What’s the relationship between skin and hormones? Well, the hormonal changes that happen during your period can cause a decrease in progesterone levels. This blocks the sebaceous glands and causes the skin on your face to become oily and excessively shiny, which can result in acne. But don't worry, we have some useful tips on proper skincare during menstrual cycles.
FIRST, THE CLEANING ROUTINE
Before you put makeup on, you need to purify your skin.
CLEANING: IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT SOAP
For oily skin, feminine hygiene products can be friends or enemies. Although it’s important to keep the skin clean, excessive cleansing with soap and water can dry it out and cause the body to generate even more fat to compensate. Therefore, you should try to limit washing your face to twice a day: in the morning and at night. When hormonal changes produce oily skin, you have to go a little beyond neutral soap. The feminine hygiene products most recommended by dermatologists as part of a period skincare routine are micellar waters and soaps with antiseptic.
HYDRATION IS YOUR ALLY
So, it’s clear, we don’t want to add more oil to the skin but it’s essential to keep it hydrated. To get a good balance, choose oil-free creams that have a water or gel base. Serums are also good alternatives. These products have a lighter texture and provide the necessary hydration; ideal for skincare during periods. Extra tip: It’s not just which products you use, but it’s how you apply them that matters. Use small portions with slight touches on the face and always distribute them from the bottom up. This way you’ll be able to get the most effective results.
SUN PROTECTION: SHINELESS PROTECTION
Nothing is more important than protection against UV rays. Nowadays there are protectors called "dry touch" or "fluids" that are much lighter than usual. These options are better suited to counteracting fatty buildup and maintain a light texture on your skin during days when your skin and the cycle are going through changes.
EXFOLIATION: YOUR NEW SECRET WEAPON
Ordinarily you should avoid using a daily scrub, as it acts at a deep level and could damage your skin. However, when you do have excessively oily skin it can be a great hygiene product: it eliminates dead cells and cleanses your pores. On average a mild facial scrub once or twice a week is the best way to combat the skin-related symptoms of a period. Once the skin returns to its normal appearance, you should be able to space scrub sessions out to every fortnight.
MAKEUP TIPS: WHICH PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE AND HOW TO APPLY THEM
First, is to ensure that the products don’t bring more shine to the face. Second, is knowing the best tactics to use to help disguise the effect.
THE BASE: LIQUID, POWDER OR BB CREAM?
Again, the makeup you choose must be oil-free, but there are different options with their own advantages. Using compact powders ensures a matte effect. They’re also light and easy to touch up. But if we’re looking to completely cover imperfections, a liquid base without oil is the best choice. Although its texture is heavier, it’s better at evening out tones when there are hormonal changes. A BB Cream could also be the solution here. These dual-purpose products provide a natural makeup effect and contain ingredients that are more compatible with oily or combination skin.
THE REINFORCEMENT: BLUSH AND SHADOWS
Cheeks and eyelids can add a flattering visual effect when it comes to makeup for oily skin. To make sure they work in your favour, rather avoid creams and opt for powders. The best choice for shadows and blush are mineral powders that absorb fat and reinforce the matting effect. Plus, applying a pre-base or primer on the eyelids will help prevent the colour from looking cracked, while keeping a natural makeup look.
THE ACES UP YOUR SLEEVE
Many brands have developed feminine hygiene products specifically for oily skin. One of them is thermal water, which works as a makeup fixative that helps avoid regular touchups. Finally, we recommend drying/rice papers. These allies are perfect to use when you notice your skin is starting to become a little more oily.
Sources:
Bagazgoitia, L. (2015). The menstrual cycle and the skin. May 17, 2018, from Dermatología Bagazgoitia. Website: https://dermatologia-bagazgoitia.com/2015/02/ciclo-menstrual-piel-1963/amp
Ferrero, C. (2014). The 10 essentials of oily skin. May 17, 2018, from El país. Website: https://smoda.elpais.com/belleza/los-10-imprescindibles-de-las-pieles-grasas/amp/
Maffei, L. (2014). When the skin reflects a hormonal disorder. May 17, 2018, by Clarín. Website: https://www.clarin.com/buena-vida/salud/piel-refleja-trastorno-hormonal_0_H1KUe6xoDQx.amp.html
