Most women are never told why their skin and hair start to change, they’re just handed a cream and told to “hydrate” or that it’s just a part of aging.

It’s true that the hormonal changes throughout the month of your menstrual cycle affect all parts of our body especially the skin. The first phase of the cycle also known as the follicular phase is not as problematic as the last phase.  The face is definitely singled out by the hormonal changes during the luteal phase which is two weeks before a period. The hormonal surges before a period make the oil glands of the face hyperactive creating oilier skin, attracting unwanted bacteria and those dreaded monthly pimples.

Keeping the skin clean, hydrated and protected from sun damage should be part of your morning and evening skin care ritual throughout the cycle. Knowing the skin is oilier before a period means skin products can be used to help reduce the likelihood of pimples during this time of the month.  The skin is also more prone to redness and sun sensitivity before and during the period. Being prepared with safe and effective skin products will help avoid the dreaded skin acne and sensitivities when Aunt Flo comes to town. Depending on where you are in the cycle will determine which products to grab out of the medicine cabinet.

I suggest keeping your skin care simple and consistent during the expected hormonal changes of your menstrual cycle. Always wash your face well twice a day with an antibacterial facial cleanser. During the majority of the month, you will want to use a quality skin moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning and evening. Right before your period, clean your face with an anti-inflammatory cleaner with salicylic acid to help avoid or treat pimples that come around this time.

The main difference with older women is they need to hydrate and moisturize their face every day religiously!  With time and aging skin will lose its tone and elasticity.  Keeping the body and skin well hydrated is even more important with aging.

Clean, hydrate, moisture, protect that’s what you need to keep in mind during the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle.