Your skin during your period: what really happens and how to care for it

Every woman knows the feeling. That time of the month when your skin suddenly feels different, looks duller or becomes more sensitive and prone to breakouts. You're not imagining it. It's pure biology.

Throughout your menstrual cycle, your oestrogen and progesterone levels constantly fluctuate.

Around your period, oestrogen levels drop significantly, which can cause your skin to:

• Feel drier and more sensitive.
• Produce less sebum, making your skin barrier more vulnerable.
• Show signs of redness or minor inflammation.

Changes in the balance between oestrogen and progesterone, particularly in the days leading up to your period, can also stimulate sebum production. This may result in:

• Shinier skin due to increased oil production.
• More inflammation and blemishes.
• An unsettled complexion.
• A temporary loss of firmness and that natural, healthy glow.

You might notice that your skin feels tight after cleansing, reacts more quickly to products or that your make-up doesn't stay in place as well as usual.

Some women experience breakouts around the chin and jawline, while others struggle with dryness and a dull complexion.

The most important thing to remember? During this phase, your skin doesn't need more products. It needs gentle care and support.

To support your skin throughout your cycle, LOOkX developed the Calm+ line, specially designed for skin that is temporarily out of balance.

These formulas help soothe the skin, support skin barrier recovery and strengthen its protective function, helping your skin feel more comfortable during hormonal fluctuations.

• LOOkX Calm+ Barrier repair cream: Helps restore and protect the skin barrier with ceramides and panthenol. Ideal for dryness and sensitivity.
• LOOkX Calm+ Redness reset drops: Helps soothe redness and reduce the appearance of blemishes with azelaic acid and plant stem cell extracts.

Focus on soothing, hydrating, evening out your complexion and managing excess sebum.

Start with gentle cleansing that matches your skin mood. The LOOkX Cleansing mousse eye & face and LOOkX Amazing cleansing balm remove dirt and excess sebum without unnecessarily drying out your skin.

Dealing with clogged pores or blemishes? The LOOkX Derma skin polish pads can be a useful addition to your routine. Their exfoliating ingredients help remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear. Use them in moderation, especially when your skin feels more sensitive.

Follow up with your favourite LOOkX Calm+ products to soothe and support your skin.

Make time for yourself during your period. Enjoy a warm bath, gently cleanse your skin and apply a thin layer of LOOkX Calm+ Barrier repair cream as an overnight moisturising treatment.

Your skin (and your mood) will thank you.

Your skin is constantly changing, just like you.

#ProofLooksBetter

• Why do I get breakouts during my period?
  Hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle can affect sebum production. Especially in the days leading up to your period, increased oil production may cause clogged pores and breakouts. These blemishes often appear around the chin and jawline.
  
  
• Why does my skin feel drier during my period?
  Around your period, oestrogen and progesterone levels are low. This can affect your skin's ability to retain moisture, making it feel drier and more sensitive. Choose hydrating ingredients such as ceramides and panthenol to help support your skin barrier.
  
  
• How should I care for my skin during my period?
  Focus on gentle cleansing, hydration and supporting your skin barrier. Avoid harsh scrubs and excessive active ingredients when your skin feels sensitive. The Calm+ line by LOOkX is developed to help reduce redness and sensitivity while supporting your skin barrier.