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AcneSkinTips

Skin care during periods – 6 simple tips to get it right

3 Mins read

As women, our bodies are in a perpetual state of change. Just like the phases of the moon, each month as hormone levels – and their permutations and combinations – rise and fall, our moods to food choices and everything in between varies too. One such observable change occurs in the condition of skin throughout the month, especially the period skin. No surprise then, our skin care routines must be adjusted accordingly.

What’s really going on?

There are three main players – estrogen, progesterone and testosterone – whose varying proportions define your skin’s responses. Both progesterone and relatively higher testosterone can result in increased sebum (oily secretion) on your skin and eventually breakouts.

Imag of woman examining her face in the mirror - skin care in periods

When are you most susceptible?

  • First, at ovulation, thanks to progesterone. Oestrogen dominates the first half of the cycle and prepares the uterine lining, until progesterone takes the baton at ovulation.
  • Second, before menstruation, when both estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, while testosterone peaks. This also results in larger pores and dehydrated skin.

The good news is, post period your oestrogen climbs. It’s the magic potion you need. It strengthens your bones stimulating production of collagen and helps the skin retain moisture. Say hello to  glowing and healthy skin!

We are ruled by hormones. We may not win the battle with them, but we can minimize the damage with these 6 period skin care tips to keep the glow then too.

1. Dealing with menstrual acne:

Although acne begins with internal processes like increased sebum production, breakouts happen on encountering bacteria externally. Wash your face twice daily with lukewarm water and a mild salicylic acid face wash to keep bacteria at bay is a skin care tip take away. Extra care must be taken a week before the period. Dab your face with a tissue twice a day to blot excess oil. Luckily, our Acne Control Range has all the products you will need to fight acne and improve your skin’s health. Read about all the products here.

2. Scheduling a facial:

Woman with face pack on smiling on her bed

For clear skin during your periods, schedule your monthly facial 10-12 days before your period begins. Prior to that, your skin is at its glamorous best and after that most vulnerable. As the pores are relatively larger, cleansing is easier and the damage to skin is least.

3. Avoiding makeup:

Minimise the use of makeup and allow your skin to breathe. Apply milk cream and turmeric, fruit peels and homemade masks to rejuvenate skin naturally. Yogurt, egg, papaya, avocado are just some of many natural ingredients that will make up for the missing sheen. If you must wear makeup, cleanse it before going to bed too. Keep sunscreen handy if you spend time outdoors as skin is more sensitive to the sun at this time.

4. Hydrating dry skin:

Aloe vera and cucumber for skin care

Our skin during our period tends to become dry. Hence, honey is not only known for alleviating acne symptoms, it is also hydrating, a natural antiseptic and adds glow to your skin. You can also opt for a homemade hydrating mask – like cucumber and aloe vera – and use a toner after washing your face. Rose water is an excellent choice for a natural toner. Put on our Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer and drink plenty of water to prevent limp dehydrated skin.

5. Diet for skin care:

Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants are simply superb for your skin. They help reduce inflammation, keep skin supple and moisturized, boost circulation and slow down the ageing of skin. Supplement your diet with flax seeds, fish, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds (sunflower). All berries and plums are rich in antioxidants.

6. Exercise and relaxation:

Image of woman washing her face - skin care and exercise

Don’t fret the sweat. Exercise is not just for weight-reduction. That post period glow will be brighter and period cramps will be lighter. Sweat will push the grime out but remember to wash your face after a workout. Stoking blood flow will nourish your skin cells and cleanse the toxins. Relaxation, a good night’s sleep and rest when due are needed as stress can drain your verve and increase the production of sebum.

We’re always looking for ways to improve our standards of wellness and with this range, we aim to make it easier for you to find the right routine and provide correct skin care tips. With our Acne Control Range, we hope to help you out on your journey to achieve just that and help treat acne along the way. Shop all Nua products right here.

Team Nua
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Team Nua is a group of women searching for the right answers to create content you can trust. Everything we do is thought around you :)
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