- Unwelcome outbreaks often correlate to different times in your cycle
- Hormones cause common skin problems from greasiness to dryness
- Skin expert Susan Curtis has put together a handy monthly cycle calendar
- There are steps you can take to prevent acne from days 22 to day four
Unity Blott For Mailonline
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There are few women who don’t suffer the occasional spot – and most will agree an unwelcome outbreak has the potential to ruin your day.
But research suggests these sudden flare-ups are not as random as they seem and can often be linked to your monthly cycle.
And it’s not just spots; common skin problems from greasiness to dryness can change dramatically as you enter a new phase of the month.
Susan Curtis, natural health director at Neal’s Yard Remedies, explains: ‘The average woman’s skin changes according to the stage she is at during her monthly 28-day menstrual cycle’
The good news is, experts have now put together a handy chart to help you navigate the different phases of your skin as you go through your cycle – and how to tackle them.
Susan Curtis, natural health director at Neal’s Yard Remedies, explains: ‘The average woman’s skin changes according to the stage she is at during her monthly 28-day menstrual cycle.’
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The first phase of your cycle – from day five to ten – is when your skin is most likely to be ‘dry and a little flaky’, Susan explains.
But there are steps you can take to avoid this. She advises: ‘Drink plenty of water and increase your intake of healthy fats to help it stay supple.’
From day 11 to day 21, you can relax as your skin is likely to be normal and glowing. Susan says: ‘Skin should be at its healthiest and clearest between days 11 and 21.
The monthly cycle: Skinexperts have now put together a handy chart to help you navigate the different phases of your skin as you go through your cycle – and how to tackle them
But sadly it’s not all good news: ‘If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome, stress-hormone levels may increase, causing your skin to produce oil,’ she adds.
‘This may lead to inflamed skin and spots. Engage in gentle relaxing exercise, such as yoga, to help ease your stress levels and keep skin clear.’
Unfortunately things are set to get worse as you enter the end of your cycle, as your skin may become greasy and acne prone from day 22 into day four.
‘Skin is most problematic during this time in the cycle,’ Susan warns. ‘It is oily and thus prone to acne, and you may have pronounced dark circles under your eyes. Your skin is also more likely to react to allergies at this time.
‘Even if you don’t feel like it, try to work up a sweat with exercise – it helps remove dirt and unclog pores. Make sure you sweep toner over your face afterwards to remove sweat and grease.’
The daily cycle: As the afternoon goes on your skin becomes calmer, and Susan says 4pm is the ‘optimum’ time to apply nourishing masks and serums
Susan says our skin also goes through a daily cycle – tending to be more absorbent and prone to allergic reactions first thing in the morning. By midday the production of new skin drops, meaning skin conditions can be exacerbated.
As the afternoon goes on your skin becomes calmer and Susan says 4pm is the ‘optimum’ time to apply nourishing masks and serums.
Later on in the afternoon your skin temperature is at its highest and pores are more open, meaning your more likely to sweat. It’s the perfect time for a warm bath or a sauna, which can help detox your skin.
Between 9pm and midnight skin becomes more sensitive to histamine – but as it gets into the early hours your skin should become fairly calm again.
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