No, you don’t imagine – your skin looks more glowing and your face more symmetrically during your follicular phase menstruation. This phase begins immediately after your period ends and usually lasts about a week. It is when estrogen rises, energy returns and many of course know their best.
Just as we have one circadian rhythmThose who menstruate also have an infradic rhythm: a 28-day hormone bike, better known as the menstrual cycle. It consists of four phases – menstruation, follicular, ovulation and luteal – each Hormones In ways that can affect mood, energy, metabolism, immune systems, stress response and hair and skin. We have suspected this connection when we routinely break out during our period or feel like eating everything in sight just before our period begins. But it wasn’t until Tiktok users started publishing before and after we started asking why-and if it is possible to biohacke us to feel hot all month, not just for a week.
We talked to experts for a complete division of how the menstrual cycle affects your skin, hair and even confidence. Keep reading to learn how to work with your bike – and look best through each phase.
Experts displayed in this article
Sara VaughnMD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at HRC fertility.
Jolene lighterMD, is a hormonekpert and writer.
Sahar WertheimerMD, is a dermatologist and hormonal Hudkspert.
The follicular phase of resolution is real
The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation – about seven days. It is also when your estrogen rises – and that hormone is a skin and hair MVP. “Estrogen improves skin hydration by binding to receptors on skin cells that produce hyaluronic acid,” says reproductive endocrinologist Sara Vaughn, MD. “It also stimulates collagen production, which improves elasticity and reduces fine lines.”
Hormonekspert Jolene Brighten, MD echoes the spread effect: “Estrogen improves skin hydration, collagen production and facial vascularization, all of which contribute to the” glow “effect that people report.” And it can happen more than an experienced boost that happens. “Some research indicates that women’s faces are ranked as more attractive in the late follicular phase, close to ovulation, when estrogen tops,” she adds.
Not only does your skin look more radiant, but your hair can also be shiny and fuller thanks to the hormonal shifts. So what does this mean? This means you book your dates, shoot your content and finally try it bold lip color You have been too shy to try.
The luteal phase
On the back, for no good lasts forever, the luteal phase (which begins after ovulation and lasts until your period begins; about 10-14 days) is what we jokes refer to as the evil stiff sister in the follicular phase. “Progesterone levels rise and can lead to increased sebum, causing oily skin and more acne outbreaks,” says Dr. Vaughn. “It can also weaken the skin barrier and cause condition such as eczema or irritating dermatitis to flare.” However, remember that everyone is different, and knowing the needs of the skin can make all the difference. “Not every person will break out with acne in the luteal phase. Everyone is different,” says dermatologist Sahar Wertheimer, MD.
Dr. Brighten adds that this shift often coincides with a reduction in trust. “Right before your period is hormones at the lowest and The skin may be drier And more sensitive. Some people experience boring or outbreaks, “she says. However, it is not just the outbreak. Feeling puffier or emotionally during this phase is not your imagination. Dr. Vaughn says,” Increased progesterone stimulates leptin production, which can contribute to bloating, and also affects neurotia. Know why.
Should you sync your beauty routine to your bike?
So if your hormones move your skin and the temperament of the hair to week, should your beauty routine change with it? Potentially. While Dr. Vaughn personally prefers stability of continuous birth control In order to avoid bicycle-driven ups and downs, she also says that time treatments can be helpful. “If you have skin that breaks out during the luteal phase, it makes sense to do things like facials or shells during the follicular phase instead,” she says. “Aggressive exfoliation, chemical shells or laser treatments can be risky during outbreaks when the skin is more reactive.” Dr. Wertheimer suggests concentrating on deep cleaning and avoiding heavy makeup. “Moisten well and focus on oil control with the hair during luteal and menstruation.”
Consider the luteal phase a transitional period leading to your period – it is a sensitive time. Dr. Wertheimer recommends a mild and “less is more” approach in recent weeks of your bike. “I would focus on mild laundry and moisturizing techniques. For hair, avoid over washing and use reinforcing treatments such as Hair masks. “With the upswear of estrogen under follicular and ovulation phase, doctors agree that this is a good time to lean into Collagen Production and Vitamin C serum. Dr. Brighten points to the follicular phase as Prime Time for beauty experiments. “This is the perfect time to schedule a photo session or go on a new date because you also feel more secure,” she says. And trust is, of course, the best beauty hack.
To understand the phases is the key
Your hormones may not come with a User manualBut they have a rhythm you can learn to let in. Understanding how they affect your skin and hair can take out some of the guesses from the good skin versus bad skin days. And even if you don’t have to review your routine every month, you can pay attention to the subtle shifts help you work with Your bike instead of against it. Because if we still have to ride on this hormone mountain and coaster, we might as well look good to do so.
Jasmine Desiree is a Los Angeles-based writer and editor who covers everything from beauty and wellness to interior design. She loves to report on people, places and trends that are innovative and influential to culture.