HOW HORMONES AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
Can you blame your hormones for your skins *poor* behaviour? Pretty much, yep you can!
Your menstrual cycle has a whole to answer for about the appearance of your skin.
This week we’re breaking down the average menstrual cycle by *phases* to give you a better understanding of how these hormone surges affect your skin, and how to switch up your skin routine to make sure you’re nourishing your skin in the right way.
Your menstrual cycle has a *whole* lot to do with the appearance of your skin. We're breaking down the average menstrual cycle by phases to give you a better understanding of how these hormone surges affect your skin, and how to switch up your skin routine to make sure you’re nourishing your skin in the right way.
Because we figure, if you know what's going on in your body each month, you'll know what to expect, and you'll feel *normal* about those break outs and blotchy skin {read on}
HORMONES THAT AFFECT SKIN
Have you noticed that during your menstrual cycle your skin experiences different periods of dryness and oiliness. Your skin will be the most problematic during your period and a couple of days prior to it. This is when you can expect period-related pimples, spotting, and acne. All this happens due to the buildup of sebum underneath the surface, causing the appearance of oily skin.
And multiple hormones cause that oily skin {don't you LOVE being a woman}. Hormones that fall out of balance {for a bucket load of different reasons}, like progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone, affect the oiliness, and the appearance of your skin. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
{your skin during menstruation}
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
During the first days of your cycle, levels of hormones as oestogen and progesterone are low. This leads to dry skin and the dull, lifeless appearance of the skin. Another *added bonus* for this time of the month is that any lines or wrinkles appear more obvious {YAY!). ⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
{Tips}
+ Moisturising and hydration are the best skin boosters during the initial days of your cycle. Increase your water, and consider a Rose Mist Spray to use throughout the day to give skin a boost and add in hydration.
+ Clean your face twice a day. Any hormone imbalance during your cycle will cause sebaceous glands to go a little cray cray, leading to breakouts.
+ Cutting out *or reducing* sugars from your diet will help skin skin breakouts, and also reduce that dull look
+ Invest in yourself. Get a facial, because why not?⠀⠀⠀⠀
{follicular phase}
The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. It's a good time for hormones; oestrogen levels slowly rise. Your skin will be *on it’s best behaviour*, and you will likely feel an emotional uplift because of the increasing serotonin levels. *WINNING*
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
{what happens to your skin}
As the oestrogen levels rise, you should notice a healthy glow by around the 9th day of the menstrual cycle. Between the tenth and thirteenth day of the menstrual cycle, oestrogen will be at its peak.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is also when testosterone levels will begin to rise. Your skin will be rich in natural moisture and collagen which will make your skin stronger and more elastic, so keep your routine simple with using only your normal moisturiser. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
{skin care tips}
Your skin will be in it's BEST shape during the follicular phase. Your regular daily routine should be enough to provide the nourishment the skin needs.⠀
{ovulation)
Ovulation happens about 14 days before your period starts. {> go check out everything *ovulation* at @natkringoudis<}.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Your skin will look its *BEST* during the next five days until testosterone and oestrogen will begin to decrease. Oestrogen is at its PEAK levels now, and gives your skin that *desired* healthy glow. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Your progesterone levels will start to increase, which makes skin oilier. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
{what happens to your skin}
The increase of the luteinizing hormone (LH) will make your skin prone to bacteria. Avoid {the cardinal sin} going to bed with makeup during the ovulation period and try not touch your face with your dirty little hands {wipe down your phone and anything else that comes in contact with your skin} to avoid bacteria on your face which >>>>> acne. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
{skin care tips}
+ Use light, water-based skin care products like face mists, sprays
+ Avoid using products that clog the pores; look for products that have use plant based ingredients