During menstruation, women are not only facing hormonal changes in their bodies, but also their skin can experience various problems such as acne, oily skin, or dry skin that lacks moisture. This is caused by changes in hormone levels in the body, which also affects blood circulation and oil production on the skin. Therefore, taking care of your skin during menstruation is something that women should not overlook.
In this article, we’ll share skin care tips during your period to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy, no matter what hormonal symptoms you’re experiencing.
Gently cleanses the skin
During menstruation, the body’s hormones change a lot, making the face more oily than usual. Because the hormone progesterone stimulates the sebaceous glands in the face to produce more oil. This results in acne and oily skin problems easily. We can feel that our skin is about to have acne at any time. Cleaning the face during this time is very important. You must choose products that do not irritate the skin, such as facial foam that is free of fragrance and alcohol. Because these substances can irritate the face even more. Causing skin problems easily, such as allergies or more dryness than before.
Tips
- Use a facial cleanser that has a balanced pH and is suitable for your skin type.
- Wash your face more frequently when your skin feels oily to remove dirt and excess oil.
Nourish your skin with moisturizer.
Even when your skin is oily or acne-prone, you still need to moisturize your skin. Because sometimes the hormonal changes during this time can make your skin dry without you realizing it. If your skin is too dry, it can cause various skin problems, such as irritation or more acne. Choosing the right moisturizer will help your skin retain moisture without making it too oily. For example, choosing a lightweight, non-clogging type will help your skin stay fresh and healthy all day long.
Tips
- Use a moisturizer that is light and absorbs quickly, and is not sticky.
- Moisturizers that contain natural oils, such as argan oil, or moisturizers that contain vitamin E can also help to add moisture to the skin.
Beware of hormonal acne
Acne caused by hormones is something that many people are familiar with, especially during women’s menstrual periods. This is because the hormonal changes in the body during this time stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin to produce more oil. This excess oil causes clogging of the pores, and when bacteria accumulates, it can easily cause acne.
Tips
- Choose products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts.
- Avoid touching your face frequently to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Using skin care masks
Using a face mask is like giving your skin a chance to relax or get the full treatment it needs, which can help your skin feel better right away, especially during your period. Normally, your skin will show changes like swelling or dullness due to hormonal changes in your body. In addition to refreshing your skin, using a face mask can also help replenish moisture, which can help your skin look healthier quickly, as if it is being restored.
Tips
- Use a face mask that contains honey or green tea to help relieve inflammation.
- Use a facial mask 2-3 times a week to restore your skin’s radiance.
Drink enough water
Drinking enough water is very important for skin health because water not only makes us feel refreshed, but also has a direct effect on maintaining skin moisture. If we don’t drink enough water, our skin will start to dry out, lose elasticity, and look dull easily. Especially during menstruation, our body’s hormones will change a lot, which may cause swelling or weight gain. Drinking more water will help stimulate the excretion of waste from the body, reduce swelling from hormones, and also help our skin to remain moist and look young at all times. In addition, water also helps the various systems in the body to work better, making us feel refreshed and energetic all day. Drinking enough water is not just about taking care of your skin, but also about taking care of your overall health.
Tips
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol, as these can dehydrate you.
Eat foods that are good for your skin
The food we eat affects the health of our skin at all times, but especially during menstruation, we should eat foods that contain vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin, such as vitamins C, E, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production.
Tips
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, or kiwis, to help brighten your skin.
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and chia seeds, to help reduce inflammation.
Rest and sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for skin care during menstruation because sleep not only helps the body to recover but also helps the skin to recover better from hormonal changes.
Tips
- Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to allow your skin to fully recover.
- If you feel stressed or anxious, try deep breathing exercises or meditation to help you sleep better.
Taking care of your skin during your period isn’t difficult if you understand the changes that happen in your body and skin, use the right skincare products, and take care of it from the inside by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and getting enough sleep, which will help your skin stay beautiful and healthy every time of the month!