Skin and the menstrual cycle: how skincare changes in the 4 phases of the month

It has happened to you at least once. One week your skin is radiant, firm, almost perfect. Then, without warning, comes that time of the month when you look in the mirror and no longer recognise it. Suddenly it is oily, shiny, dotted with blemishes. You apply your usual products, but it is as if they no longer work.

The answer is simpler than you think: your menstrual cycle. The hormones that regulate it act directly on the skin, changing its appearance, its texture, its hydration level and its sebum production week after week.

Understanding this connection can radically change your approach to skincare. No longer the same products every day, but a routine that listens to your skin and adapts to what your body is going through at that precise moment of the cycle.

Phase 1: menstruation (days 1-5) – sensitive and dehydrated skin

During menstruation, oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels. The skin looks dull, dehydrated, more sensitive. The skin barrier is fragile: the reduction in oestrogen makes the skin less elastic and more vulnerable. Redness and irritation are common.

During these days, your skin needs gentleness and nourishment. Avoid scrubs, chemical peels or retinol. Focus on gentle cleansers, serums with hyaluronic acid, rich creams with ceramides or shea butter, and soothing masks with aloe or Centella asiatica. Less is more: your skin should not be stimulated, but protected.

Phase 2: follicular phase (days 6-13) – skin at its best

Oestrogen rises progressively. The skin looks radiant, toned and even. The pores seem less visible and the complexion fresher. This is the time when you feel most beautiful, when make-up glides on better. Oestrogen stimulates collagen and elasticity: the skin is more resilient and receptive.

Make the most of this window for active treatments. Enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliants, anti-aging serums with vitamin C or niacinamide, purifying masks. It is also the best phase for professional aesthetic treatments: the skin will respond at its best.

Phase 3: ovulation (days 14-16) – the peak of radiance

Oestrogen reaches its highest peak. The skin is at its most beautiful: radiant, firm, hydrated. Testosterone also rises slightly, giving a natural glow effect. It is no coincidence if you receive more compliments during these days.

Keep the routine of the previous phase without overdoing it. Focus on light hydration with gel textures, sun protection (essential if you use exfoliants) and maintaining the results. Enjoy this moment.

Phase 4: luteal phase (days 17-28) – the most challenging skin

Oestrogen falls and progesterone takes over. Progesterone stimulates the sebaceous glands: the skin becomes oilier, the pores dilate and the risk of blemishes in the T-zone and along the jawline increases. Hormonal acne may appear, typically on the chin, with painful pimples under the skin.

The watchword is balance. Use gentle but effective cleansers, rebalancing toners with salicylic acid or niacinamide, mattifying serums with zinc or green tea, oil-free creams and spot treatments where necessary. Avoid products that are too rich: you would risk making the situation worse. If hormonal acne is recurrent, consult a dermatologist.

Cyclical skincare: an intelligent approach

Adapting your skincare to your cycle does not mean making life complicated. It is simply a matter of alternating a few key products according to the needs of the moment. Keeping a skin diary helps: note down the condition of your skin and the products you use. Within two or three cycles you will have a clear picture and will be able to fine-tune your routine.

The skin changes, adapts and responds to stimuli. The menstrual cycle is one of the most powerful. Learning to recognise these changes allows you to take care of yourself consciously and effectively. Your skin will thank you for it.