Didn’t think you’d still be facing acne as an adult? Thanks, hormones. Fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone throughout your cycle are responsible for the hormonal acne that breaks out like clockwork on a monthly basis.
Estrogen stimulates the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid—essentially the MVP of hormones for great skin. Progesterone stimulates sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, causing skin to swell and compress your pores. Testosterone, like progesterone, triggers excess sebum, clogging your pores and providing a rich environment for acne to thrive.
For Acne Awareness Month, we’re taking a deep dive into the phases of your menstrual cycle to help you better understand the phases of your skin so you can break the cycle of hormonal acne.
Phase 1
Menstruation
Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest point whereas testosterone is relatively higher during your period. Levels of prostaglandin, a hormone that helps the healing process, are higher and can increase your pain sensitivity.
Without the help of estrogen, your skin may have a harder time retaining moisture. It feels dry and dull, lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Skin feels more tender and reactive as its barrier function is impaired.
Nourish with Hydration - Packed with ultra moisturizing fruit extracts, our Hydration Facial Sheet Mask is basically the equivalent of guzzling a full bottle of water right after hot yoga. Or treat yourself to the dynamic duo of our Glow Chemistry Serum and Moisture Melt Snowball for an extra hydrating boost of H3O Hyaluronic Acid Complex.
Strengthen your Barrier - Don’t forget the third step in the daily 3-Step Miracle Clear System: Barrier Cream. After cleansing and toning, massage Miracle Clear Barrier Cream, powered by strengthening Minerice Enzyme Complex, into your face to prevent breakouts.
Phase 2
Follicular
Estrogen is on the rise, peaking between the tenth and thirteenth day of your menstrual cycle, which means increased production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Progesterone and testosterone levels remain lower, increasing towards ovulation.
The ideal hormonal balance for glowy skin—sebum levels are reduced, hyaluronic acid and collagen production is stimulated. This means refined texture, with less visible pores and wrinkles. Your skin is less prone to breakouts.
Boost glow with Collagen - Infused with plumping Hydrolyzed Collagen, hydrating Wheat Amino Acids, and smoothing Licorice Root, our Collagen Facial Sheet Mask enhances your natural radiance and restores elasticity. It’s not time travel, but it’s just like turning the clock back to more youthful skin.
Exfoliate - With new skin cells forming, Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser can help the turnover process by removing dead cells to reveal healthy skin underneath. It’s powered by antimicrobial Succinic and moisturizing Wintergreen Extract so you can put your freshest face forward.
Phase 3
Ovulation
Luteinizing Hormone levels increase to encourage the release of the egg. Once the egg is released into your fallopian tube, estrogen levels dip as progesterone and testosterone levels begin to rise.
Increased luteinizing hormone can make your skin prone to bacterial overgrowth. Sebaceous gland activity is still low as your Follicular Phase Glow fades into a duller complexion, and pigments in the skin darken.
Brighten skin with Vitamin C - Keep your Week 2 Glow radiant into week 3 and beyond with our Vitamin C Facial Sheet Mask infused with brightening Pomegranate Fruit Extract, exfoliating Fig Fruit Extract, and age-defying Citrus Fruit Extract.
Lighten Up - Our Microcrystal Dark Spot Cover delivers Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Broccoli Extract deep below the surface to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone while keeping skin moisturized.
Phase 4
Luteal
Progesterone levels peak to prepare the lining of the uterus for possible pregnancy. They then drop, along with estrogen, below testosterone levels.
Your skin barrier is weakened, sebum production is up, causing your skin to inflame and pores to compress. This causes an oil buildup that makes your skin increasingly greasy, and can lead to breakouts.
Control breakouts with Tea Tree - Antibacterial Tea Tree Leaf Oil, soothing Cica Extract, and healing Chamomile Extract in our Tea Tree facial Sheet Mask purify your skin to minimize opportunities for acne to thrive.
Keep pores clear - In anticipation of the oil-heavy luteal phase, use non-comedogenic products to minimize likelihood of breakouts. Get excited for our Pore Control expansion of the Miracle Clear Line! Drop all your harsh extraction tools: A gentler way to clear pores is at your fingertips.
To simplify your life and keep you ready through all phases of your cycle, just grab the Face Anything Kit that bundles all the facial sheet masks to satisfy your skin’s fluctuating needs.
And if a blemish still manages to appear despite cycle syncing, which can occur for many other non-hormonal reasons, don’t worry! We have a Miracle Patch for every size, shape, and stage of the acne lifecycle. Any skin emergency that pops up and threatens to ruin your mood will be flattened in no time.