Skin Changes Through the Menstrual Cycle

The SkinGenesis Guide on How to Make the Best of Your Skin at Different Times of the Month

By Peter Beard, Director of Treatments, SkinGenesis.

Being in tune with the way your body reacts to monthly hormone changes is the first step to anticipating changes in your skin. We have put this guide together to help you be prepared with the right skin care strategies at the right time, and beat those pre-menstrual ‘problem skin days’.  The guide covers

• Background

• The Four Phases of the Cycle

• How These Affect Your Skin

• Avoiding Skin Problems

• Amazing FREE Offer

Background

The average length of the menstrual cycle is 29.5 days, which is approximately equivalent to a lunar month, indeed the term menstrual is a derivation of the Greek word for moon. The cycle is typically at its longest mid teens (normally over 30 days) and will normally reduce to about 28 days by the mid thirties.

As the moon have 4 phases so does the menstrual cycle. Each phase is distinct and each phase can be characterised by a unique combination of hormones, body temperature and other physical manifestations. It is not surprising therefore that each phase will have an implication for the skin, the body’s biggest organ.

The Four Phases of the Cycle

The first phase of the cycle is menstruation which lasts about 5 days. During this period hormonal levels are low and body temperature is normal.

The second phase of the cycle is known as the follicular phase and is the phase between menstruation and ovulation. This phase lasts about 9 days and is notable for ever increasing levels of the ‘female hormone’ oestrogen which peak one or two days before ovulation.

The third phase of the cycle is mid-cycle or ovulation day. Generally hormone levels will drop precipitously to their lowest levels.

The fourth and final phase is known as the luteal or secratory phase. This phase lasts about 14 days and is accompanied by slightly higher body temperatures.

How These Affect Your Skin

It is during the first phase that skin can be at its driest. Usually dryness is caused by a breakdown in the barrier function of the skin allowing natural hydration to escape from the skin structure.  This is not the case with first phase dryness but it’s still a good idea to use a good moisturiser to boost the barrier and in some more severe cases the use of a hyaluronic moisturising serum may be required.

The second phase is likely to be accompanied with lower levels of flow through the skin’s blood vessels.  It is at this phase of the cycle that your skin will be at it most feminine best.

On the mid cycle ovulation day the skin is both more sensitive to touch and conversely less sensitive to pain. The skin is also more reactive to things that cause allergies, such as pollen.

It is during the fourth and final phase that the skin is at its most vulnerable. Lower levels of the ‘female hormone’ oestrogen result in higher levels of ‘male hormone’ androgens which will increase sebaceous secretions and make the skin more susceptible to spots and breakouts. There is also likely to be a higher skin bacteria count which will further increase the likelihood of spots and breakouts. Skin cell membranes (lipid barrier) are weakest during this phase which allows higher moisture loss. The skin will also tend to have more blood flow and will be at its most vulnerable to UV radiation.  It is during this period when good skin care is essential.

Avoiding Skin Problems

Healthy skin is naturally acidic.  Maintaining this balance is vital for retaining moisture in the skin and for controlling the levels of bacteria that naturally occur (yes, really!) on the surface of the skin.  If you don’t pay attention to maintaining this balance by using the wrong skin care products, or you just use soap and water, then you will be running the risk of having poor skin - especially during phases 4 and 1 of the cycle.

As a minimum, a low pH* anti inflammatory wash should be used to cleanse the skin which will help to make the skin more acid which will in turn reduce bacteria and strengthen the cell walls and help retain natural moisture. Also a good low pH solar moisturiser should be used during the day; this will improve the cell wall barrier while providing protection against UV B and help maintain the skin acidity.

*pH is the measure of whether a product is acid or alkali.

SkinGenesis recommend DermaQuest Skin Therapy products as these have been proven to have the right pH balance and are highly effective.

Assuming your skin is otherwise in good shape we suggest the following

Amazing FREE Offer

If you feel that your skin is not at its best regardless of the phases of the cycle, then you would benefit from an Expert Skin Analysis at one of our clinics.  As skin specialists we have devised a series of tests that reveal different aspects of your skin’s condition:

1. UV (Ultra Violet) Computerised Imaging and Diagnostics - the only way to see the deep condition of your skin

• Learn about potential problem areas that may lead to early ageing and other skin problems
• Catch underlying sun damage before it becomes fully visible

2. pH Balance Measurement - because your skin needs to have the correct acid balance (pH) to be healthy

• Learn how to avoid soaps and skin care products that are too alkaline. Getting the balance right will:

o       Improve the performance of your skin barrier to help your skin retain its natural moisture

o       Reduce the risk of spots

o       Calm inflamed skin, including eczema

3. Moisture Content Measurement - because optimum hydration should be one of your goals

• Check your hydration levels at several sites across your face
• Learn how healthy skin cells attract and retain moisture and what to do to ensure optimum hydration

At the moment, we don’t charge for this service. If you would like to take advantage of this FREE offer please call your nearest clinic to book an appointment

Leeds 0113 244 8999

Manchester 0161 831 7007

Chester 01244 303464