Customise your skincare routine to suit your cycle
GP and functional medicine and hormone doctor Sohère Roked explains how to tailor your skincare regime to sync with your menstrual cycle, for optimal skin health…
The menstruation cycle is divided into menstruation, followed by the follicular phase, ovulation, and finally, the luteal phase. The phases of the cycle are the same for all women, but the length in time of each phase can vary.
● Menstrual phase Loss of oestrogen and progesterone during the menstrual phase can influence skin’s dryness; this is a good time to be moisturising well or to use hydrating facial oils. Gentler ingredients at this time are helpful for supporting the skin barrier.
● Oestrogen rises during the follicular phase, which can be beneficial and hydrating for the skin, and women often report that their skin looks best at this phase of the cycle. This is the time to have facial treatments such as peels, whereas pre-menstruation or during menstruation individuals should opt