Cramping, bloating, and cravings. Many women know the physical shifts that come with specific phases of their cycle. However, few of us realize just how much hormonal fluctuations also affect our skin. From dry skin before your period to unexpected follicular phase acne, skin generally follows a predictable cyclical rhythm.
By understanding how hormones typically influence skin changes, you can adapt and optimize your skincare routine to support your complexion through every phase..
And that's where Prima's plant-based, CBD-powered skincare comes in. Our botanical formulations bring balance, resilience, and targeted support all month long. Here's how you can start cycle-syncing your skincare routine with all-natural support.
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Reset & Repair
The menstrual phase is usually the period most women are familiar with (no pun intended). This is technically the first part of the full monthly cycle, where your body sheds the uterine lining that built up during the previous cycle.
Physically, this means you'll experience menstrual bleeding. You might also experience cramping, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and a host of other uncomfortable physical symptoms. During this time, your body undergoes a shift in its hormonal balance. For example, levels of key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone decrease, contributing to these symptoms.
The Menstrual Phase & Your Skin
Because of the low estrogen and progesterone levels, your skin may become dry, dull, and more sensitive. The skin's natural barrier (a.k.a. oil production) is at an all-time low, and your skin becomes more vulnerable to environmental conditions.
At this point in your cycle, your body and skin may need the most support. Avoid all types of exfoliation, including both chemical and physical types, if you are experiencing dryness. Your skincare routine during the menstrual phase should include soothing, supportive ingredients that can help reduce inflammation and irritation, a.k.a. period face. Focus on ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and CBD.
Why CBD?
Research shows that CBD can calm inflammation by dialing down pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines, helping to restore a healthier equilibrium. It also interacts with a lesser-known receptor called A2A, which may help regulate immune responses and quiet inflammatory signals, offering support from the inside out.
We recommend our Night Magic Facial Oil. This deeply nourishing formula is made from organic hemp-derived CBD to help support the skin's natural barrier, along with prickly pear oil rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, which help calm and restore the skin.
To extend that same care and support to the rest of your body, you can also use Prima's Skin Therapy Body Butter. Again, this formula is designed to solve dryness, thanks to an infusion of organic hemp CBD, five organic oils, and an aromatic blend of essential oils.
Follicular Phase (Days 6–13): Brighten & Build
As the menstruation phase peeters out, your body then slowly steps into the follicular phase. During the follicular phase, your body is preparing for ovulation by maturing eggs in the ovaries and rebuilding the uterine lining.
This transition begins with steadily rising estrogen levels while progesterone levels remain relatively low. Physically, your body has much more energy than in the menstrual phase. Bloating goes down, and libido goes up. Many women also report feeling more positive, productive, and focused this week.
The Follicular Phase & Your Skin
Your skin will also show noticeable signs that you are entering the follicular phase. With the shift in hormones, blemishes tend to disappear, and the skin naturally becomes more hydrated, brighter, and less irritated.
This is because estrogen stimulates collagen production of both types 1 and 2, but primarily type 1, which supports skin firmness and elasticity. Another response to estrogen is increased production of hyaluronic acid and elastin, both of which enhance skin hydration and contribute to a radiant, glowing complexion. Don't be surprised if, during this phase, your skin feels and looks firmer and more elastic.
Your skin's natural protective barrier also bounces back as sebum production increases. (Although uncommon, this uptick in sebum can trigger follicular phase acne for some women.)
With your skin feeling and looking better, it's now possible to introduce more potent active ingredients, like AHAs, BHAs, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Because your skin is less irritated and has increased its natural oil and elastin production, it can tolerate these stronger treatments.
Why Niacinamide?
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a powerhouse for skin tone, texture, and radiance. Clinical studies show that regular use can help improve elasticity, soften fine lines, even out discoloration, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. It also supports collagen production while calming inflammation, balancing oil, and reducing oxidative stress.
Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–16): Balance & Glow
Waking up in week three of your cycle introduces a new shift in hormones, physical symptoms, and skin changes. The ovulatory phase is when the body releases a mature egg from the ovaries after a peak in estrogen and a surge in luteinizing hormones. Testosterone also rises slightly during this phase.
During ovulation, some women experience mild abdominal pain, increased vaginal discharge, spotting, breast tenderness, and an increased libido. These symptoms often come in combination with optimism and a surge in body confidence.
Ovulatory Phase & Your Skin
Does your period face also change during ovulation? You aren't alone. The surge in estrogen translates into a rise in skin radiance, with a potential increase in oiliness.
For some women, this may be the best time of the month for their skin, but for others, the increased sebum production leads to an increase in acne breakouts. During ovulation, when oil production is at its peak, you may want to adjust your usual hydration routine and opt for non-comedogenic (non-clogging) ingredients.
Since your skin is already glowing and highly elastic during this phase, try introducing the Renewal Stone Gua Sha Tool into your daily skincare ritual. This traditional facial massage technique can help increase circulation, support collagen production, and enhance the absorption of other skincare products.
Why Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional facial massage technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to gently glide across the skin. Rooted in Chinese medicine, this practice has recently gone viral for its ability to support lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, and promote a healthy glow.
But does it actually work? A landmark clinical study using laser Doppler imaging found that a single Gua Sha treatment resulted in a fourfold increase in microcirculation (blood flow) in the treated area for at least 7.5 minutes, with significantly elevated circulation lasting for at least 25 minutes post-treatment.
Luteal Phase (Days 17–28): Breakout Watch
As the follicular week phases out, the luteal phase begins. This part of your cycle is dominated by progesterone, which your body releases in preparation for potential pregnancy. Progesterone causes a rise in oil production and inflammation.
It's also a time when many of the uncomfortable signs of imminent periods start to play out, from breast tenderness and bloating to food cravings and, inevitably, acne.
Luteal Phase & Your Skin
For most people, the luteal phase of the cycle can be the most oily. According to one study, up to 63% of women report more acne in the late luteal phase. Progesterone-driven oil production and inflammation create an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive, increasing not just the likelihood of breakouts but, for some, painful cystic breakouts.
Acne and inflammation become key concerns. Calming support becomes the name of the game for your cycle-synced skincare routine. Support your skin in luteal with anti-inflammatory ingredients like CBD as well as soothing elements like arnica and camphor.
Swap out some of the more active skincare products during this phase of your cycle for a return to a more calming product like Night Magic Facial Oil. Clinically proven to improve skin's radiance and enhance overall skin appearance, this CBD-rich formula supports all skin types, especially during the luteal and menstrual phases of your cycle.
For the rest of your body, try a fresh pre-bedtime ritual with our R+R Stick. This formula contains cooling menthol, supportive arnica, and camphor, plus the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD for targeted comfort where you need it most.
Why Arnica?
Arnica is a powerful botanical ingredient that has long been used for its natural anti-inflammatory, soothing, and, according to traditional applications, potentially circulation-boosting properties. Arnica is especially helpful during the luteal phase when hormonal shifts can lead to tenderness, puffiness, and skin sensitivity. It’s the perfect plant-based partner to pair with CBD for targeted comfort and balance during this phase of your cycle.
Tips for Cycle-Synced Skincare
Until you know the nuances of your personal cycle, it's hard to adjust your skincare to match the fluctuations of each phase. Here are a few tips for getting started on cycle-synced skincare:
Track Your Cycle
Whether you use one of the many cycle-tracking apps or stick with a good old-fashioned pen and paper, you'll want to keep an eye on how your hormones affect your skin.
This is where apps make it easy, often helping you instantly analyze months of data to see when your acne breakouts or dryness occur in relation to your period. With this type of granular information, it’s easy to then cycle-sync your skincare routine to your cycle's specific symptoms.
Stick with a Simple Core Routine
No matter where you are in your cycle, make sure you have the fundamentals locked in:
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A gentle cleanser used both morning and night
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A lightweight, non-clogging moisturizer used both morning and night
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A broad-spectrum lightweight SPF 30 sunscreen, applied in the morning
As you flow through the month, this core routine should stay the same, with additional ingredients and products layered on top.
Adjust as Needed
Just because many people experience dryness during menstruation or acne in the luteal phase doesn't mean the same applies to you and your skin.
Skincare, like skin health, is very personal. As you track and better understand your only cyclical flow, know that you can adjust as needed!
When To Seek Professional Help
Not all skin issues can be solved with a better moisturizer or a new active ingredient. If you're dealing with persistent concerns like cystic acne, severe dryness, or other stubborn skin issues, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider.
It's always advisable to speak with an expert if you're experiencing chronic, severe, or unusual symptoms. This will ensure you're addressing the root cause and not overlooking something more serious.
Cycle-Sync for Radiant Skin — All Month Long
Your menstrual cycle may serve as a roadmap—one that you can use to optimize your skin health and skincare routine. By tuning into your cycle and choosing targeted support, you can nourish, protect, and restore your skin throughout every hormonal shift.
Prima's CBD-powered skincare is the perfect partner, whether you're addressing the luteal-phase facial signs or calming the period-face sensitivities that come with menstruation.
Discover the benefits of natural, botanical skincare for your routine, from menstruation through the luteal phase, with Prima.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or any hemp-derived products, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription medications.
