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How is the skin related to your periods?

The appearance and look of your skin is heavily influenced by your menstrual cycle. The skin goes through phases of dryness and oiliness during most women's menstrual periods. If you're asking which hormone causes your skin to get oily, the truth is that - it's a combination of hormones. 

During the menstrual cycle, oestrogen reaches a peak and a trough. It affects the skin's texture and thickness, its structural integrity and fluid balance, causing alterations. Acne, too, is caused by changes in hormone levels, and progesterone plays a key part in this. Progesterone promotes breakouts by shutting skin pores and causing an accumulation of sebum beneath the skin's surface. 

How does your period affect the skin? 

Hormone levels such as oestrogen and progesterone are low in the days leading up to your period. This results in dry, lifeless skin that can accentuate lines and wrinkles. During the first few days of your cycle, moisturising and hydration can be fantastic skin enhancers. Keeping yourself clean during period will also protect your skin in many ways. 

Some people are unaffected by the changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, while others must adjust their schedules and habits to accommodate their periods. 

Starting Week of Your Cycle 

Estrogen levels are also low in the first week of your menstrual cycle. Your skin will need very less maintenance here, aside from regular washing and moisturising, during this time. But working with a dermatologist or a skin care specialist is your best bet if you have or develop any serious hormonal skin disorders. 

Follicular phase 

Estrogen levels gradually rise throughout the first 10 to 16 days of your menstrual cycle. Your skin will most likely be at its finest, and inflammation will be rare. Because serotonin levels are up, you may experience an emotional boost. 

By the ninth day of the menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels have risen and you may perceive a glow. Estrogen peaks between the tenth and thirteenth days of the menstrual cycle. This is also the time when testosterone levels start to climb. More natural moisture and collagen creation are produced in your skin, making it stronger and more elastic. 

During the follicular phase, your skin may be at its best. This means that cleansing and applying a light moisturiser should suffice to meet your skin's needs. Enhance your body's natural increase in collagen production by using anti-aging products that help you look younger. 

During Ovulation 

Ovulation normally happens on the 14th day of your cycle. Over the next five days, your skin will appear clear and bright as testosterone and oestrogen levels drop. Your progesterone levels will begin to rise at that time, resulting in oilier skin. Estrogen, which peaks around the time of ovulation, is known for giving the complexion a healthy glow. 

Increased amounts of luteinizing hormone can make your skin more susceptible to bacterial overgrowth. Avoid sleeping in with makeup on and pay additional attention to hand washing and cleanliness to avoid transmitting bacteria to your face. Acne may be exacerbated as a result of this. 

Use skin care routine and products that are oil free. Light, water-based products like face mists, light tonics, sprays, and micellar water will make the cut. Also, make sure you wipe it off afterward. Also, stay away from products using pore-clogging chemicals (look for products marked "non-comedogenic"). 

Luteal phase 

One stage of your menstrual cycle is the luteal phase. It occurs after ovulation (the release of an egg by your ovaries) but before your period. Premenstrual symptoms can cause skin changes in addition to triggering unhealthy food desires and an irritated mood. 

Your case may become more oily, and you may suffer bloating and edoema throughout your body, before and during your period. During the premenstrual period and during your periods, maintain a light skin care regimen. Concentrate on hydration and avoid stacking cosmetics, especially those that are oil-based. 

Nervousness, increased hunger, bloating, and breakouts, especially on the chin and around the nose, are all common premenstrual symptoms. It's best to avoid wearing heavy makeup during this period. 

Best Ways to Maintain a Healthy Skin 

Here are some of the ways to maintain your healthy skin during the most difficult time of your menstrual cycle: 

1.  Hormonal fluctuations during your period might cause your sebaceous glands to overwork, resulting in oily skin. Thus, pimples and menstruation acne can be avoided with the use of facial cleansers. For this, you should wash your face twice a day and consider trying facial cleansers during your period, even if you don't use it numerous times a day. It will aid in the removal of excess sebum, which is a natural oil secreted by the sebaceous glands.

2.  Try to avoid processed foods and salty snacks, as they will increase bloating, dry up your skin, and exacerbate breakouts. Picking at blackheads, whiteheads, acne, or any other skin irritation should also be avoided.

3.  Use of medications, supplements and vitamins is also suggested. The menstrual cycle has an impact on a wide range of ailments and disorders. These diseases can potentially lead to severe skin problems such as cystic acne and scars. To address these issues, a health care professional can prescribe a variety of drugs. Meanwhile, you can also take natural supplements to help with bloating, abdominal pain, and skin problems during your period.

4.  Sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates should be avoided in your diet to help prevent acne breakouts.  Instead, supplement your diet with vitamins, remain hydrated, and eat more vegetables and fiber-rich foods.

5.  Concentrate on acne-specific skin care products and avoid wearing makeup whenever possible. If you must wear makeup, strive for a lighter, more natural look and avoid heavy foundations. Use as little cosmetics as possible on your skin, including as highlighters, creams, and setting powders.

6.  Find the means and ways that are most beneficial to you. Cleaning wipes are a convenient option for some people. Others swear by blotting paper and a quick dab. Moisturizers and other products that feed the skin, eliminate excess oils, and keep pores clear usually work well for most people.

7.  andMe anti ageing collagen booster is an effective supplement to try out. It is a plant-based collagen-building drink with Ayurvedic herbs and multivitamins tailored specifically for women. Its 24 components cleanse the blood, create collagen, and nourish the skin from the inside out, leaving you with a clear, pimple-free, bright, and hydrated complexion.              

Made without any preservatives and artificial color, flavor and sugar, it is 100 percent Vegetarian, 100 percent Vegan, and contains components like Aloe Vera, Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Turmeric, which help to speed up the formation of collagen and protect it from degradation. 

In this way, hormonal imbalances occurring before, during, and a few days after a period, resulting in all significant changes in your skin can be controlled. 

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