17 Jan Cycle Sync Skincare for Menstrual Acne
If you notice a pattern of increased oiliness or pimples before your period- you’re not imagining it. The fluctuations of hormones in the menstrual cycle, namely estrogen and progesterone, directly influences your skin. The behavior of oil glands, pores, inflammation, and even barrier function shifts in response to these fluctuations in hormones in the menstrual cycle; and can impact acne and sensitivity.
In this blogpost, I’ll explain how hormones change by phase in the menstrual cycle, and how these hormonal changes trigger acne, and how to sync your skincare in a doctor approved way in Singapore’s humid climate. Let’s start with the fundamentals.
The menstrua cycle and its hormonal changes. Image credit: Establishing a Gold Standard for Quantitative Menstrual Cycle Monitoring. Bouchard et al. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023 Aug 23;59(9):1513.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a recurring, hormonally regulated process that prepares the body for possible pregnancy. The menstrual cycle consists of the following phases:
• Follicular phase (days 1–14),
• Ovulation (day 14), and
• Luteal phase (days 15–28).
The follicular phase is characterized by rising estrogen, which peaks just before ovulation, while the luteal phase is dominated by progesterone and a secondary, lower estrogen peak.
How hormones in the menstrual cycle phases affect your skin biology
Hormonal fluctuations during these phases directly impact skin biology, albeit differently. The menstrual cycle is impacted by 2 main hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and minor hormone players called androgens (like testosterone and DHEA).
Estrogen
Estrogen generally improves skin quality and reduces acne by reducing sebum production. Lower estrogen levels are associated with increased acne severity, particularly in adult women.
Progesterone
Progesterone’s effect on acne is complex. It can trigger breakouts by increasing sebum production, and promoting clogged pores, especially during the second half of the menstrual cycle (luteal phase).
Androgens
Androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone drive sebaceous gland growth and sebum production, which worsen acne.
How do menstrual cycle phases affect acne?
Menstrual phase (Day 1–5)
Estrogen and progesterone are low.
Skin commonly feels more reactive or dry for some women (partly barrier-related).
Follicular phase
Estrogen rises steadily as follicles develop.
Skin tends to be better hydrated, smoother and calmer..
Ovulation (mid-cycle)
Estrogen reaches a peak around ovulation, then drops.
Skin is less inflamed, and barrier function is optimum.
Luteal phase (before next period)
Increased progesterone and relatively higher androgenic activity promote sebum production and follicular occlusion, leading to premenstrual acne flares.
The biology of acne
Acne is driven by four interlocking mechanisms:
• Excess sebum
• Follicular clogging
• Overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes
• Inflammation
These mechanisms cause the progression of clogged pores to papules, pustules and even, cysts and nodules. As explained in Adult Female Acne: A Doctor Explains (Singapore), hormones influence all 4 mechanisms of acne, especially sebum production and inflammation. Adult women with acne also have an increased sensitivity of their sebaceous gland to androgen; with a higher conversion of androgens in the skin.
Related blogposts:
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatments and Tips for Prevention
5 Skincare Ingredients for Acne & Acne Prone Skin
Aklief (Trifarotene): 4th Generation Retinoid for Acne Treatment
Acne and Diet: Foods to Avoid for Less Pimples
Reasons for acne worsening during the menstrual cycle’s luteal phase.
Why acne often flares before your period
Multiple studies show that a significant proportion of women experience acne flares in the premenstrual (i.e. luteal phase), with one survey estimating that 44% of women experience premenstrual acne flares1.
In the luteal phase, estrogen and progesterone levels fall and lead to a relative increase in androgen levels. These hormone changes stimulate sebaceous glands and increase sebum output to cause clogged pores.
For some women, the skin barrier function is also weaker in the luteal phase with higher transepidermal water loss2. When the skin barrier function is less efficient, which can worsen irritation and inflammation.
Related blogposts:
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
The menstrual cycle and how to cycle sync your skincare
Cycle syncing: Sync your skincare with your menstrual cycle
Synchronising your skincare to address the changes according to the menstrual phases can reduce the extent of cyclical acne and sensitivity.
Menstrual phase (Day 1–5)
Skin is more reactive/drier for some, especially if you already use strong actives. In this phase, prioritise barrier support and avoid actives that can irritate your skin e.g. exfoliating acids. Skincare actives that can support your skin barrier include:
• Humectants (e.g. hyaluronic acid),
• Barrier lipids (e.g. ceramides),
• Soothing anti-inflammatories (e.g. beta glucan, niacinamide, azelaic acid).
Related blogposts:
Beta Glucan Skincare: New Hero for the Skin Barrier?
Everything You Need to Know About Hyaluronic Acid
Ceramides in Skincare
Azelaic Acid: A Multitasking Skincare Active to Know
Niacinamide: A Versatile Antioxidant
Follicular phase (Day 6-11)
Skin is usually calmer and stable. This is often the best time to restart actives like retinoids, vitamin C and exfoliating acids that support skin health and longevity.
Related blogposts:
How Does Retinol Work?
A Complete Guide to Acids in Skincare & Chemical Exfoliants
All About Topical Vitamin C
Ovulation
Skin tends to be clear and radiant because skin barrier function is optimal.This is a good time to consider chemical peels and continue your active ingredients.
Related blogposts:
The Truth About Chemical Peels
What are Active Ingredients in Skincare?
How to Layer Skincare Products in the Correct Order
Luteal phase (before next period)
In the premenstrual phase, increased progesterone and relatively higher androgenic activity promote sebum production and follicular occlusion. Acne flare ups can occur along the jawline and chin in this premenstrual phase, leading to premenstrual acne flares.
Pre-empt the oiliness, congestion and inflammation with these active ingredients
• Benzoyl peroxide to reduces acne bacteria and inflammation
• Retinoids to reduce comedones
• Salicylic acid to unclog pores
Throughout these different phases, your skin will also require these non-negotiables skincare, especially if you live in Singapore
• Gentle cleanser to reduce stress on the skin barrier
• Moisturiser that supports barrier lipids
• Broad spectrum sunscreen to reduce post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
When to see a doctor for hormonal acne or acne related to your menstrual cycle
If you develop:
• Deep painful nodules,
• irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, or weight changes
• scarring or significant pigmentation from acne.
It’s a sign to seek professional medical help. Adult acne is common and treatable, but it often needs a personalised treatment plan with medications and in-clinic treatments like chemical peels.
Doctor’s takeaway on menstrual cycle and acne
Acne flares related to the menstrual cycle are not uncommon in females, and my patients in Singapore. These flares are related to hormones and your menstrual cycle that influence oil production, barrier function, and inflammation. Adjusting your skincare routine to the different phases can reduce the congestion, inflammation and acne severity during the flare ups.
References:
1. The effect of the menstrual cycle on acne. Stoll et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Dec;45(6):957-60.
2. Menopause, Menstrual Cycle, and Skin Barrier Function. Nikoletić et al. Skin Res Technol. 2025 Jul;31(7):e70203.
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