Like most people, your skin probably has good and bad days, but why? Factors such as diet and stress influence those differences. But did you know that your hormones also contribute a lot?
With each day in your menstrual cycle, the levels of the “big three” hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone will vary. These hormone fluctuations also have an impact on the health and appearance of women. The trick is to learn why they fluctuate and how you can address these variations.
Days 1 to 7: The Start of the Cycle
On the first day of menstruation, the three main hormones, that is, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are all low. Eventually, estrogen and testosterone will gradually begin to rise, particularly by the third day of the cycle.
How Do Your Hormones Affect the Way You Look and Feel During the First Week?
All three main reproductive hormones help maintain a person’s mood and metabolism and affect how your skin looks and feels. The low level of estrogen from days 1 to 3 of the cycle reduces the stimulation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the pink substance that keeps skin looking radiant.
How Should You Adjust?
-Consider using a moisturizer rich in phytoestrogens, plant estrogens found in seeds, nuts, seeds, and bark of plants. They safely and effectively replicate the effects of estrogen on the skin, improving its glow and elasticity.
-Make sure you don’t neglect cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your skin during this week.
-Increase your consumption of plant proteins, such as chickpeas, edamame, and walnuts, especially in the morning.
-Avoid caffeine and drink more water. Excess caffeine will cause dehydration and dulling of the skin, whereas water will help retain its elasticity.
-Strictly avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates. This will make estrogen-deprived skin more prone to blemishes and acne.
Days 8 to 15
In the week following your period, estrogen and testosterone rise together to a perfect crescendo just before ovulation, around days 14-15.
How Do Hormones Impact on Your Appearance and Health This Week?
The powerful hormones, estrogen, and testosterone work together to enhance romantic and positive thinking, as well as confidence and desire. This is also strengthened by an increase in endorphins and dopamine, which further boost mood and energy. As a result, metabolism becomes more efficient, and verbal skills are improved, and the skin is radiant.
How Should You Adapt?
-Minimize your makeup during this week. Allow your natural beauty to shine through.
-Reduce your sugar and carbohydrate intake to keep your skin glowing.
-Stick to good skincare. When skin is at its best, a proper diet will help it last longer!
Days 16-28: The Dominance of Progesterone
Shortly after ovulation, estrogen and testosterone are converted into progesterone, the hormone that mother nature provides to protect a presumed pregnancy (even if you are not pregnant). Progesterone’s work is to promote rest and nutrition, so you have less energy and more appetite! Humor can be a little more internalized, as well.
How Is Your Appearance and State of Mind Affected by Hormones This Week?
The slight decrease in estrogen and testosterone after ovulation can disappoint many. As progesterone goes up, the metabolism gets a little slower, leading to more bloating and a weight gain. Progesterones also starts to fall as the cycle progresses, and moods begin to sink even more. Since hormones sustain brain chemicals, the abrupt drop causes dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin to lower. This is also the time for skin issues.
How Should You Adjust?
-Exercise, at least 22 minutes a day (2.5 hours a week).
– This is the time you’re most likely to get pimples and other skin problems. A calming mask can help soothe and improve skin clarity during this week.
Navigating a menstruation cycle can sometimes be challenging. Understanding your hormonal shifts and adjusting your habits during this time can significantly help enhance your mood, skin, and health.
