Think of all the issues you have to deal with during your period; pain, bloating, mood swings, and even period diarrhoea. Now, add your skin to the list.
For many women, period breakouts are a common occurrence. In fact, studies show that 65% of women worldwide experience worse acne during their periods.
However, acne is not the only skin concern that can arise when you’re on your period. Hormonal changes can also cause oiliness, dryness, dullness, and increased skin sensitivity. To take your skin off the list of your period worries, we’ve put together a simple yet effective guide on skincare to use during your period.
Since skincare begins from within the body and extends to the outside, we have also added lifestyle tips to this list. From targeting your internal health to focusing on tender loving skincare outwardly, here are five skincare tips to make your period skin glow.
1. Keep Your Skincare Hydrating And Gentle
During your period, your skin tends to be more sensitive and drier than usual, thanks to low levels of a hormone called estrogen. To prevent irritation, opt for gentle products throughout your routine, from cleansing to moisturizing.
Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-stripping cleanser suitable for everyday use. This is not the time to use a salicylic acid cleanser everyday, even if those period breakouts tempt you.
Incorporate hydrating products into your routine to compensate for moisture loss and dehydration. A lightweight essence is an excellent addition that deeply hydrates your skin and keeps it plump.
Pro tip: Apply it to slightly damp skin for better absorption of the product. Look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate, both powerful skin hydrators.
2. Use Targeted Treatments
Depending on what your major skin concern during your period is, the targeted treatment of choice can range from acne treatments to products that focus on excess oil production, or dry, irritated skin.
If you suddenly break out on your skin, or if already-present acne gets worse during your period, gentle exfoliation will help unclog your pores and keep your skin clear during your period.
Avoid skin scrubs as these are harsh and will only irritate your skin further. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid in the form of exfoliating masks and toners.
To prevent dryness, apply acne treatments only on the affected areas 2-3 times weekly instead of all over your face. Look out for products with ingredients like lemon hydrosols for oil control, and look for hydrating products to soothe dry, irritated skin.
3. Switch To Healthy Diet Alternatives
While it can be tempting to give in to all your sugar cravings when on your period, research suggests that regulating your sugar intake can help with period acne. Sugary foods are naturally inflammatory (can trigger breakouts), and your skin doesn’t need more of that during this time.
When your cravings hit, opt for healthier alternatives. Water-rich fruits like watermelon hydrate your skin from within, and dark chocolate is a better choice than sugary drinks when you need a sweet fix.
Tree nuts such as walnuts and cashew nuts are also anti-inflammatory, so consuming them in moderation can help keep breakouts in check and promote clearer period skin. Staying hydrated is just as important as using hydrating skincare products, so drink lots of water to flush out toxins and keep your skin glowing.
4. Prioritize Sun Protection
Hormonal changes during your period can also make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation and irritation. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is a non-negotiable to protect your skin from sun damage.
To prevent clogged pores and resulting breakouts, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen. Don’t forget to reapply every 3 hours especially if you’re spending time outside on a sunny day.
5. Get Enough Sleep
If you’re making a list of what to avoid during periods to keep your skin radiant, ensure you add stress to the very top of the list. Getting enough sleep is a two-time period skincare tip, as it not only lowers your stress levels, but it also supports your skin’s natural repair process.
High stress levels increase cortisol, a hormone that can trigger acne and excess oil production. As such, getting 8 hours of quality sleep every night is essential to manage cortisol levels and skin health. In addition, your skin undergoes its most active repair process while you sleep, making good sleep a must-have for radiant skin during your period.
Conclusion
While we’ve focused on tips to make your face better on your period, it’s important to note that period skin concerns can extend to the skin on your body, and these tips are just as effective for your body.
If you experience acne or irritation on your chest, back, shoulders or anywhere else during your period, these skincare and lifestyle tips are sure to improve your overall radiance. Your period may come with its fair share of challenges, but with the right skincare, your skin doesn’t have to be one of them!
Before you go…
We appreciate you taking the time to read this blog to the end, and we hope you found it helpful. Please allow us to introduce ourselves quickly.
Shanyi Beauty is a brand that offers safe and effective skincare products that help you repair and maintain your skin barrier while fading hyperpigmentation and clearing fine lines, giving you healthy, even-toned, and youthful skin.
The products are potent and yet gentle on the skin, and they are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
For face care products designed to keep your skin radiant all year long (including period days), explore our curated collection today!