Skin care

8 Ways Your Daily Skin Care Regimen Should Change Along with Your Menstrual Cycle

You probably know about the link between hormones and acne, but were you aware that your menstrual cycle has a lot to do with "good skin days" too? Here's how to deal with the way your period affects your skin every day of the month

by Dawn Davis

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During your period: Use a skin-soother Cycle Day One corresponds to the first day of your period, at which point your hormones are very low. "You feel a little washed out," explains Booth. "And you may assume it's from blood loss, but there are also chemicals called prostaglandins that cause the run-down feeling by increasing inflammation." These prostaglandins are lipids that are released by our cells -- and they contribute to puffy, blotchy skin during the first few days of your cycle.

To help soothe your skin, use a moisturizer that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, chamomile, or feverfew. Try Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer, $14.99.

SEE NEXT PAGE: During your period: Amp up the glow

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Older comments

WOW! This article has to be a new fav of mine. Kudos to the author and whoever thought/approved this topic. More of these types please!

by asiagirl4ever Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 11:53PM Report as inappropriate

insightful and eye-opening article, but really pricey products and not very helpful for someone with an irregular and unpredictable cycle!

by jenstar313 Friday, January 11, 2013 at 09:41AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

expensive

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:02PM Report as inappropriate

This was a very insightful article. I never thought to base my skincare on my menstrual cycle but it makes sense. Thanks for the useful information.

by HeathRene Monday, September 10, 2012 at 11:48AM Report as inappropriate

Ouch! Some of this stuff is expensive!

by Kikidoll27 Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 12:03PM Report as inappropriate

How do you expect everyday, average people to afford skin care products that cost $100 or $180? Be more realistic in your recommendations. Not all of us get free samples of awesome products to try out!

by carissa_anderson Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:38AM Report as inappropriate

great info

by Nicole2814 Monday, July 16, 2012 at 09:09PM Report as inappropriate

great information, but next time can give more information on cheaper and affordable products

by jaye_tyler Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 02:32PM Report as inappropriate

Great info

by Kary26 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 03:03PM Report as inappropriate