As if we don’t have enough to deal with already during periods (your cramps, mood swings… the works), our skin also always seem to join in the “fun”.
For those of us who mask once a week, you can let your hormonal cycle work to your favour by choosing the right mask that helps your skin’s condition best in the week. Follow this guide and you’ll see your skin glow month after month.
Day 1-7: Menstruation
The week we all dread. Our body produces prostaglandin, a hormone that increases pain sensitivity, leading our skin to feel more tender (which is why spots are that much more painful during this period – pun unintended – of time). In other words, avoid extraction facials during this time. The estrogen levels drop as well, causing our skin to be drier, wrinkles more prominent, and duller because of the slow down in blood circulation when the body temperature drops.
Masks to use during menstruation period
Try the Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask (SGD5.50) that hydrates and soothes the skin with its combination of moisturising Ceramide, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acids, in a non-irritating woven mask. Also available at selected Guardian stores.
There’s no better way to perk up tired skin better than ginseng: Innisfree’s Ginseng mask (SGD2) features a rich, Ginseng infused cream in a cotton mask that will deeply hydrate your skin and give even the driest skin the coveted glassy glow.
Or, Laneige’s Cica Sleeping Mask (SGD45 for 60ml) heals your skin while you sleep, so you’ll wake up to fresher and healthier skin the next morning!
Day 8-14: Pre-ovulation/Ovulation
This is the week that our skin looks best: the estrogen levels rise again, encouraging collagen production, and leaves skin firmer, plumper and more hydrated. Sounds like a dream, right? Maintain this youthful glow by giving the skin a refreshing treatment.
Masks to use during ovulation period
Try the Origin’s Raspberry Flower Fusion mask (SGD5) that will help you maintain flawless skin, while its thicker sheet helps with the absorption of the mask essence.
For an extra boost of hydration and nourishing vitamins that will keep your skin ultra-soft and crystal clear, try the famed SK-II Facial Treatment Mask (SGD127 for six sheets).
Or, try the extra calming mud mask to soothe from the rigorous week before with the yes to Cucumbers Calming Mud Mask (SGD5.50 for 10ml).
Day 14-22: Luteal period
The progesterone levels start to rise in the skin, and while some lucky women have calmer skin, most of us will experience oilier skin, due to the excess production of sebum. Most skin problems will start to surface at this time, such as acne and clogged pores.
Masks to use during luteal period
During this period, we suggest deep cleansing and detoxing masks like the famed Glamglow Bubblesheet Oxygenating Deep Cleanse Mask (SGD13 a sheet) that bubbles up and eliminates impurities sitting deep in our pores.
The Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask (SGD43 for 75ml) which reduces sebum production for shine control, while providing radiance and smoother skin,
and Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Purifying mask (SGD35 for 30ml) that tightens pores and minimises skin imperfections, all without stripping the skin of moisture.
Day 23-28: Pre-menstrual
The oily skin horrors continue, with the risk of acne being an all time high. The article explains that repairing the skin is the most important at this stage before the cycle restarts, so ditch your deep cleansers and use repairing masks instead!
Masks to use during pre-menstrual period
Try this skin-healing Innisfree Skin Clinic Ceramide mask (SGD3 a sheet), which contains a compound that helps skin form its defense barrier naturally.
Peter Thomas Roth’s Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask (SGD83 for a 150ml jar) repairs the skin without any heavy feeling of a cream-type mask, and helps with anti-ageing too, for a more youthful complexion.
The Leaders Insolution Tea Tree Relaxing Skin Renewal Mask (SGD4 a sheet) solves all of the above problems with soothing tea tree extracts that removes redness and calms acne at the same time.