After ovulation, your estrogen begins to decline, taking your glowing skin with it. This is the time to tweak your skin care routine to keep the "good skin" days going and minimize the bad ones. "Switch to a mild, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cleanser that won't irritate your skin," says Los Angeles dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $10, is a dermatologist favorite. Booth suggests using a mild exfoliant with increased frequency during the days leading up to the first day of your period.
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Right before your period: Fend off breakouts
Your skin most likely looks its worst during the days leading up to your period. Doctors refer to this phase of your cycle, as well as the days of menstruation, as the "reset phase" because your body realizes that it's not pregnant and prepares for another month of ovulation. It's also when estrogen levels dip and androgens (like testosterone) trigger your skin to produce more oil. "If your skin tends to be problematic during these days, use a product with salicylic or glycolic acid to help control oil production," says Shamban. It's also the perfect time to add a treatment mask to your regular routine. Try something with sulfur like DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask, $40, which will absorb oil and deep-clean your pores.
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All month: Use skin care with phytoestrogens
There's a lot of fear surrounding estrogen treatments, but they're not to be confused with phytoestrogens, which are something completely different. These ingredients are commonly found in skin care, and there's nothing scary about them. "The molecules are derived from plants like soy, barley, red clover, and flaxseeds," explains Booth. (You've probably seen soy in skin care, and you may already be familiar with other phytoestrogen ingredients like resveratrol.) "They affect the estrogen receptors on the skin, and stimulate the cells to hold on to water and increase collagen production." Booth recommends Veneffect Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer, $185.
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All month: Watch your diet, supplements, and exercise
You probably don't realize just how much diet and exercise affect your skin. "Healthy eating, supplements, and exercise can help enhance your Venus week," says Booth. "For example, omega-3s will help stabilize your glow." They may even help prolong it past just one week of the month. She also recommends eating foods that contain phytoestrogens. "Dark chocolate is actually really good for your skin -- the polyphenols are phytoestrogens. Peanuts, flaxseeds, and chickpeas are all great sources, as well."
Exercise is also extremely important. "It helps regulate your hormones and increases circulation to the skin," explains Shamban. By neutralizing hormonal highs and lows, working out can also minimize extreme good and bad skin days.
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Schedule your dermatologist visit strategically
Now that you know how to deal with your skin throughout your cycle, it probably comes as no surprise that you should try to schedule any dermatologist visit during the days leading up to your period -- especially if you're experiencing hormonal acne. "Try and see your provider when your skin is at its worst," says Shamban. "It's not always possible, but if you can get in during a breakout peak it will help the provider get an accurate picture of what's going on with your skin." On the other hand, if you see your dermatologist in the midst your best skin week of the month it may be a complete waste of time.
If you've ever experienced time-of-the-month breakouts, you know all too well about the close relationship between hormones and skin. What you probably didn't realize, however, is that you have your cycle to thank when your skin looks good, too.
"Women are supposed to have a different appearance throughout the month," says Rebecca Booth, MD, a gynecologist and author of "The Venus Week." "Mother Nature designed us to look better when we are more fertile." Therefore, higher estrogen levels generally equate to better-looking skin.
Even if you haven't had a pimple in 10 years, your hormones are constantly affecting your skin -- and how they do it is directly related to your age. "Most women reach peak fertility -- and peak collagen production -- at about age 27," says Booth. "Then it starts a gradual decline that picks up speed around ages 35, 42, and finally menopause." Understanding the relationship between your estrogen levels and your skin can help you deal with both the changes over the course of the month and the changes throughout your life. By making the most of your collagen-producing days, you'll see long-term benefits.
Unfortunately, if you're on The Pill the same rules don't apply. "The birth control pill is often credited with curing acne," explains Booth. "And it works. But it also mutes the good days -- making them harder to detect." And even though fluctuations still exist, those in the know suggest sticking with a regular regimen throughout the month.
To make the most of how your hormones and skin jibe, follow these eight tips and have a vibrant complexion all month long.
