Our cycles communicate our monthly needs, it’s time to listen.
Let’s say I’m the patriarch here, and my objective is to disconnect women from their bodies. My first tool to disempower women would be planting seeds of distrust.
When our monthly acne is inflamed? “You just haven’t drunk enough water.”
When your period cramps are debilitating? “Just take some pain medicine.”
And when the blood feels concerning? “It’s normal— it’s just your period.”
These messages effectively prevent the free flow of communication between the uterus, skin and mind. This gaslighting coupled with systemic misogyny, leads to lifelong consequences that only the girls truly understand. And quite frankly, I’m over it. The menstrual cycle is not our enemy. It’s a line of communication designed to keep us balanced, cleansed and renewed every month. It’s time we tune into this rhythm and recognize it as a blueprint for wellness.
As a Licensed Esthetician, I work with many women and I understand how deeply this disconnect runs. However, I noticed when women break what many call “menstrual silence”, they unravel this levels of magnetism and confidence like never before. I believe our menstrual cycles communicate our body and skin’s monthly needs and it’s time women tune into these cue’s. If your goal is to step into your magnetism this year,
Here are some things you should know about your cycle in relation to your skin:
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The hormonal fluctuations that occurs as a result of the mensural cycle impacts how the skin appears on a day-to-day basis. When estrogen and progesterone levels are low, changes like increased oil production, acne breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity are more likely to occur. However, when estrogen levels are high, this promotes healthy and plump.
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During phases such as ovulation, when estrogen is high, the skin usually appears more glowy, hydrated, and plump. This is due to an increase of collagen production and hyaluronic acid.
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In the later stages of the luteal phase, progesterone levels begin to rise. The stimulates the increase of sebum production, leading to potential breakouts, clogged pores, and reoccurring acne- especially on the chin, cheeks and jawline.
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During the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle, the skin response to heat, touch, skincare treatments can be more adverse. The acid mantle also know as the skin barrier is compromised during this time due to the hormonal low point of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause the skin to appear dry, dull and have more wrinkles or fine lines. The hormone-like substance called prostaglandins causes the blood vessels to constrict which leads to heighten sensitivity.
How to Step Into Your Magnetism by Skin Cycling:
Ground yourself. It’s important to understand your female body exist in a rhythmic state. Meaning, its natural state is to ebb and flow. So, the first step is to accept and ground yourself in the knowing that your body is supposed to fluctuate.
Learn the four phases. There are four phases to the menstrual cycle- not just the bleeding phase AKA the period. The period marks the first day of a new cycle, and should normally last 1-7 days. Next, you have the follicular phase- which is characterized by the maturation of a new egg. Once that egg is matured, we move into the ovulation phase. Ovulation normally last 12-24 hours, however the ovulation window can be 2-5 days. After ovulation, you go into the luteal phase. During the luteal phase, the egg waits for potential fertilization and if none occurs, the uterine lining sheds and you start your period.
Track your period. This is a baseline requirement to start your skin cycling journey because you have to learn your hormonal fluctuations. Without knowing your cycle, you can’t identify your skin’s cyclical cue’s.
Identify your skin’s cyclical cues (SCC). Skin cyclical cue’s are your skin's way of signaling the hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. By understanding these cues, you can tailor your skincare routine based off your unique monthly needs. (Examples: Acne, Clogged Pores, Text Dry Skin Patches, Flared Eczema or Contraindications, Skin sensitivity, etc.)
Merge your skincare and cycle. Merging your skincare routine with your menstrual cycle is important because hormonal fluctuations directly affect your skin's behavior and needs throughout the month. By aligning your routine with these changes, you can proactively care for your skin instead of reacting to issues after they arise. Here's more information on how to start
Build and establish a proactive period plan. Creating a proactive period plan is important because it allows a woman to live in harmony with her natural hormonal rhythms, fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. This approach acknowledges that a woman's body changes cyclically, and by aligning her lifestyle, skincare, and self-care with these changes, she can enhance her overall well-being.