Hormones and our skin: how does the skin change during the menstrual cycle?

You may have already noticed it yourself: Your skin looks different depending on the phase of your cycle, is sometimes more, sometimes less sensitive, reacts with blemishes or dryness. Such fluctuations have nothing to do with your skin type, but with the various hormones that regulate your body's entire processes with your cycle. And this includes our largest organ: the skin. But how exactly can the menstrual cycle affect the skin? How does the skin change during the cycle? And most importantly, which skincare products help you to meet the different needs of your skin during the phases of your cycle? We explain this in this article. 

1. First things first: The basic rules of skin care
2. Know how: Your skin over the course of the cycle
1. Cycle phase 1: Menstrual phase
2. Cycle phase 2: Follicular phase
3. Cycle phase 3: Ovulation phase
4. Cycle phase 4: Luteal phase
3. The skin during the cycle - observe your needs

1. first things first: The basic rules of skin care

If you already know JUNGLÜCK a little better, you know: Skin care is a holistic matter. It's not just about the right care, but also about a balanced lifestyle. Nevertheless, we never tire of explaining the basics of skincare. After all, there is no one miracle product that solves all skin problems to provide the best possible support for the skin. It all depends on the right combination of products that are right for you.
So take a look in your bathroom cabinet and take a close look at the ingredients. Because there is often more bad stuff in cosmetics than meets the eye. For example, Cleansing Gel orfoam can irritate your skin with aggressive surfactants, dry it out severely and attack your skin's entire protective barrier. Kerosenes, parabens, silicones, microplastics and bad alcohols should ideally have no place in your bathroom and certainly not on your skin. So take a close look and do your research. If you're a bit lost when it comes to all the INCI names, take a look at our guide to cosmetic ingredients is well worth your time. 

2. knowing how: Your skin during the cycle

2.1 Cycle phase 1: Menstrual phase

(approx. day 1 to day 5)
Products:
Hyaluronic acid concentrate
Hemp Oil Mask
Calendula toner

Our hormones are at a low level during our period. The skin works a little more slowly and the metabolism slows down. What does this mean in concrete terms? It appears drier than usual, the complexion looks dull and sallow. Depending on your disposition, your skin may also be more sensitive than usual during this time. Take a little more care of yourself and your skin during this time. To give it the moisture it needs, you can use the hyaluron Concentrate AM and PM after cleanser apply . Hyaluron has the wonderful property of penetrating deep into the skin and binding moisture there. It is therefore ideal for counteracting dryness and making your complexion glow again. The Hemp Oil Mask is ideal for taking a break in between . It not only gives your skin a break, but also your head. Calendula toner soothes and moisturizes the skin. Simply spray AM and PM onto cleansed skin and leave on gently. 
To avoid redness, try not to touch your face, dab your face gently instead of rubbing it dry with the Towel and make sure you use mild skin care products that do not irritate your skin unnecessarily. Incidentally, the last tip is always worth its weight in gold, regardless of your cycle, especially when it comes to cleansing your face. Cleansing Oil or Cleansing Gel gently but thoroughly remove deposits and all the dirt of the day.

2.2 Cycle phase 2: Follicular phase

(approx. day 6 to day 12)
Products:
AHA peeling

The oestrogen level slowly rises again and gets our skin going again. The metabolism starts up again and the skin regenerates more quickly. This makes it the ideal time to support skin renewal. The best way to do this is with fruit acid peels, for example AHA peeling . Mechanical exfoliants, i.e. brushes, sponges, cloths and the like, should be used with extreme caution or not at all to face outside of a visit to your beautician. They can cause micro-injuries to the skin, making it easy for bacteria to grow and cause inflammation. The AHA peeling gently exfoliates overnight without rubbing, moisturizes, provides noticeably more elasticity and stimulates collagen production. This means fresh, plump and radiant skin!

2.3 Cycle phase 3: Ovulation phase

(approx. day 13 to day 15)
Products:
Vitamin C serum
Antioxidant Mask
Antioxidants ampoules

The oestrogen level reaches its peak. The skin seems to glow by itself and impurities are less or no longer to be found. The skin appears to be well moisturized. Now it's time to support the skin in order to strengthen the skin's protective barrier for the next phase and take this beautiful, natural glow with you. With your Vitamin C serum (Intensive or Sensitive), you have a daily companion that stimulates collagen production and evens out your complexion. The antioxidants ampoules or Antioxidant Mask are perfect for supplementing your skincare during the ovulation phase. Both contain a powerful combination of antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals from the environment Protect that can otherwise lead to cell damage in the skin. If your skin has been able to build up its outer protective shield with the important nutrients and lipids, it is also optimally prepared for the next phase of the cycle.

2.4 Cycle phase 4: Luteal phase

(approx. day 16 to day 28)
Products:
Spot cream
BHA peeling
Clay Mask
Zinc toner

The testosterone level rises. As a result, sebum production is also stimulated, which is the basis for pimples, blackheads and the like. The skin appears more oily, the pores become more clogged, which leads to blackheads. If these then become inflamed, pimples develop. Blemishes are not bad per se and are absolutely natural. So we shouldn't curse them, after all they show us what our body does with all the hormones. Blemishes are nothing more than a sign that something is happening in the body and this needs to be investigated. They are only problematic because your skin is unprotected in that area, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate. Blemish care is therefore all about getting the inflammation under control and repairing the skin's protective barrier. You can use Spot cream to treat blemishes selectively. The zinc oxide contained in anti-inflammatory has an antimicrobial effect and inhibits the inflammatory reaction. In combination with the soothing blue chamomile oil, Spot cream ensures a faster healing process. What you should definitely avoid when it comes to blemishes is irritating your skin with aggressive exfoliating brushes, salts or grains. This can only make your skin more sensitive and lead to even more inflammation. Fruit acid peels, such as the BHA peeling , Cleanse gently exfoliate the pores overnight. The BHA peeling works anti-inflammatory, penetrates deep into the skin and gently removes debris, dead skin cells and dirt. This accelerates the healing process and reduces the development of new inflammation. If you use BHA peeling in the evening, you can use Zinc toner in the morning after cleanser apply . It has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effect.
The Clay Mask website is particularly suitable for 15 minutes of inner relaxation during this phase. Many people experience the mood swings and thought whirls themselves every month. A few minutes of extensive self-care time can also provide some relief and pamper your skin at the same time. Clay (kaolin) is known for its sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc PCA and organic willow bark extract support healing and help to unclog your pores. If you want to intensify the cleansing effect, you can gently remove the very fine-grained texture with damp hands after the application time leave-on.

3. the skin during the cycle - observe your needs

It is important that you understand yourself and your body better. Our cycle not only influences our skin or our internal processes, but also our mood, thought structure and how we perceive the world around us. Knowing which phase you are in helps you to better understand how you feel and experience yourself. And of course, it gives you the opportunity to give yourself exactly what you need right now. Whether that's skincare, habits, food or activities.

A great way to not only get to know your cycle, but also to track it is the Ovy app. With the basal thermometer, you measure your temperature every morning. The result is automatically saved in the app and you can enter various other factors that influence your cycle. From disruptive factors such as stress to illnesses, period complaints and even whether your skin, hair or mood is changing. The app calculates your fertile days precisely and tracks your other symptoms and influencing factors for you. Not only can you better understand your cycle and get a precise feeling for your body and mood, you can also use the app and thermometer for contraception or family planning.

© Ovy 

Take your time and listen carefully to yourself.