Syncing Your Skincare Routine to Your Period Could Help Your Hormonal Acne—Here's How

- When you're on your period

Goal: provide + retain hydration; reduce inflammation & cell turnover

- "...estrogen and progesterone levels are low, so your skin may appear dry, dull, and tired.I recommend upping the ante on your moisturizing routine—increasing hydration internally and externally is key." - Anna Mitsios; naturopath; founder,Edible Beauty

* Elevated prostaglandins levels = skin is more sensitive

- "Using products that aren't too sensitizing or drying is also important. It is vital at this time to not use harsh exfoliating products."-Anthony Rossi MD,a dermatologist in NYC

Goal: Nourishment,maintenance/treatments

- Right after your period, your skin is in a great place

- Estrogen levels start to rise which results to:

1. High collagen production giving the skin a plump, springy appearance. 

2. "Estrogen helps to promote the skin's moisture retention and thus when estrogen levels are higher, one may feel their skin is more hydrated and luminous." - Mindy Pelz, author, The Menopause Reset

- The best time if you want to try new products

- Also the time for maintenance. Use vitamin C serum to prolong skin's glow and exfoliate w/ AHAs to keep pores build-up free

About 13 - 25 days before the start of your next period

The mid-cycle point; when your egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube

Estrogen and testosterone levels are at their peak. This signals a surge in luteinizing hormone lutropin which triggers ovulation.

"This surge occurs directly prior to the onset of hormonal acne.. Prevention and getting control over breakouts is key..It is vital at this time to not use harsh exfoliating products." - Dr. Anthony Rossi MD

To keep skin hydrated use a lightweight lotion

Prepare for the increase in oil production ahead (in the luteal phase) by deep-cleaning pores with a detoxifying mask and exfoliating with AHAs to keep pores free from buildup.

Testosterone levels can contribute to facial hair production, so if you're into dermaplaning, this is a good time to do that

"As estrogen drops, the premenstrual phase usually leads to acne due to the rise in progesterone. When progesterone is high, it causes skin to swell, so one may experience inflammatory acne papules and pustules,"- Dr. Rossi.

An imbalance of testosterone will also increase oil production, which may also result in clogged pores and breakouts. 

- eliminating excess oil without triggering your inflamed skin. How?

- Only use products that are non-comedogenic and ideally contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Cleanse frequently w/ a gentle foaming cleanser. Try niacinamide to balance oil production and reduce inflammation, along with a spot treatment on breakout-prone areas.

Increase exfoliation to 2-3x a week and incorporate a purifying mask to counter congested skin.

If yourhormonal acne is cystic and painful, consult a board-certified dermatologist who can offer alternative options.