Is your period skin being completely OTT? Keep the drama for reality tv with these skincare steps to help manage hormonal acne. 

Step 1: Thanks for masking.

Pop on a good movie (I recommend Booksmart) 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 my charcoal clears out acne-causing bacteria.

My Brightening Vitamin C Mask has Kakadu Plum to gobble up dead skin cells and reveal your brightest glow. I only take 5 minutes every 2–3 days to help clear your skin, how easy is that?

Step 2: Give your skin a breather. 

I know it’s tempting to cover up your dramatic period skin with layers of foundation. But get yourself some chocolate cake, not 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) pore-less skin.

Step 3: Cleansing twice is nice.

Especially in the evenings so the rest of your routine can penetrate better.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based dirt. Yep, oil loves attracting other oils like makeup and sebum (which period skin loves to produce). Then follow with a cleanser that goes deep.

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 oils at bay; which is exactly what hormonal acne-prone skin needs.

Hot tip: Use me on damp skin for added hydration. You can even take me in the shower, babe. I love to get steamy.

Step 5: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

Sometimes during a breakout, it can feel counter-intuitive to put moisturiser onto already oily skin. But in this case, it’s like contouring your face: trust the process. Breakouts heal quicker when they’re hydrated. 

You want to use something that’s nourishing and locks in moisture without feeling heavy or blocking pores. Like my Caffeinated Face Moisturiser.

Step 6: Rectify with retinol.

Retinol reduces breakouts by literally getting under your skin to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. 

Let’s take things slow babe and use me twice a week to start. Then see your skin goes and you might end up obsessed with me.

Step 7: This is your reminder to drink water.

Filled up a glass? Good. Fill up another one. Hydrate your body to hydrate your skin. Water maintains your skin’s elasticity and helps with scars.

Drinking water can also encourage your period to move along more quickly and help with backaches and cramps. 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 (like beauty) comes from the inside. Plant-based foods that are high in antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin. Look for spinach, tomatoes, apricots, and blueberries.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also decrease skin inflammation and the puffiness that comes with breakouts. My recommended meal plan? Chia pudding for breaky, walnuts for a snack, and salmon for dinner. 

Now that your hormonal skincare routine is sorted, why not do some self-care? I’ve got 8 self-care tips I think you’ll (self) love. Tip number 5 is known to help with period cramps. Have fun, babe. Wink.