It's time to sync your skincare to your cycle

Turns out your period might be messing with your face more than you thought. We can help with that.

- By Erin Reimel

The week leading up to your period is the worst: You’re tired, achy, crampy and cranky. And, of course, your skin just *has* to pile on by breaking out.

The upside? By the time your period is over, your complexion is clear and radiant—but then it betrays you once again just a couple weeks later. It’s a vicious cycle (literally).

While you can’t magically look perfect 24/7, you can be smarter with your skincare, based on where you are in your cycle (who knew?). Get ready to glow with your flow…

HELLO, HORMONES

You probably know by now how hormones can affect you before and during your period (sore boobs, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, tummy troubles, you know the drill). But the swing in hormone levels through your menstrual cycle also impacts your skin. “During those 28 days, your hormones fluctuate—specifically estrogen, progesterone and testosterone,” explains dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

In other words, when hormones are at certain levels, they can cause your skin to feel super dry…or really oily. And at other points, you’ll likely experience clogged pores and cystic acne (fun, we know).

The good news is that “you can generally break down your cycle to predict how your skin will behave,” says Dr. Gross. And when you know how your skin is going to act during certain days, you can tweak your routine to keep your complexion looking clear and bright. Here’s your week-by-week plan to saving face…

WEEK 1