Skincare and your menstrual cycle

Did you know that our menstrual cycle impacts our skin not just on the days we have our period but throughout our 30-day cycle?

I first discovered how our menstrual cycle impacts many elements of our lives back in 2009 when I met and started working with a medicine woman in the Peruvian Andes. I had never thought about how my menstrual cycle impacts how I look and feel through my cycle and this knowledge fundamentally changed how I live my life every month, yes, every month!

In today’s post I wanted to start sharing some of this wisdom around the menstrual cycle and how it interacts with our skin so you can tune in to your own cycle and care for your skin during the different phases.

No one knows your body better than you, so you’ve probably already noticed some changes in your skin during your cycle including things like hormonal breakouts and dryness at the time of your period among others. I hope the information and tips blow help you understand the different phases and how you can create your own custom skincare plan for your cycle.

MENSTRUATION: DAY 1 – 7

Your cycle starts at the beginning of your period. During this phase your skin tends to be dry and dull as levels of both of the sex hormones, progesterone and oestrogen are low.

MENSTRUATION SKIN TIPS:

This is a good time to slow down, rest and really look after yourself. Try to do the Nunaïa Ritual each night during this phase to ease emotions and help calm your nervous system and nourish and hydrate your skin. Use products that will hydrate and nourish your skin like our Nourishing Radiance Serum. It also targets dullness and helps to restore radiance so use products rich in antioxidants for a radiance-boosting glow. 

FOLLICULAR PHASE: DAYS 7 – 14

As your period stops your body will being to produce oestrogen again. Your skin will start to feel plumper as oestrogen helps boost collagen production and helps skin retain water so your skin looks glowy and dewy during this phase.

FOLLICULAR PHASE SKIN TIPS:

We are less sensitive to pain during this phase so it’s a great time to do any waxing or hair removal as it will feel less painful. Make sure to gently exfoliate the skin during this phase and choose skincare products that enhance radiance and tone and texture like the Nourishing Radiance Serum. 

OVULATION:  DAYS 14 – 18

This is the ovulation phase where we typically feel full of energy and vigour for life, Your skin is likely to appear strong and healthy. Some women have glowing skin during this phase but others can experience some oiliness.  

OVULATION PHASE SKIN TIPS:

Cleansing your skin is crucial during this phase to remove any excess sebum build up. A double cleanse each evening is ideal and then nourish your skin with antioxidant serums to boost radiance and hydration. Good ingredients to look for are Vitamin C and Pro vitamin A which are both found in Nunaia's Nourishing Radiance Serum. 

LUTEAL PHASE:  DAYS 18 - 28

The luteal phase begins after ovulation when the body starts to produce progesterone. This causes the production of sebum, a thick oily substance that naturally lubricates the skin. In some women this can cause pores to clog and cause acne breakouts. Skin can feel more sensitive during this phase and you may notice bumps and spots along the jaw line and t-zone areas. Some women also retain water and feel a little bloated coming up to their period.

LUTEALPHASE SKIN TIPS:

Make sure to double cleanse using a brightening cleanser like our award-wining Superfood Cleansing Balm and use an anti-inflammatory serum like Nourishing Radiance Serum to help reduce any inflammation in the skin. If breakouts are an issue try a purifying clay face mask or salicylic acid to treat any blemishes or spots that may appear. With PMS symptoms we can to have cravings for sugar which can impact our skin health so try to stick to a healthy diet with lots of leafy greens to help eliminate any excess oestrogen and help keep bloating at bay.  Finally, make sure to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

Would you like to learn more about your menstrual cycle and how you can work with your cycle for a life of greater balance and flow?  Sign up for our newsletter here to receive content and tips from Nunaïa Founder Nicola Connolly as she shares her 12 years of experience working with and learning from medicine women and coaching clients to use their menstrual cycles as a powerful tool for living a life in greater balance.  

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