Skip to main content

Health shots

The menstrual cycle is a natural and essential process that occurs in the female body to prepare for a potential pregnancy. While menstruation is primarily associated with changes in the reproductive system, many women also experience various skin issues throughout the different phases of their menstrual cycle. These skin problems can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations during each phase, and knowing them can help you take care of them in the right way.

To discuss skin problems during a menstrual cycle and tips on how to manage them effectively, Health Shots got in touch with a Dr Urvi Panchal, MBBS, MD-Dermatology, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, and Hair Transplant Surgeon, who revealed that different phases of a menstrual cycle affect the skin in different ways.

“Hormonal fluctuations during different phases of the menstrual cycle can give rise to a range of skin issues, making it crucial for women to understand and navigate this connection,” reveals the expert.

Impact of menstrual cycle on skin

Here are 4 phases of a menstrual cycle and their impact on your skin:

Phase 1: Menstruation

The onset of menstruation marks the shedding of the uterine lining, which lasts approximately 3-7 days. Dr Panchal says, “During this period, hormone levels, especially estrogen, and progesterone, are relatively low, which can trigger acne breakouts, leading to the appearance of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.” In addition, skin sensitivity is also common in some women, making the skin more prone to irritation and redness.

menstrual cycle
A period cycle can affect your skin negatively. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Tips to manage skin problems during periods

  • Use a mild cleanser and avoid harsh exfoliants during this time to reduce skin sensitivity.
  • To address acne, use targeted spot treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
  • Keep the skin hydrated with a light, oil-free moisturizer.

Phase 2: Follicular phase

Post-menstruation, women enter the follicular phase, which spans ovulation. Due to an increase in estrogen levels, the skin starts getting better and more radiant. The follicular phase occurs just after menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, estrogen levels gradually rise, stimulating the maturation of ovarian follicles. Common skin problems during this phase include dryness and skin that appears dull and lacks radiance.

Tips to manage skin problems during follicular phase

  • To boost skin hydration and avoid such skin issues, invest in moisturizers and serums that contain hyaluronic acid.
  • Gentle exfoliation is a must! Add this step to your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and promote a radiant complexion.
Exfoliate skin
Exfoliating skin is an important skincare tip. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Phase 3: Ovulation

Dr Panchal says, “Ovulation, the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, marks the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Hormone concentrations rapidly shift during this phase. The surge in estrogen levels keeps the skin looking vibrant and healthy, while progesterone takes a back seat. Due to this, your skin may suffer increased oiliness, which may exacerbate acne breakouts.”

Tips to manage skin problems during ovulation

  • Use oil-absorbing sheets or blotting papers to manage excess oil throughout the day.
  • Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and makeup to prevent clogging of pores.

Phase 4: Luteal phase

The luteal phase is the period between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual cycle. In the luteal phase, if fertilization does not occur, hormone levels rapidly fluctuate. Estrogen levels drop and progesterone surges, leading to dull skin, acne breakouts, and sensitivity. It happens due to increased sebum production and pore-clogging during this phase.

acne breakout
Manage skin by using the best products. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Tips to manage skin problems during luteal phase of menstrual cycle

  • Ensure to cleanse the skin thoroughly but gently to remove excess oil and impurities.
  • Look for skincare products containing ingredients like green tea extract or niacinamide to reduce inflammation.

It’s essential to remember that every woman’s body is unique, and the severity of skin problems during the menstrual cycle may vary. If skin issues become persistent or severe, consult a dermatologist to manage them effectively.

The post How does your menstrual cycle impact your skin? appeared first on Healthshots.



from | HealthShots https://ift.tt/emcsgCl
via IFTTT
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Health shots

Cortisol face, a condition that can make your face look more rounded, and puffy, has been trending on TikTok. Many users of the platform are claiming that it is a prominent side effect of having high levels of cortisol or stress hormone in the body. To prove their point, TikTok users are showing their “cortisol face” along with an “after” photo of a less bloated face. When it comes to our body, cortisol has many functions. Mediating the stress response is one of its key functions. But is daily stress to be blamed for facial bloating or is it just a misconception? What is cortisol face? The literal meaning of the term “moon face” or “cortisol face” is the appearance of puffiness or rounding of facial features, shares dermatologist Dr Neha Khuraana . There is no medical diagnosis referred to as “cortisol face”. Rather it is just a symptom that involves physical changes in the facial features due to certain underlying health problems such as Cushing’s syndrome. It can cause weight gain ...
Read more

Health shots

Have you ever felt sick to your stomach which makes you throw up? If yes, you might have been feeling nauseous. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation that is often accompanied by vomiting. Nausea is not an illness, but a symptom. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions and is usually not risky. It can also be managed at home with simple home remedies. While seeking professional help is the best option, you can also try some home remedies for nausea that can help avoid puking. Plus, they are affordable and provide numerous benefits. What is nausea? Nausea is a vomiting sensation that causes discomfort and unease, accompanied by vomiting and even stomach cramps, as found in Medicine Plus Journal. Some people experience it when travelling long distances on the road and some even experience it due to allergic reactions to certain food groups. Also, when you are pregnant the nausea feeling can happen during your first trimester. Causes of nausea “When the downward moving wind prin...
Read more

Health shots

Sitting for long can hurt your back and affect your posture. That is why you should get up and walk around for a few minutes after every few hours. Stretching or doing standing yoga poses can also help to improve posture. If you choose to do standing yoga poses, you can enjoy more health benefits. Such yoga asanas can improve balance, and concentration while also strengthening the legs, core, and back muscles. Here’s a list of standing yoga poses for beginners as well as fitness enthusiasts. What is a standing yoga pose? Standing yoga poses form the foundation of many yoga practices, anchoring us firmly to the earth while inviting us to reach for the sky. They are a diverse range of postures that challenge our balance, flexibility, and focus, says yoga expert Dr Hansaji Yogendra . The Eagle pose promotes flexibility. Image courtesy: Freepik How to do standing yoga poses? Here are some of the standing yoga poses you can do at home or workplace – 1. Sthitaprarthasana or Standing ...
Read more