Yeah, it's that time of the month again. And no matter what you do, your skin just won't cooperate! Have no fear, though! Even if you're dealing with acne or oily skin during this time of the month, we've got you covered.

Read on for tips and tricks on keeping your skin looking and feeling its best, even when you’re on your period.

The menstrual cycle and what it does to your skin

Here’s an essential piece of information: each phase of your menstrual cycle impacts your skin differently. 

During post-menstruation (or the Follicular phase), estrogen levels rise, and you can expect your skin to be naturally more hydrated. Ever notice how your skin feels and looks great after your period? Estrogen also helps your skin retain more moisture and encourages cell turnover, so you should feel a healthy glow.

During ovulation, estrogen levels are at their highest while progesterone levels begin to peak. Many women experience breakouts due to increased sebum production, which can clog pores. If you’re prone to hormonal acne, this is the time when you’ll want to pay extra attention to your skincare routine.

Then, during pre-menstruation (or the Luteal phase), estrogen levels begin to decline, and progesterone and testosterone levels increase even more. This causes your oil glands to produce more sebum, leading to oily skin and acne. This is when you want to ensure you’re using gentle cleansers and moisturizers that won’t further irritate your skin. (And a much-needed serotonin boost for the PMS blues doesn’t hurt either!)

What comes next is the actual “red” days. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone that had been in high gear for the past two weeks suddenly drop, leading to dehydration and dullness. You’ll also likely experience some extra sensitive skin due to hormonal fluctuations. So how do you address and tailor your skincare routine for this particular time of the month?

Skincare Tips for When You’re On Your Period

1. Hydrate Your Skin 

During your period, your skin is prone to dehydration and dryness. To counter this, use a hydrating serum or moisturizer for your daytime and nighttime skincare routines. And don’t we just have the perfect thing for you! Our Moisture Boost Facial Serum contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as an effective humectant to pull and lock moisture into the skin and also does a great job in fighting the signs of aging.

2. Use Gentle Cleansers

Since your skin is more sensitive during your period, it's important to use gentle cleansers that won’t strip away its natural oils. A PH-balanced cleanser (like our Sweet Orange Facial Cleanser!) will help keep your skin barrier intact and retain its natural moisture. Designed for gentle yet effective cleansing, we incorporate natural ingredients such as Coco Glucose (a PH-balanced, non-abrasive surfactant), Willow Bark Extract (which contains a natural chemical exfoliant called Beta Hydroxy Acid), and aloe vera and cucumber extract (which soothes and nourishes your skin).

3. Combat Dullness With Exfoliation 

As your hormone levels drop, so does your skin’s natural glow. The simplest way to restore this is by exfoliating to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal brighter healthier-looking skin. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, though, as this can irritate your skin. Stick to exfoliating once or twice a week.

Our Fruit Acid Gel with Licorice Root Extract is designed to do more than just exfoliate. A blend of 5 natural plant extracts, including blueberry fruit extract, sugarcane extract, orange fruit extract, lemon fruit extract, and sugar maple extract, our product targets to address dryness and oiliness. It is also infused with algae to hydrate, aloe to soothe, and licorice root extract to naturally lighten hyperpigmentation caused by acne blemishes.

4. Avoid Heavy Products

During your period, your skin is already producing more oil than usual, and heavy or greasy products like creams and oils could cause breakouts. An essential rule to remember is to avoid products that contain silicones and dimethicone, which can clog your pores. Try a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer as an alternative.

5. Use a Mask

During your period, your skin needs some extra TLC. Incorporate a weekly mask into your skincare routine to treat dullness and restore your skin’s natural glow. Look for one rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which will help soothe inflammation and increase collagen production. Our Rose Clay Face Mask uses white kaolin and rose clay to absorb excess oil and prevent acne blemishes, as well as gentle jojoba pearls to exfoliate and polish the skin.

6. Spot Treatment

Breakouts during your period are common, especially around the chin and jawline area. Now it's important to remember that there are different skin types, and each type needs different treatments. A lot of skincare products out there contain tea tree oil, but it's wise to note that this ingredient places high on the allergen list and can worsen irritation and redness for most people. 

The good news? Our Fruit Acid Gel also doubles as an effective spot treatment for active acne blemishes! It's microbiome-friendly (which means it won't disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria on your skin), and it's designed for all skin types – but most especially for those who are prone to acne.

7. Take Warm Baths

Taking a warm bath during your period can help relax your muscles and help your skin retain moisture. Adding some Epsom salts or essential oils can further soothe your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.

After your bath, apply our Organic CBD Salve to your lower belly to help relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. Our soothing organic hemp salve contains 1,000 mg of full-spectrum hemp extract that targets your discomfort from the outside. No more relying on ibuprofen to ease that menstrual pain!

8. Use antioxidants like Vitamin C and CBD

Vitamin C can help protect your skin from environmental toxins and free radicals. It’s also essential in collagen production, which keeps your skin looking vibrant, fresh, and youthful. But sometimes, it can be irritating to use vitamin C products directly on your skin, especially during your period when your hormones are out of whack. CBD to the rescue! – CBD is actually a potent antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, protect the skin from damage, and even regulate sebum production.

9. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Even if it’s cloudy or cold, sunscreen is still essential! Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide extra protection against UVA/UVB rays. Reapply every two hours when you're spending time outdoors. We recommend this product from MyChelle Dermaceuticals for a daily mineral based SPF.

Wrapping Up

Skincare isn’t a “one size fits all” approach, and it’s essential to customize your skincare routine to fit your unique needs. Don't forget to show yourself some extra love when you're on your period; after all, having an effective skincare routine during this time can help you feel your best when you need it most!

 

Blog Written by Katie Pierce