dermatology
Acne after stopping the pill? Your cycle and your skin: A guide by Dr. Anne Gürtler
My name is Anne, a dermatologist and nutritional medicine specialist, and your skin health expert at LVATE. Today I'd like to talk to you about how your monthly cycle affects your skin and how you can optimally tailor your skincare routine to it.
Week 1: Menstruation – time of sensitivity
Your cycle begins on the first day of your period. During this time, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are low, which can make your skin more sensitive and dry.
Care tips:
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Use gentle cleaning and care products.
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Soothing ingredients such as niacinamide support the skin barrier.
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Incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine to increase moisture.
Week 2: Follicular Phase – The ideal time for rejuvenation
After your period, your body undergoes hormonal changes, causing your estrogen levels to rise. This makes your skin look smoother and more radiant.
Care tips:
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Use antioxidants like vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals.
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Professional treatments such as light laser therapy or microneedling are particularly effective now because your skin is less sensitive.
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Don't forget to use sunscreen daily, especially if you're doing peels or other intensive treatments.
Week 3: Ovulation – The skin at its peak
During ovulation, estrogen and LH peak. Your skin often appears plump and hydrated.
Care tips:
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Stick to your normal cleaning and care routine.
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Oily and acne-prone skin may experience the first signs of breakouts. Prepare your skin accordingly for the next phase.
Week 4: Luteal phase – preparing for the restart
In the luteal phase, progesterone and estrogen decrease again, while testosterone stimulates sebum production, which can lead to blemishes.
Care tips:
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Increase the use of anti-inflammatory agents such as azelaic acid.
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The chemical peel of your choice works best in your routine.
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Benzoyl peroxide can help in cases of acute inflammation.
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Be careful not to squeeze pimples to avoid pigmentation changes.
Pigmentation and cycle phases
One issue that concerns many of my patients is the change in pigmentation throughout their cycle. Hormonal changes and fluctuations, particularly the rise in estrogen and progesterone, can affect the activity of melanocytes, which are responsible for pigment production in your skin. This can promote dark spots on the skin, especially in combination with sun exposure.
Care tips:
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Consistently use a high sun protection factor (SPF 50+) to counteract the formation of pigment spots.
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Products with soothing ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide can help regulate pigmentation and even out the skin's appearance.
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During periods of high estrogen and progesterone levels, you should also avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.
Lifestyle hacks for better skin health
Your lifestyle has a significant impact on the health of your skin. In addition to a skincare routine tailored to your cycle, there are general measures you can take to achieve positive effects on your skin's appearance.
Nutrition and skin health:
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Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, which have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce severe breakouts, and promote skin health.
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Zinc and probiotics can also help by strengthening the immune system and improving skin clarity.
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A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fresh fruits and vegetables) supports your skin's regeneration and protects it from oxidative stress. Healthy fats, such as nuts or avocados, can also work wonders against hormonal pimples.
Exercise and relaxation:
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Regular physical activity promotes blood circulation and helps detoxify your body, which has a positive effect on your skin.
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Stress management through techniques such as yoga, meditation or even simple breathing exercises can help relieve hormonal fluctuations and reduce inflammation in the skin.
Additional tips for hormonal contraception
If you use hormonal contraception, such as the pill, the fluctuations may be less pronounced, which can stabilize your skin. However, be especially careful with sunscreen, as some hormones, such as estrogen, can make your skin more sensitive to light.
Final thoughts
Skin care is as individual as you are. It's important to pay attention to your body's signals and adjust your skincare routine accordingly. Not every recommendation is suitable for everyone, so I recommend a personalized consultation to determine your personal skin needs.
Remember that minor cycle-related skin changes are normal and not a sign of illness. However, if changes are severe or cause concern, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. My colleagues and I at LVATE are always available to support your skin health.
I hope this guide helps you navigate your skin through the ups and downs of your cycle and prevent breakouts after stopping the pill. Stay healthy!