Understanding your menstrual cycle allows you increased body literacy, which is incredibly beneficial both in the short term and the long term. When you understand what is normal for you, you can achieve greater freedom over your own life. We have recently discussed how to perfect your period skincare, and master your skin during the follicular phase. Now, it is time to discuss ovulation skincare, so you can glow all month long.
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a variety of activities occurring within the body, and can be divided into the ovarian cycle, and the uterine cycle. Each smaller cycle has different phases, depending on the activities taking place. Hormones fluctuate during each of these phases, which can be detrimental for the skin. The ovulation phase divides the follicular and luteal phases in the ovarian cycle, and the proliferative and secretory phases in the uterine cycle.
Ovulation
Levels of oestrogen rise during the follicular phase and peak just before ovulation. This encourages the brain to increase levels of luteinising hormone (LH). The hormone spike triggers the release of an egg. The released egg enters the fallopian tube from the ovary. Ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the beginning of your next period and the start of your new cycle.
Ovulation & Your Skin
The egg is released from the ovary around the middle of the menstrual cycle. If you noticed a glow during the follicular phase, when oestrogen levels were high, you may notice the skin begins to dull during ovulation. Oestrogen levels decrease once again during ovulation. If you experienced acne during the follicular phase, it can be made worse. A spike of testosterone and high levels of progesterone encourages sebum production, causing more clogged pores and breakouts. The increased testosterone can also contribute to facial hair growth at this stage of the cycle.
Ovulation Skincare Tips
If you are lucky enough to not be affected by hormonal acne, prevention at this stage is key. Deep clean the pores and keep them unclogged by including lightweight products in your ovulation skincare. A course of SkinBase Collagen Lift Ultimate at the follicular phase will help with this prevention, as the tough crystals remove sebum, bacteria and debris from the pores. Use a gentle, soothing moisturiser combined with SPF to limit the amount of product on the skin. If you are struggling with facial hair production in the ovulation phase, SkinBase IPL hair reduction could be the answer.
SkinBase Intense Pulsed Light
SkinBase IPL can be used to remove unwanted hair caused by hormones during the menstrual cycle. The SkinBase IPL treatment uses non-invasive wavelengths of light to heat the hair follicle, making it unable to support further hair growth. The light is absorbed by the melanin inside the hair, causing it to fall out, and reducing the hair growth in the treatment area. You can expect to see significant results within 3-6 treatments with SkinBase IPL.
