Words by Maisie Bovingdon
Spots. We all get them, and we all hate them. As much as we try to cover them up with concealer or foundation, they still manage to make themselves seen.
There are a whole host of reasons why we suddenly breakout, but the main culprit is hormonal changes, especially throughout a woman's menstrual cycle.
Within a 28-day cycle our complexion can change drastically; from crystal clear one minute, to pussy pimples the next, super dry and flaky to oily and unpleasantly shiny. We just can't win.
But experts at Swedish brand FOREO has revealed exactly why our skin changes in the run up to our period, during and afterwards, and the tips to take to have radiant and acne-free skin even if it is your TOTM.
Stage 1: The Menstrual Phase (Day 1 to 5)
The first phase starts with day one of your period, and it tends to be the peak time of the month when we are most vulnerable to breakouts *sigh *.
Within the first few days of Aunty Flo making her return some some people may feel spots brewing under the skin's surface, and redness around the face, which means the dreaded zit is planning to show its face - literally.
During this time our bodies start to produce excess oestrogen, which triggers the production of oil and sebum, and causes skin - the main contributors to spots.
As much as we may feel sluggish during our period, it is paramount we take extra care of our skin by gently exfoliating and cleansing the face, especially the T-zone, which is often the main problem area as it is the most oily, as well as our chin, and around the nose too.
To use: FOREO recommend the Luna mini 2 device, with its small brushes that can removed 99.5% of dirt hiding in all crevices.
Stage 2: The Follicular Phase (Day 5 to 15)
The mid-point in a woman's cycle is when we notice our skin has become dry and flaky, in comparison to the week before, which left us feeling like a grease ball, all because our oestrogen levels have dropped.
During these 10 days our skin, and body, is crying out for some extra TLC. While last week we needed to cleanse, cleanse, cleanse, now it is time to hydrate yourself to repair the skin's barrier after a week of going through the wars (well that's what it feels like anyway, right?)
Hydrating masks, deeply nourishing moisturisers, vitamin sprays, and simply drinking all the H20 will work wonders on the skin and help to achieve the desired glow.
To use: Foreo H2Overdose UFO Advanced Collection Mask or Ultra Hydrating Face Mask for Dry Skin, which is infused with hyaluronic acid to combat dry skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Stage 3: The Luteal Phase (Day 15 to 28)
No, we didn't know it was called that either, but it's the last leg of your cycle, and the prime time to show off your radiant skin in all the selfies your camera roll can handle.
During these two-weeks ahead of your next period your blood circulation will increase, thanks to oestrogen, which instantly leaves us looking fresh faced with a bit more colour in our cheeks. Although oestrogen will start to rise again it is not to the point where our face becomes too oily.
Our skin in this fortnight will easily absorb ingredients, which is why we still need to be mindful what we put on our skin, and in our bodies too.
A FOREO expert has advised women to use cleansers containing amino acids, and antioxidants including vitamin E and vitamin C, to boost cell function, collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and UV damage.
To use: FOREO advise using the Micro-Foam Cleanser because its lightweight formula, which is filled with skin-replenishing amino acids and vitamins, will provide a deep but gentle cleanse.
Spot-free, glowing skin all year round we're ready for you!
Note: Every woman's skin and menstrual cycle is different depending on their hormones, so listen to your skin too.
