Alright, let’s talk about something we all go through but don’t always connect to our skin: our menstrual cycle. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin seems to glow one week and break out the next, why some days you feel unstoppable and others you just want to curl up in bed, it’s not just in your head. Your hormones are shifting all month long, and they have a lot to say about your skin, mood, and overall wellbeing.
So, let’s break it down week by week—because understanding your cycle means you can work with it instead of feeling like it’s working against you.
Week 1: Menstrual Phase (Days 1-7) – The Reset
What’s happening: Your period has arrived, and estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Your body is shedding the uterine lining, and this dip in hormones can leave you feeling tired, moody, and maybe even a little meh.
How your skin feels: Dry. Dull. Sensitive. With estrogen low, your skin produces less collagen and hydration, making it more prone to irritation, redness, and breakouts (thanks to an increase in inflammation).
How to care for it:
💧 Hydration is key—reach for nourishing, moisture-boosting ingredients like those in the hyaluronic hydrator and The AOC. Apply more frequently if you need to.
🌿 Be gentle—your skin barrier is more vulnerable, so skip harsh exfoliants and focus on calming, barrier-supporting ingredients. If you currently have a chemical exfoliant in your routine it may be best to skip it at this time and reach for the Instant Enzyme Peel.
🧘♀️ Rest and replenish—your body is doing a lot behind the scenes, so listen to it. Extra sleep, warm baths, and slow, cozy evenings are your best friends. Get The Mineral Mud Mask painted on and take some you time.
Week 2: Follicular Phase (Days 8-14) – The Glow Up
What’s happening: Estrogen is rising, and it’s bringing all the good vibes with it. This is the week where you’re likely feeling your best. Energy levels increase, your mood lifts, and confidence skyrockets.
How your skin feels: Plump, hydrated, radiant. This is peak glow season, thanks to estrogen boosting collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels. Your skin feels bouncy, smooth, and naturally dewy.
How to care for it:
✨ Maximise that glow - this is the time to get The Pink Clay Glow Up Mask to work!
🧴 Use your treatment serums - your skin is naturally holding onto more moisture, so its a great time for your retinols and other treatment serums. The Night Serum thrives during the follicular phase!
🚀 Embrace the energy boost - use this time to schedule big meetings, workouts, or social events. You’ll feel more motivated and less likely to get overwhelmed.
Week 3: Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17) – The Peak
What’s happening: Estrogen reaches its highest point, testosterone gets a little boost, and you’re likely feeling amazing. Your skin is still glowing, your energy is high, and your confidence? Next level.
How your skin feels: This is your supermodel phase—clear, luminous, balanced. Blood circulation increases, giving you that natural flush, and breakouts are (mostly) under control. But, with testosterone rising, some people might notice their skin getting slightly oilier.
How to care for it:
💦 Keep skin balanced—stick to your Almond Oil Cleanser at night and add in The Cloud Cleanser a few times a week if needed. The Pink Clay Glow Up Mask will be thriving in your routine this week!
🌞 SPF, always - This is true of every day but increased estrogen makes your skin more sensitive to UV damage, so daily sunscreen is essential.
💃 Enjoy the confidence boost—this is a great time to tackle big tasks, try something new, or just soak up feeling yourself. Enjoy every second.
Week 4: Luteal Phase (Days 18-28) – The Storm Before the Calm
What’s happening: Progesterone takes the lead, triggering oil production and water retention. Your mood might feel a little all over the place and energy levels can start to dip.
How your skin feels: Congested, inflamed, prone to breakouts. Increased sebum production means clogged pores, and progesterone can make skin more reactive, leading to redness and puffiness.
How to care for it:
🧼 Deep cleanse (but don’t strip)- oil cleansing is your bestie here, as it dissolves excess sebum without damaging your skin barrier. Grab that AOC!
🍃 Get Masking - Get your Mineral Mud Mask out and put to work. This will help with oil management, congestion and overall dullness. If you have red inflamed breakouts, use The Pink Clay Glow Up Mask instead.
🛏 Prioritise rest—your body needs extra TLC, so slow down, say no when you need to, eat, drink, book a selfare treatment and embrace cozy evenings.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
Your skin isn’t randomly breaking out, glowing, or feeling dry, it’s following the rhythm of your cycle. When you understand these shifts, you can work with your hormones instead of feeling like they’re constantly throwing you curveballs.
✨ Lean into hydration when your skin is dry
✨ Maximise glow during your follicular and ovulatory phases with your Pink Clay Mask
✨ Stay ahead of oiliness and breakouts before they hit by using your Mineral Mud Mask
✨ Give yourself grace (and a little extra self-care) when PMS strikes
The more we listen to our bodies, the more empowered we are to care for our skin and ourselves. Because at the end of the day, skincare isn’t just about what we put on our face, it’s about understanding and honouring what’s happening beneath the surface.
So, next time your skin feels off, check in with your cycle. It might just have the answers you’re looking for.