We all already know that our menstrual cycle affects our body in a very tangible way: breast tenderness and swelling, bloating or tummy pain, tiredness or trouble sleeping are some examples that we all had the chance to experiment 😉
But did you know that our feminine cycle also affects the look of our face?
The fluctuation of hormones during our menstrual cycle has direct consequences on our appearance.
How does it work?
Our menstrual cycle begins with the 1st day of our periods, which is when our hormones' levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest.
Estrogen helps the capillaries (small blood vessels) to dilate, but as it is at its lowest level, the blood flow is slow. The effect on our skin is immediate: it is more sensitive, dehydrated or even dry.
In addition, we often have less energy and are more tired, which can more easily lead to bags under the eyes as well as dark circles.
This is the time to take great care of your skin by hydrating it thoroughly with products adapted to your completion. Also, do not hesitate to use patches to brighten your eyes and reduce the signs of fatigue.
After our periods, estrogen level increases in a linear way allowing the dilation of the capillaries hence better oxygenation of our skin. Better irrigated and therefore better nourished, our skin becomes gradually more radiant.
During this time we take care of our skin by moisturizing it normally, always according to our completion and our age with specific products.
Ovulation is the time in our cycle when estrogen levels are at their highest.
A study led by biologists Diane Scott and John Manning of the University of Liverpool made it possible to measure very precisely (to the twentieth of a millimeter) the physical changes of 60 women during their cycle. The results are surprising and show that during ovulation period changes in the structure of the face appear.
These changes make our face more attractive and researchers have found a reduction in the natural asymmetry of the face.
In addition, with the peak of estrogen levels we may notice better quality of our skin as well as physical changes such as bigger eyes or thinner face.
In short, we are more attractive and more beautiful during ovulation! And that totally makes sense from a biological point of view. Indeed, within the animal reign, females signal to males that they are fertile by different ways : for example cows emit an odor that attracts bulls, tigresses approach tigers directly ... With the only goal of the perpetuation of species.
This is also happening with us, humans, because after all, we are mammals too😊. All of these physical changes on our face are subtle clues to signifying our fertile window.
After ovulation, estrogen levels drop and progesterone and testosterone levels rise. This increase leads to a significant production of sebum and the skin becomes more oily and prone to pimples.
It could be wise to use cleansing products that are lighter than those used at the start of our cycle.
A week before our periods starts, these hormones also start to drop and our complexion becomes duller, our face swells a little because it is less and less well supplied with water.
Self-massages that stimulate blood circulation and the lymphatic system are a good complement to prevent the face from becoming too puffed.
A great practice for keeping our face looking at its best throughout our menstrual cycle is to do acupressure routines.
They help:
- eliminate toxins accumulated under the skin, and therefore have a more even and brighter complexion. It also helps for better skin texture,
- depuff our face in a sustainable way,
- reduce dark circles, which is good for a less tired look during difficult phases of our cycle,
- relax the tensions of the face to reduce its natural asymmetry.
And what about menopause?
Menopause induces a great physiological and physical change with the permanent cessation of hormonal activity.
The loss of estrogen, which used to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, will lead to thinning of the skin, loss of elasticity and faster widening of wrinkles.
As we've seen above, a low estrogen level means skin dehydration, which will also be accentuated by the loss of hyaluronic acid. Our skin is less protected from external aggressions.
For some of us, the disappearance of female hormones leaves the door open for male hormones and acne. We also note the appearance of pigment spots, redness or rosacea.
After menopause, it is important to restore our skin to its protective barrier function. Add to our skincare routine (if this is not already the case) a nourishing and plumping serum, for example, and keep using moisturizing products to promote the well-being of our changing skin.
Bisous Bisous
Marie