Cycle-Safe Skincare Routine (for Every Phase of Your Cycle)

Your hormones change week to week — and your skin does too. Here’s how to support your glow, safely.

Why Cycle-Safe Skincare Matters

Most people don’t realise that our skin is heavily influenced by hormonal fluctuations throughout our cycle. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels rise and fall, impacting everything from oil production to sensitivity. Instead of using the same products all month, adapting your routine to your hormonal phases can help minimise breakouts, regulate oil, calm inflammation, and bring out your natural glow.

But here’s the catch: many popular skincare products contain endocrine disruptors — ingredients that can interfere with your hormones. These aren’t just ineffective… they can actually worsen your symptoms.

A cycle-safe skincare routine is about supporting your skin and your hormones with the right products at the right time.

Phase-by-Phase Cycle-Safe Skincare Routine

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

What’s happening: Hormones are at their lowest. Skin may feel dry, dull, or sensitive.

Skincare goals: Hydration, barrier repair, and soothing inflammation.

Best ingredients: Squalane, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, centella asiatica.

Routine tips:

• Use a gentle, creamy cleanser

• Apply a hydrating essence and rich moisturiser

• Avoid harsh actives like retinol or acids

• Try a soothing sheet mask

Aléora Recommends:

• Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser

• Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6–14)

What’s happening: Estrogen rises, skin is glowing and more tolerant.

Skincare goals: Brightening, gentle exfoliation, and prevention.

Best ingredients: Vitamin C, lactic acid, niacinamide, ginseng.

Routine tips:

• Introduce brightening serums (like Vitamin C)

• Use a light exfoliating acid (1–2× week)

• Hydrate well to maintain that glow

Aléora Recommends:

• The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside 12%

• Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum

• The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc

3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 15–17)

What’s happening: Estrogen peaks, testosterone rises — skin is glowy but can get oily or breakout-prone.

Skincare goals: Balance oil, prevent congestion, protect glow.

Best ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc, antioxidants, clay masks.

Routine tips:

• Keep using niacinamide for sebum control

• Consider a light clay mask once a week

• Stay consistent with SPF

Aléora Recommends:

• Byoma Balancing Face Mist

• The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum (Buffet)

• Weekly: Creightons Salicylic Acid Mask (hormone-safe)

4. Luteal Phase (Days 18–28)

What’s happening: Progesterone rises — breakouts, puffiness, oiliness, and inflammation are more common.

Skincare goals: Calm inflammation, treat blemishes, regulate oil.

Best ingredients: Salicylic acid (low %, clean), azelaic acid, green tea, niacinamide, lactic acid.

Routine tips:

• Spot treat with hormone-safe salicylic acid

• Use gentle exfoliants like azelaic acid

• Hydrate well to prevent barrier damage

Aléora Recommends:

• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% (every few days)

• The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension

• Rosehip Oil to calm skin at night

Final Tips:

Track your cycle to get to know your skin better

Always patch test new actives

Choose non-toxic, hormone-safe products (no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, etc.)

Support your skin from within with sleep, water, and cycle-supportive nutrition

Bonus Support:

Download the free Mini Reset Planner to support your cycle and skin holistically -

Read our e-book Flow for a full guide to cyclical living, skincare, and hormonal support

Become an Aléora Babe on Patreon for monthly tools, seasonal rituals, and exclusive content

Aléora Flow Cycle syncing e-book for women

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