Your Skin & the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a complex biological process that occurs in four distinct phases. Firstly, we need to understand the basics of the cycle, and that consists of the 4 main phases of the menstrual cycle.
The first phase, known as the menstrual phase, marks the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in menstruation. This phase typically lasts for about three to seven days.
Following this is the remainder of the follicular phase (as menstruation also classes as part of the follicular phase), where the body prepares for ovulation. During this phase, the hormones stimulate the growth of follicles, one of which contains an egg.
Next comes ovulation, characterised by the release of the mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube. This is a moment in time which defines the end of the follicular phase and the start of the luteal phase.
Lastly, the luteal phase sets in. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum disintegrates, hormone production decreases rapidly, and the uterine lining starts to shed again, starting the cycle all over again.
Understanding these phases not only helps women navigate their reproductive health but also provides insight into possible hormonal imbalances and can help you whether or not you plan to have children. When you begin to pay attention to your natural cyclical rhythms, you begin to appreciate this greatly misunderstood part of being a woman.
Your skin and your cycle:
In terms of your skin, we’ve broken the cycle down into the two main halves, the one before ovulation (Follicular), and the one after ovulation (Luteal), as your skin type is distinctly more different in these two phases. Now, bear with me as we may repeat a little here, but it’s all to help explain the full process and we promise it will all make sense in the end!
The Follicular phase: (Approx. the first 2 weeks of your cycle, the time between the first day of menstruation and ovulation). Oestrogen gradually rises as an egg prepares to be released. As the oestrogen rises, our skin becomes more elastic and firm due to oestrogen’s collagen-influencing properties.
The follicular phase consists of:
- Menstruation: When the lining of the uterus sheds (the period). Levels of oestrogen and progesterone are low which can mean that our skin is dry and dull.
- The Proliferative phase (most commonly referred to as the Follicular Phase, although its technically both!): After the period and before ovulation, the uterine lining builds back up again. You’ll notice your skin becoming more firm & elastic.
Then, we get to the mid-point…
Ovulation: The release of the egg from the ovary. Oestrogen peaks just beforehand, and then drops shortly afterwards. We can be super sociable, feel good and our skin can look good at this time of the month!
Ovulation is a single point in time, and defines the two halves of the cycle, but your fertile window lasts for the 5 days prior and the day of ovulation, this is the time when conception is able to happen.
The Luteal phase: (Approx. the last 2 weeks of your cycle, starting right after ovulation and ending the day before your next period) When the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. The uterine lining produces chemicals that will either help support an early pregnancy or will prepare the lining to break down and shed if pregnancy doesn’t occur. In this phase, Progesterone is produced, peaks, and then drops. Progesterone causes an increase in oil production on our skin and when not managed properly, can cause a build up of excess oil and lead to breakouts. With the right oil cleanser, this increased oil production is not only amazing for our skin but is also is a breeze to keep at the right levels.