Your Hormonal Skin Map: How your cycle affects your face
Our skin is in constant conversation with our hormones, especially for those of us with menstrual cycles. Each month, fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shape how our skin looks, feels, and responds to products. Learning how your complexion changes throughout the month is key to working with your body’s natural rhythm. It can unlock smoother, brighter, more balanced skin.
Here’s how to sync your skincare to your cycle using the power of the right products at the right time.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1 to 5)
All hormone levels are at their lowest. Skin may feel dry, dull, and sensitive, with slower circulation and reduced elasticity.
What your skin needs: deep hydration, barrier repair, and soothing nourishment.
What to use:
- Super Hydration Serum: Powered by low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this serum draws water deep into the skin to restore bounce and relieve dryness.
- Barrier Balance Cream: Rich in ceramides and fatty acids, this gel moisturiser calms inflammation and helps rebuild the skin’s protective layer.
Why it works: This duo deeply replenishes moisture and helps skin recover from hormonal depletion. Expect skin to feel soft, plump, and comforted.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1 to 5)
All hormone levels are at their lowest. Skin may feel dry, dull, and sensitive, with slower circulation and reduced elasticity.
What your skin needs: deep hydration, barrier repair, and soothing nourishment.
What to use:
- Super Hydration Serum: Powered by low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this serum draws water deep into the skin to restore bounce and relieve dryness.
- Barrier Balance Cream: Rich in ceramides and fatty acids, this gel moisturiser calms inflammation and helps rebuild the skin’s protective layer.
Why it works: This duo deeply replenishes moisture and helps skin recover from hormonal depletion. Expect skin to feel soft, plump, and comforted.
Follicular Phase (Days 6 to 13)
Oestrogen begins to rise, stimulating collagen production, elasticity, and natural glow. Skin often appears clearer, more balanced, and luminous.
What your skin needs: gentle exfoliation, treatments, and ingredients that enhance cell turnover.
What to use:
- Gold Purifying Mask: Formulated with kaolin clay, jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and our SL8 Blend of active botanicals, this mask draws out impurities without stripping the skin. It gently detoxifies, brightens, and primes the skin for deeper absorption of serums.
- Follow with Super Hydration Serum to lock in moisture post-treatment.
Why it works: Skin is more resilient during this phase, making it an ideal time to target pigmentation, uneven texture, or congestion. Think of this as your reset window.
Follicular Phase (Days 6 to 13)
Oestrogen begins to rise, stimulating collagen production, elasticity, and natural glow. Skin often appears clearer, more balanced, and luminous.
What your skin needs: gentle exfoliation, treatments, and ingredients that enhance cell turnover.
What to use:
- Gold Purifying Mask: Formulated with kaolin clay, jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and our SL8 Blend of active botanicals, this mask draws out impurities without stripping the skin. It gently detoxifies, brightens, and primes the skin for deeper absorption of serums.
- Follow with Super Hydration Serum to lock in moisture post-treatment.
Why it works: Skin is more resilient during this phase, making it an ideal time to target pigmentation, uneven texture, or congestion. Think of this as your reset window.
Ovulation (Around Day 14)
Oestrogen peaks and testosterone rises slightly. This boosts your natural glow but also increases oil production, especially in the T-zone.
What your skin needs: balance and internal support.
What to use:
- Apply lighter layers of Barrier Balance Cream to maintain hydration without overwhelming oilier areas.
- Support your skin from within by increasing nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, omega-3s, and zinc-rich options such as pumpkin seeds, lentils, and oysters. These support hormone detoxification and help reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
Why it works: Ovulation is your glowiest window, but internal imbalances can quickly show on the skin. A nutrient-rich diet and breathable skincare routine help maintain clarity and calm.
Ovulation (Around Day 14)
Oestrogen peaks and testosterone rises slightly. This boosts your natural glow but also increases oil production, especially in the T-zone.
What your skin needs: balance and internal support.
What to use:
- Apply lighter layers of Barrier Balance Cream to maintain hydration without overwhelming oilier areas.
- Support your skin from within by increasing nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, omega-3s, and zinc-rich options such as pumpkin seeds, lentils, and oysters. These support hormone detoxification and help reduce the likelihood of breakouts.
Why it works: Ovulation is your glowiest window, but internal imbalances can quickly show on the skin. A nutrient-rich diet and breathable skincare routine help maintain clarity and calm.
Luteal Phase (Days 15 to 28)
Progesterone rises and testosterone lingers. Skin may become congested, inflamed, textured, or prone to breakouts, especially along the jawline.
What your skin needs: anti-inflammatory ingredients, barrier support, and minimal interference.
What to use:
- Super Hydration Serum
A non-irritating hero during this reactive phase, it soothes inflammation and keeps hydration levels steady. - Apply a thinner layer of Barrier Balance Cream to avoid clogging pores while still protecting the skin.
- Wear less makeup if possible to reduce congestion and give your skin space to breathe.
Why it works: This is the most breakout-prone phase. Overloading the skin with heavy products or makeup can cause more harm than good. Gentle, calming care is key.
Luteal Phase (Days 15 to 28)
Progesterone rises and testosterone lingers. Skin may become congested, inflamed, textured, or prone to breakouts, especially along the jawline.
What your skin needs: anti-inflammatory ingredients, barrier support, and minimal interference.
What to use:
- Super Hydration Serum
A non-irritating hero during this reactive phase, it soothes inflammation and keeps hydration levels steady. - Apply a thinner layer of Barrier Balance Cream to avoid clogging pores while still protecting the skin.
- Wear less makeup if possible to reduce congestion and give your skin space to breathe.
Why it works: This is the most breakout-prone phase. Overloading the skin with heavy products or makeup can cause more harm than good. Gentle, calming care is key.
