Have you ever had a week where your skin is glowing, completely acne-free, and your energy feels unstoppable—only to suddenly feel uncomfortable in your skin and notice breakouts, dryness, or even itchy patches? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can have a powerful impact on our energy levels and skin health.
In recent years, awareness around cycle syncing has surged, especially on social media. If you’re new to the concept, cycle syncing involves aligning your daily habits—such as workout styles, important meetings, big vacations, and even food choices and fasting - to the phase of your menstrual cycle.
Women who practice cycle syncing often experience greater focus, fewer low-energy days, and a more intimate understanding of their bodies.
Introducing Cycle-Synced Skincare
Cycle-syncing your skincare is a new aspect of this trend and gaining popularity. Just as you can adjust food and exercise to support each phase of your cycle, skincare routines can also be tailored to match your hormonal rhythms. Since hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month, these changes significantly impact our skin’s appearance and texture. Aligning skincare with your cycle allows you to give your skin exactly what it needs and when it needs it.
The Four Phases of Your Cycle and How to Care for Your Skin
Let’s dive into the four phases of the menstrual cycle and explore how to adjust your skincare routine for each one!
Menstrual Phase (starts with your period, typically lasting 3-7 days)
During menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, often resulting in dry, lackluster skin. Fine lines and wrinkles may also appear more noticeable. It can also be a time when women notice their skin becoming more sensitive to products.
Product Recommendation:
To bring back radiance, we recommend the Facial Scrub, which helps turn over dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthier-looking skin after just one use. Follow up with our Rejuvenating Mask to pamper freshly exfoliated skin with healing raw Hawaiian honey, purifying French green clay, and detoxifying Hawaiian blue-green algae. These ingredients replenish your skin with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, giving it the nourishment it needs during this phase.
Follicular Phase (Day 1 of period through day 13 or 14 – the first 3-7 days overlap the menstrual phase)
As estrogen levels rise, and collagen production increases, your skin naturally becomes clearer and plumper! This is when you look in the mirror and recognize the glowing face you know looking back at you. During this phase, your skin is easier to manage and can better handle targeted treatments like exfoliation or brightening.
Product Recommendations:
For this phase, we suggest sticking to your regular skincare routine, which can feature products like our Foaming Facial Wash, Facial Toner, and Face & Eye Crème. Your skin may not need anything overly specific now, so focus on maintaining it and adding targeted treatments if needed since your skin is a bit more resilient during this phase.
Ovulation Phase (ovary releases a mature egg – usually day 14 of a 28 day cycle)
During ovulation, an increase in testosterone can supercharge energy, but it also may trigger oil production, which can lead to breakouts for some. Others might enjoy an especially radiant glow. Whatever side you’re on, we’ve got you covered!
Product Recommendations:
If you feel a breakout coming, use our Spot Treatment, formulated to support skin health while targeting acne. It dries out blemishes quickly without harming the surrounding skin. For those blessed with clear skin during this phase, stick to the routine from the follicular phase to easily maintain that smooth, clear complexion!
Luteal Phase (right after ovulation until you get your period-the longest phase)
Your energy will likely dip here, but skincare must stay on the priority list! The rise in progesterone levels during this phase can increase the chance of breakouts, excess oil production, heightened sensitivity, and inflammation. Addressing these issues now can help reduce the possibility of period-related breakouts later!
Product Recommendations:
A time of inflamed skin calls for using our formulas that are specifically made for sensitive skin! From our Face & Eye Crème Extra Sensitive to our Facial Cleanser & Makeup Remover Extra Sensitive, HGO has you covered with skincare options free from essential oils, which can be a soothing choice for sensitive skin. Also, this phase is a great time to bring back the Facial Scrub and Rejuvenating Mask. Remember to use our Spot Treatment to calm the budding hormonal acne if breakouts become visible!
Remember, your cycle is as unique as you are. Use this guide as a flexible approach to cycle-syncing your skincare and pay attention to how your skin reacts throughout the month and through every phase. Honey Girl Organics supports you through your glow-up days and skin challenges with products that adapt as quickly as your hormones.
Are you ready to try cycle-syncing your skincare?
Let us know in the comments!