Menstruation is a part of life that, unfortunately, can’t be helped, but what you can have some control over is your skin. Of course most women are aware that once their period comes around, they can expect a pimple or two, or even a slight breakout. However, this doesn’t have to be the case if you know what to expect. With a shift in your skincare routine, you can effectively maintain a fairly blemish-free complexion even during your menstrual cycle.

It goes without saying that during a woman’s menstrual cycle, changes occur. The fluctuations in hormones can wreak havoc on a woman’s complexion and the main mistake most make during this time of the month is to continue their same skincare routine. If your skin is behaving differently during your period, then why stick to the same routine for when your skin is behaving normally?

In general, women (who are not taking birth control orally) tend to experience dry skin when their menstrual cycle comes along. This occurs due to low estrogen levels. However, this estrogen level increases during both the premenstrual phase and before ovulation. Additionally, the way a woman’s skin reacts to exposure to ultraviolet rays also changes during the menstruation cycle, resulting in changes in the skin. Studies have shown that a woman’s complexion is more vulnerable to ultraviolet damage during the premenstrual stage. So what does all this mean for you?

This information means that you not only need to monitor your skin and how to reacts during your menstrual cycle, but also make the necessary changes to accommodate your complexion. Be sure to keep track of your menstrual cycle on the calendar each month. This will help remind you of when to switch up your skincare routine. Make a special note on your calendar the week before you know your menstrual cycle will begin to switch to gentler skincare products. It’s best to choose products made for sensitive skin - to play it safe, you can opt for all natural or organic skincare products to avoid any allergic reactions. If your complexion gets drier than normal during your period, then make it a point to moisturize. After cleansing, pat your face dry but leave it a bit damp so that your facial moisturizer will lock in more hydration.

Sun protection should also play a part in your menstrual skincare routine. Because the skin is more vulnerable in the premenstrual stages, it is important to guard your skin against UVA and UVB damage by wearing good quality sunscreen. If you aren’t big about wearing sunscreen or sun block on your face, you can always opt for a facial moisturizer that comes with SPF protection. This will keep your skin protected throughout the day and also works great for setting your foundation. Additionally, you can take your sun protection further by wearing makeup that also contains SPF protection.

Taking all these extra measures in your skincare during your menstrual cycle will keep your complexion at its best before, during, and after your cycle.

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