Our skin, just like our moods and energy, is influenced by the phases of our menstrual cycle. Whether you're prone to dryness, eczema, or breakouts, understanding your cycle can empower you to care for your skin more intuitively—supporting it before, during, and after menstruation.
Here’s how your skin -especially eczema responds throughout the cycle and what you can do to nourish and protect it every step of the way.
1. Before Your Period (Luteal Phase)
What’s Happening:
Hormone levels, especially progesterone, begin to peak and then drop. This hormonal shift can trigger inflammation, increased oil production, and clogged pores. You may notice puffiness, breakouts, or skin sensitivity.
What Your Skin Needs:
✔ Anti-inflammatory support
✔ Gentle exfoliation to clear congestion
✔ Calming and soothing hydration
How to Support It:
-
Use clay masks or activated charcoal soap to help detox and purify.
-
Mist with anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel or chamomile.
-
Apply body butters rich in Vitamin E, chia seed oil, or calendula.
-
Eat skin-loving foods like salmon, berries, and greens to reduce inflammation.
2. During Your Period (Menstrual Phase)
What’s Happening:
Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Blood flow and hydration in the skin can decrease, leaving it dull, tired, or extra dry. You may feel more fatigued or inward.
What Your Skin Needs:
✔ Deep nourishment
✔ Restorative moisture
✔ Gentle rituals
How to Support It:
-
Prioritize hydrating oils and butters like Everhydrate Oil + Butter.
-
Use warm, soothing baths with bath salts to relax body and mind.
-
Keep your mist simple and replenishing—rose water and aloe are ideal.
-
Focus on grounding foods like root vegetables, lentils, and warm broths.
3. After Your Period (Follicular Phase)
What’s Happening:
Hormones start to climb again—estrogen is increasing. Your skin often feels its best: brighter, firmer, and more hydrated. This is a great time for renewal and recharging.
What Your Skin Needs:
✔ Light hydration
✔ Cell regeneration
✔ Barrier support
How to Support It:
-
Gently exfoliate to reveal your skin’s natural glow.
-
Mist with skin-renewing ingredients like green tea, cucumber, or gotu kola.
-
Feed your skin from within—try zinc-rich foods like lentils, pumpkin seeds, and beets.
-
Keep your nervous system supported through daily movement, breathwork, and nature walks.
4. Leading Up to Ovulation (Ovulatory Phase)
What’s Happening:
Estrogen peaks, and so does collagen production—your skin may look radiant and plump. You feel more confident and outward-focused.
What Your Skin Needs:
✔ Protection from excess oil or breakouts
✔ Lightweight hydration
✔ Radiance boosters
How to Support It:
-
Use a light, balancing mist with lemongrass, rose water, or aloe.
-
Focus on vitamin C–rich foods and antioxidants.
-
Move freely—sweat gently and rinse skin well after.
-
Stay mindful of triggers like sugar or dairy if you’re prone to mid-cycle acne.
For years it's been a mystery trying to understand our cycle, from the cramps, to the breakouts, and the weird food cravings. One thing is for sure, understanding the rhythms of your menstrual cycle can transform the way you care for your skin and ultimately caring for our internal wellbeing.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about partnership. When you meet your skin where it’s at, you allow healing, softness, and resilience to unfold naturally.
Want to know more about how I take care of my eczema while being on my menstrual cycle, listen to our podcast episode "EPI #022 - Eczema & The Menstruation Cycle - What Your Skin Is Doing" for more tips and my in depth testimonial!
As Always,
Your beauty starts with self-care
Mekisha
Leave a comment