Your monthly cycle is dictated by hormonal fluctuations and these peaks and troughs of progesterone, testosterone and oestrogen have a direct impact on the health of your skin. While there is no escaping your endocrine system, it is possible to adapt your skincare regime to support your complexion during your menstrual cycle. In so doing you get to minimise the impact of these hormonal fluctuations – you’re welcome.

Now you don’t have to ditch all of your existing skincare. It’s best to stick to a core group of products that address your primary, more permanent concerns, from protecting against environmental aggressors to anti-ageing. Then, use booster products aka your Faace masks at different times throughout the month to counteract hormonal fluctuations.

Week 1

As you say hello to your period in week one, you’ll be saying bye bye to oestrogen and progesterone, as levels fall to their lowest yet. Frustratingly, rather than being a welcome relief, this drop can leave you low in energy and your skin dehydrated, sensitised, with more visible fine lines and wrinkles. Time to incorporate Tired faace into your routine this week. Aloe vera and vegetable glycerin draw water from the air and lock it into the skin’s outer layer. Antioxidant rich vitamin C and A, boost collagen and elastin production to reduce lines and wrinkles. While frankincense and rosehip desensitise and repair.

Weeks 2 and 3

The end of week two and beginning of week three see a rise in oestrogen - pores shrink and collagen production increases – hooray! Now is the time to amp up the use of protective products that guard the skin against damaging external forces such as skin ageing pollution and UVA/B rays emitted by the sun. This is where the versatility of Sweaty Faace truly comes into its own. Also dubbed ‘climate faace’, this mask is packed with repairing and protecting antioxidants vitamin C and E, plus omega fatty acid rich argan oil. This Goldilocks of oils is neither too heavy, nor too light, instead, it’s just right for all complexions – yes even oily skin types. Aside from its stellar moisturising capabilities, it also majorly protects against UV.

Now’s the time to control sebum production, stave off bad bacteria, and slough away pore blocking dead skin cells. Cue Period faace.

Week 4

This is when you experience a major spike in levels of the hormone testosterone. This shift results in the skin's sebaceous glands producing more oil, which can lead to blocked pores and breakouts. Now’s the time to control sebum production, stave off bad bacteria, and slough away pore blocking dead skin cells. Cue Period faace. Green tea soothes inflammation, lavender and clary sage provide antiseptic properties to help balance hormonal skin. Zinc helps normalise sebum production and prevent spots from forming, while white willow provides a potent dose of salicin – a derivative of salicylic acid that dissolves the build-up of dead skin cells and excess keratin to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads as well as promote skin healing.

Amerley Ollennu, beauty and lifestyle writer @AmerleyO