Hormonal Skin Changes During the Menstrual Cycle

Hey beauties,

 

Have you noticed how your skin changes throughout the month? Is it hormonal skin changes? 

One week it feels bright and glowing, and the next you’re facing breakouts, dryness or dullness. These shifts aren’t random. They are the result of hormonal skin changes during the menstrual cycle. Once we understand this connection, it’s easier to support our skin with care and compassion. 

 

Oestrogen: Your Glow Phase

In the first half of our cycle (follicular phase), oestrogen begins to rise. Higher oestrogen boosts collagen, hydration, and elasticity. This is when your skin often feels at its best - plump, dewy, and smooth. Many women say it’s a natural confidence boost, and it happens because your skin responds directly to oestrogen’s supportive influence. In other words, it’s when we love ourselves the most. 

 

Progesterone: The Balancing Act

After ovulation, progesterone steps in. This hormone stimulates oil production. For some, it creates a soft glow, but for others, it can trigger congestion or pre-period breakouts, especially around the jawline and chin. If our skin feels puffy or pores look more visible, progesterone may be the reason. If you’re one of the lovelies who get the glow – we’re jealous! 

 

The Premenstrual Dip

Right before your period, both oestrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply. This dip leaves skin more vulnerable to dryness, dullness, and sensitivity. Inflammation often increases, which is why conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis may flare. Our skin reflects this internal shift, showing us exactly where we are in our cycle. 

 

The monthly skin rhythm

Our skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside our body. If hormones are well balanced, our cycle may bring subtle changes. But if stress, poor sleep, or diet are throwing things out of sync, our skin may shout a bit louder, from stubborn breakouts to extra sensitivity. 

 

Working with our cycles

Instead of fighting hormonal skin changes during the menstrual cycle, we can adjust our skincare to match each phase:

• Follicular phase: choose lightweight hydration and antioxidant-rich products.
• Luteal phase: keep pores clear with gentle cleansing and avoid heavy creams.
• Menstrual phase: focus on soothing, calming ingredients to reduce sensitivity. 

Lifestyle choices also matter. Eating wholefoods, omega-3s, and colourful plants builds resilience from the inside out.

Yes, more fruits, more and more of the good stuff – boring, we know! But also, managing stress and supporting sleep helps our hormones stay balanced, giving our skin extra stability each month.

We all want that radiance eh, so what we put in/on our skin matters. 

 

The Bottom Line

Our skin’s fluctuations aren’t a flaw - they’re a reflection of our hormones. 

By understanding hormonal skin changes during the menstrual cycle, we can work with our body rather than against it. 

When we align skincare, body care and self-care with our cycle, those ups and downs feel more manageable, and our skin will thank you for it.