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Have you ever experienced pesky breakouts during your menstrual cycle? If so, you're not alone. Hormonal changes during your cycle can affect your skin's condition, making it imperative to adjust your skincare routine accordingly. In this guide, we'll explore how to banish those frustrating breakouts and keep your skin feeling refreshed and glowing all month long. So, let's unlock the secret to flawless skin by matching your Korean skincare routine to the phases of your menstrual cycle.

Your skin during menstrual cycle

Cycle-Sync Your Skincare: A Guide to Glowing Skin All Month Long

Menstruation (Days 1-6): Moisturize and Nourish

The hormone levels during this phase are at their highest, which can cause dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

Low estrogen and progesterone can make skin feel dry and look dull or tired. A rise in prostagladins hormone can cause skin to feel more sensitive and inflamed. Avoid exfoliating and waxing. Instead:

Focus on hydration: Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner

Soothe Your skin with: PURITO Centella Unscented Recovery Cream

Use an anti-inflammatory raw honey mask to hydrate and calm any existing breakouts: COSRX Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask

Follicular Phase (Days 6-12): Maintain & Stimulate

The follicular phase begins after the menstrual phase and lasts until ovulation. This phase is when the egg follicles mature and estrogen levels start to rise. During the follicular phase, your skin may be dehydrated, so it's essential to use hydrating products and eat foods that are hydrating for the skin.

We recommend:

Hydrate and brighter your skin with rice extract: Haruharu Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner For Sensitive Skin

Use snail mucin infused skincare for deep hydration: COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 

Use a vitamin C serum to prolong your skin’s glow: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (35ml)

Hydrate without clogging your pores: LAGOM Cellus Deep Moisture Cream (60ml)

The ovulatory phase could trigger an increase in sebum production, which means that individuals with acne-prone skin should look for products that control sebum and prevent acne.

We recommend:

Exfoliate to keep pores free from build-up: COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Enjoy the power propolis iUNIK Vitamin Propolis Synergy Serum (50ml)

Use face cream that will not clog pores: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Luteal Phase (Days 17-28): Calm Inflammation & Control Oil:

The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual cycle. This phase is when progesterone levels rise and estrogen levels start to decline. The increased progesterone can cause sebum production to decrease, which can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

We recommend:

Cleanse with a gentle foaming cleanser: Make P:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam

Use anti-inflammatory spot treatments: Mizon Good Bye Blemish Pink Spot

Use niacinamide (B3) serum to balance oil production and reduce inflammation: Tiam Vita B3 Source or Mary & May Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum

Use light face cream that brightens the skin and keeps it balanced: By Wishtrend Propolis Energy Balancing Cream

Calm skin and breakouts with a clay mask: Isntree Real Mugwort Clay Mask

Understanding your cycle and prioritizing your skin's needs will leave you feeling refreshed and glowing all month long. Cycle-Proof Your Skin with this Ultimate Guide to Skincare Adjustments During Your Menstrual Cycle

Need an advise? Drop us a message and we will create a tailor made skincare routine for you!