulation. Estrogen levels start to rise, promoting collagen production and giving your skin a plump and youthful appearance. This is the time when your skin is most resilient and responsive to treatments, so it’s a great opportunity to indulge in some self-care and pamper your skin.
Ovulation
Hello, estrogen! This phase is when your body releases an egg, and your hormone levels are at their peak. While you may feel extra energized and confident, your skin might not share the same enthusiasm. Increased oil production can lead to breakouts and pesky blemishes. Keep your skincare routine in check and focus on oil-free products to minimize any potential skin issues.
Luteal Phase
The days leading up to your period can sometimes feel like a wild ride. Your hormone levels start to drop, and PMS symptoms can kick in with a vengeance. This hormonal shift may trigger inflammation, causing redness, acne flare-ups, and general skin sensitivity. It’s important to be gentle with your skin during this time and opt for soothing, calming skincare products.
Hormones vs. Stress
Although hormonal fluctuations have a huge influence on your skin, stress can also be a significant factor. Cortisol, a hormone released by stress, can have a disastrous effect on the condition of your complexion. It may also worsen pre-existing skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis by causing excessive oil production, which can result in outbreaks. Finding healthy methods of stress management, such as mindfulness practice, physical activity, or relaxing beauty rituals, is a good way to deal with that.
How to Balance Out Your Hormones
I know – your monthly cycle definitely can seem a bit complicated at first. Luckily, all you have to do to prevent hormonal acne is balance out your hormones. When it comes to more severe cases, there is only one option – visiting a doctor. However, if you’re not on that end of the spectrum, there are also ways to balance out your hormones naturally. Here are just some of them.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to support your hormonal balance and nourish your skin.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin hydrated, and promotes a healthy complexion.
- Simplify your skincare routine: Stick to gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin.
- Get your beauty sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to regenerate and repair your skin.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps reduce stress, boosts circulation, and promotes a healthy glow.
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