The Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle
Your cycle is typically around 28 days (though this varies). It’s divided into four main phases, each with unique hormonal shifts that affect energy, mood, skin and more. Hormone fluctuations across these phases - especially oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone - directly influence oil production, inflammation, and skin balance, which can lead to hormonal acne flares.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
- What’s happening: Your period begins. The uterine lining sheds.
- Hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone are low, which can cause fatigue or lower mood.
- Skin impact: Skin may feel drier or more sensitive. Breakouts can calm as hormones reset but sometimes acne from the luteal phase may still be present.
Follicular Phase (Days 6–14)
- What’s happening: The pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone, prompting eggs to mature.
- Hormones: Oestrogen rises, boosting energy, focus, and skin glow. Androgens (like testorone) begin to increase.
- Skin impact: Generally clearer, more radiant, but increased oil-production may start near ovulation.
Ovulation (Around Day 14)
- What’s happening: A surge in luteinising hormone triggers the release of a mature egg.
- Hormones: Oestrogen peaks, testosterone (an androgen) also peaks which can boost libido and confidence.
- Skin impact: Glow phase, but androgens may increase oil production triggering mid-cycle breakouts.
Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)
- What’s happening: The body prepares for possible pregnancy, progesterone rises.
- Hormones: Progesterone rises, oestrogen dips, and towards the end of this phase both drop sharply before menstruation. This leaves androgens like testosterone steady but relatively dominant just before your period.
- Skin impact: This is peak hormonal acne time - especially along the jawline and chin - due to oil production. PMS symptoms (bloating, mood changes, cravings) can also appear.
Summary
Hormonal acne follows your cycle: often calmer during follicular/ovulatory phases, and worse during the luteal phase due to progesterone-driven oil changes and androgen influence.
