How to manage dramatic period skin.

Is your period skin being completely OTT? Keep the drama for reality TV. Here are eight skincare steps to help manage hormonal acne.

Step 1: Thanks for masking

Pop on a good movie and unwind with a face mask. You'll feel more relaxed and your skin will thank you for it. My Charcoal Face Mask has soothing chamomile, lavender, and honey to calm your skin while charcoal clears out acne-causing bacteria. Or reach for my Glow Mask to gobble up dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. Either way, just 5 minutes every 2 to 3 days to help clear your skin.

Step 2: Give your skin a breather

I know it's tempting to cover up dramatic period skin with layers of foundation. Get yourself some chocolate cake instead of cakey makeup. Give your skin a break from heavy makeup so it can breathe and do its thing. The goal is healthy-looking skin, not (unrealistic) poreless skin.

Step 3: Cleansing twice is nice

Especially in the evenings, so the rest of your routine can penetrate better. Start with my Gentle Cleansing Oil to remove oil-based dirt. Oil loves attracting other oils like makeup and sebum, which period skin loves to produce. Then follow with my Enzyme Face Cleanser to go deeper. Double the fun, double the action.

Step 4: Say hi to hyaluronic acid

If it's not already in your skincare routine, hyaluronic acid is a no-brainer. It's lightweight and ultra-hydrating while keeping excess oils at bay. Exactly what hormonal, acne-prone skin needs. My Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is your new bestie. Hot tip: use it on damp skin for added hydration.

Step 5: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

Sometimes during a breakout it feels counter-intuitive to put moisturiser onto already oily skin. Trust the process. Breakouts heal more quickly when they're hydrated. Reach for something nourishing that locks in moisture without feeling heavy or blocking pores, like my Caffeinated Face Moisturiser.

Step 6: Rectify with retinol

Retinol helps reduce the appearance of breakouts by working beneath the skin's surface to clear away excess oil and dead skin cells. Take things slow and use my Rewind Retinol Serum twice a week to start, then increase as your skin adjusts. You might end up obsessed.

Step 7: This is your reminder to drink water

Filled up a glass? Good. Fill up another one. Hydration maintains your skin's elasticity and can help with the healing of scars. Some babes also find that staying well-hydrated helps with period cramps and backaches. If you're a forgetful frankfurt, set timers throughout the day to remind yourself to drink up.

Step 8: Eat for your skin

Skin health comes from the inside. Plant-based foods high in antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and support clearer skin. Look for spinach, tomatoes, apricots, and blueberries. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help with the puffiness that comes with breakouts. My recommended meal plan: chia pudding for brekky, walnuts for a snack, and salmon for dinner.

x frank