When someone says something will “change your life,” let’s be honest, it’s often a bit of an exaggeration. But, every so often, you will stumble upon tips and tricks that really do radically shift an area of your life for the better. That is precisely the case with these five period and skin tips we’ve rounded up below. Implementing them into your life and menstrual cycle is a game-changer, truly. The result: Easier periods. Healthier, glowier skin.
 
Need we say more? Ahead, learn five easy tweaks you can make to have better periods and skin.

 

Discover your skin type

To make your skin look and feel its best, you must properly care for your skin by using the right skincare products. That said, finding the right skincare products for your skin requires that you first understand your skin type as each skin type will need different things. Everyone’s skin is different but most people generally fall into one of three skin type categories: oily, dry, and combination.
 
Here’s a quick skin types 101 to help you determine your skin type starting with dry skin, which is characterized as having dull, flaky skin. Dry skin lacks oil so it must be regularly moisturized. Oily skin, on the other hand, has—you guessed it—an overproduction of oil resulting in a shiny appearance and can sometimes lead to acne.
 
And, as its name suggests, combination skin features a combination of both dry and oily skin. The T-zone area will tend to be oily while the other areas of the face are dry. Combination skin is the most common skin type.
 
Once you know your skin type, you can use the appropriate products for your skin. If you’re unsure of your skin type or what products to use, checking with your dermatologist is always a good idea.
 

Pay attention to how food affects your period

One trick to better periods? Your diet. The food you eat affects how you experience your period as some foods can worsen period-related symptoms and other foods support fluctuating hormones. To better understand your body, take note of what foods you eat before and during your period and how they make you feel.
 
Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns and you’ll be able to adjust your period-friendly diet as needed. As a starting point, you can try drinking raspberry leaf tea which anecdotal evidence has shown can help ease menstrual cramps. Also, eating more iron-rich leafy green vegetables can help deal with fatigue as iron levels tend to dip during menstruation.
 

Switch to organic period products

Perhaps the easiest life-changing period hack of all is making the switch from traditional period products to organic period products. Traditional tampons and pads on the market are often made with toxic materials that can negatively affect your health.
 
Thankfully, today there are so many more options that are safe including organic tampons and pads, reusable pads, period panties, and menstrual cups which can make your periods better. For example, many people say that using organic pads shortens their period making it easier to endure and doesn’t irritate them like other pads. Whatever period product you choose, ensure that what you’re putting on or in your body is natural, safe, and effective.

 

Exfoliate your skin regularly

Whether you’re a skincare minimalist or swear by your 10-step skincare routine, sometimes it’s easy to forget about exfoliation. But according to dermatologists, it’s essential. Using a gentle liquid exfoliator at least a few times per week helps remove the dead skin at the surface revealing a brighter, healthier complexion. And don’t let the term exfoliation deter you. Exfoliation can be very gentle and as easy as incorporating an exfoliating cleanser or exfoliating toner into your skincare routine.

 

Learn the right order to apply skincare products

Speaking of skincare routines, not only is using the right products for your particular skin type important, it’s also key to apply your skincare products in the right order. Doing so helps maximize their effectiveness. And since skincare products are an investment, you really want to ensure that the products are able to do their job.
 
As a rule of thumb, begin with your lighter products which absorb into the skin quickly and follow them with thicker products. So what does that look like? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to follow: cleanser, exfoliation, toner, eye cream, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. If you’re also using skincare treatments to target issues such as acne, layer them after your serum and before your moisturizer. And there you have it, your perfect skincare routine.

 

 

Rael Reminder: Periods and skincare can be easy. Here are 5 genius tips and tricks that will change your life. Yes, really! getrael.com/blog.