No matter what time of the month it is, maintaining an effective PM skincare routine is critical for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. When you're on your period, though, it's extremely crucial to pay attention to your skin and adapt your PM skincare routine accordingly. There are three main stages of skincare during your period: pre-menstrual, menstrual, and post-menstrual. Each stage requires its specific skincare routine.
What does my skin feel like in period?
During the pre-menstrual stage, also known as PMS, your skin can feel dry, tight, and sensitive. You may also notice an increase in breakouts. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time of the month. To combat these skin concerns, it’s important to focus on exfoliating, balancing oil production, cleansing, and avoiding heavy makeup during the pre-menstrual stage in your PM skincare routine.
During the menstrual stage, which is the period of time when you are actually menstruating, your skin may feel oily and be more susceptible to breakouts. This is because of the increase in hormone levels during this time. To combat these skin concerns, it’s important to focus on moisturizing, using products with UV protection, increasing skin resistance, and avoiding irritants during the menstrual stage in your PM skincare routine.
During the post-menstrual stage, also known as the period after your period has ended, your skin may be more sensitive and susceptible to sun damage. This is because of the decrease in hormone levels during this time. To combat these skin concerns, it’s important to focus on using effect-oriented skincare products and reducing melanin accumulation. Whitening and anti-aging products are most effective during this stage in your PM skincare routine.
What are the three stages of period skin?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each stage in a regular PM skincare routine, it’s important to understand the three main stages of period skin: pre-menstrual, menstrual, and post-menstrual.
Let’s first quickly go over what they are!
Pre-Menstrual Stage: The 5 Days Before Your Period
During this time, your skin will likely be more oily and acne-prone. To combat this, focus on exfoliating, balancing oil, and regularly cleansing your skin. Use a gentle exfoliating product 2-3 times a week, and cleanse your face every night before bed. Also, avoid heavy makeup during this period.
Recommended skin care during periods on the first five days of your PM skincare routine:
⭐Extra knowledge: where does period acne show up?
Hormonal acne during the period usually shows up on the lower half of your face–think along your jawline and down your neck.
⭐Extra knowledge: is period skin peel a real thing?
This saying started when a prank video about a woman who said she had peeled skin after her period went viral on Tiktok. The real thing is, your skin won't peel off during your period, so you don't have to consider this issue in your PM skincare routine for sure!
Menstrual Stage: The 1st to 4th Days of Your Period
During the menstrual stage, your skin will likely be drier and more sensitive. So it’s important to focus on moisturizing, using UV protection and increasing your skin’s resistance. Try using a gentle, non-irritating cleanser and avoid using any harsh chemicals or scrubs. Also, make sure to use put on sunscreen every day. The main focus in this stage of your PM skincare routine should be increasing skin resistance and not irritating the skin.
Recommended skin care during periods on the first four days:
⭐Extra tip: what will a normal PM skincare routine during the menstrual stage be like?
The steps will be as follows:
1. Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser.
2. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
3. Use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and avoid any irritation.
It is as simple as this because the main focus is to not irritate your skin during this time.
⭐Extra knowledge: does skincare with peptides during the post-menstrual stage work best for our skin?
Technically, yes! During the post-menstrual stage in your PM skincare routine, your skin works best to absorb everything on it. No doubt why this is the ideal time for your skin to absorb all the nutritious peptides and become firmer and more youthful-looking. In fact, it works the same for other ingredients in the skincare products too!
Post-Menstrual Stage: The 5th to 10th Days of Your Period
During the post-menstrual stage, your skin is extremely absorbent, this is the best time to put on skincare products with high nutrients. Try using effect-oriented skincare products that can help reduce melanin accumulation and prevent blemishes. This is also a good time to use whitening and anti-ageing products, as they will be most effective at this stage.
Recommended skin care during periods by the end of your period:
⭐Extra knowledge: how much skincare product do I really need during the post-menstrual stage?
Using a lot of skincare products will not speed up the process, even during a proper PM skincare routine. In fact, it may even do the opposite. Just use the right product for your skin type and focus on the areas that need the most attention. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, use a spot treatment on blemishes instead of layering on a full face of products. Other times, if you are focusing on anti-aging, you still do not have to go overboard with products. Just using a serum with hyaluronic acid or retinol will do the trick!
How important is a PM skincare routine?
An effective PM skincare routine can make your daily routine skincare more bearable and your period less of a hassle. Not to mention, it can help prevent breakouts, reduce redness and sensitivity, and keep your skin looking its best. Therefore, a PM skincare routine is essential for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best during your period. You don't need to go overboard with products or spend a lot of money, but simply paying attention to your skin's needs and adjusting your routine accordingly can make a world of difference.
What results can I get from a long-term PM skincare routine?
A long-term PM skincare routine can help improve your skin's overall appearance and health. Not only will it help prevent breakouts, but it can also reduce redness and sensitivity, and keep your skin looking its best. Additionally, a long-term PM skincare routine can help slow down the ageing process. So, if you're looking for ways to improve your skin's appearance and health, a PM skincare routine is a great place to start.
What could go wrong without a proper PM skincare routine?
The answer is a lot.
Not having a proper PM skincare routine, or not adjusting your skincare routine to fit your period, can lead to a number of problems, including:
- Breakouts
- Redness and sensitivity
- Dull and lifeless skin
- Accelerated ageing process
You wouldn't understand the importance of a PM skincare routine until you try it for yourself. Once you do, you'll never go back to your old skincare routine again. Especially if your period is regular, then you should start to see and feel a difference in your skin within the first few days.
What should I do with my PM skincare routine if my period is irregular?
If your period is irregular, you may not need to adjust your PM skincare routine as often. However, it's still important to be aware of how your skin changes during your cycle and to adjust your PM skincare routine accordingly. For example, if you find that your skin is more sensitive during certain times of the month, you may want to use gentler products or avoid using certain ingredients altogether. Additionally, if you find that your skin is drier during certain times of the month, you may want to focus on hydration and moisture. Ultimately, it's important to listen to your skin and to adjust your PM skincare routine accordingly.
Conclusion
No matter what stage of your period you’re in, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will help keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
These are just a few tips to help you create a PM skincare routine that’s perfect for your period. For more advice, be sure to consult a dermatologist or a skin care specialist.