We all experience changes in our skin throughout our cycle. Some weeks we're giving GLOWING skin, others we're down in the dumps with breakouts and dryness 🥲
The reason is simple: your skin is a hormone-responsive organ. Oestrogen supports collagen, hydration and barrier repair, progesterone stimulates oil production, and relative testosterone — unopposed in the second half of your cycle — encourages sebum and clogged pores. As these hormones rise and fall, so does your skin's behaviour.
So, to help you out, we've put together our skiin guide to hormonal skin, and how to manage it — phase by phase.
Day 1 - 6: your period
Hormone levels are low, skin might be dry and lacklustre. Use a moisturiser or serum containing hyaluronic acid. We love @officialmedik8 Hydr8 B5.
This is also when your skin barrier is at its most fragile, so go gentle: skip strong actives, keep cleansing light and prioritise barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides alongside your hydration.
Day 7 - 11: the rebuild
Estrogen production begins and skin cell turnover increases. Time to exfoliate ⏰ Our fave is @drlevyofficial's 3 Deep Cell Renewal.
Rising oestrogen also means better wound healing and hydration, so this is the ideal window for treatments too — microneedling, peels and laser tend to deliver their best results when your skin is in this naturally regenerative phase.
Day 12 - 16: the glow
Estrogen peaks ⚡ We are glowing and radiant and we want to maintain it. We can do this by using @officialmedik8 Clarity Peptides.
Enjoy it — this is your skin at its most resilient. Keep the routine simple, wear your SPF religiously and let the natural luminosity do the talking.
Day 17 - 24: the oily turn
Progesterone peaks, pores are tight and skin is oily. Drawing out impurities is our No.1 priority here so we're going for Dr Levy Radical Reboot Pro Peel.
Sebum production can increase by up to 30% in this window, so if you're prone to congestion, switch to non-comedogenic products and don't be tempted to over-strip the skin — that only triggers more oil.
Day 25 - 28: the breakout window
Hormonal acne is rearing its head, so we're clearing pores, killing bacteria and ✋🏻 preventing those breakouts. Medik8 Blemish Control Pads are the one here.
Stress and poor sleep both make this phase worse, so protect your rest where you can, and resist picking — post-period skin marks easily, and pigmentation lingers far longer than the spot itself.
When it's more than your cycle
A little cyclical change is completely normal, but if you're getting deep, painful breakouts every month — particularly along the jawline and chin — or your skin changes come with irregular periods, it's worth seeing a doctor. Persistent hormonal acne often needs a medical approach rather than a skincare one.
At Skiin, our doctors can assess your skin and your history, and build a plan that actually addresses the cause — from clinical-grade treatments to alongside-care with your GP. Book a consultation and we'll take it from there.
