A woman's menstrual cycle is a natural but complex process. The main players—estrogen, progesterone, serotonin and cortisol—delicately co-exist, however fluctuate throughout each cycle. There are three phases in a period cycle: follicular, ovulation and luteal, each having their own hormonal and biological changes.
Menstrual cycle variations frequently trigger physical and emotional symptoms, such as hormonal acne, fluid retention, migraines, dysmenorrhea, and mood fluctuations. Monitoring your cycle phases provides valuable insights for targeted symptom management.
Here, we share how you can support your skin and body with our useful tips.
Pre-menstrual breakouts
Irregular hormones or increased hormonal activity can equal breakouts. As progesterone and estrogen drop just before your period, your oil glands may produce more sebum, leading to congestion and/or breakouts. Appearing as papules, nodules or cysts, the most common areas affected can be the jawline, neck and chest.
Support your skin by getting to know your cycle and adjusting your skincare routine as necessary...
Your Cycle-Support Skincare Routine
- Cleanse without stripping, drying or irritating. Start with our Bc Refresh Cleanser to leave the skin feeling fresh and balanced
- Soothe, calm and clear. Introduce our Bd Luminosity Face Serum to help soothe the skin while supporting a clearer-looking complexion
- Spot treat by using our Hydra Balance Bio Cellulose Mask to help calm, hydrate and support blemish-prone skin
- Don't pick or squeeze and encourage post-pimple healing. We love our Br Rosehip Oil to help support skin as it recovers from breakouts
Investing in professional treatments or regular LED sessions may also help minimise breakouts, reduce inflammation and speed up skin repair processes.
Sleep
Sleep regulates the skin, and it’s the time when the skin respires, repairs and rejuvenates. Set up a good sleeping pattern with a regular routine. Set the tone in preparation for sleep, switch off devices, avoid overheating your body, and use lightweight, breathable bed linen.
Exercise
Movement supports healthy circulation and helps manage stress levels across your cycle. Opt for high-energy workouts when you feel vibrant, and transition to gentle movement like yoga, walking, or stretching when your body demands rest.
Gut Health
Support gut health and increase nutrition with iron rich foods, vitamin C, omegas and supplements like zinc. Avoid the ‘sweet stuff’, alcohol and caffeine which will rob you of nutrients. We recommend seeking specialised advice from a nutritional professional.
Stress
Introducing stress relieving activities into your wellness plan can also help. When we breakout, we stress, which increases cortisol; our stress hormone, which may result in more breakouts and the cycle continues.
Have questions?
Get in touch with our skin experts for personalised advice and recommendations
CONTACT US