Caring for your skin and working out can be more challenging during your cycle. Aunt Flo and acne always seem to be a package deal, and exercising isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing do to, with everything going on down there. Your cycle can certainly put a damper on your wellness routines, but who says you should allow it to sabotage your plans?
In this post, we’ve put together a few tips on how you get through your cycle, so you can continue to look and feel your best each day.
Caring for your skin during your cycle
If your skin feels different during certain parts of your cycle, don’t worry—it’s normal. Whenever Aunt Flow is in town (or coming to town), your hormones get sent into chaos, leading to oily skin, breakouts, and other concerns. Your skin may also be more sensitive to pain as estrogen falls during the first half of your menstrual cycle.
While skincare can be more challenging during your red days, you can “sync” your cycle with your routine to maintain a healthy, radiant glow. Here’s how to care for your skin when it’s that time of the month:
Cleanse your face twice a day
On days 12 to 16 of your cycle, estrogen will rise, causing your oil glands to go into overdrive. The excess oil will not only make your skin look shinier but also makes it more susceptible to acne. Remember that your pores are more likely to get clogged if the surface of your skin is unclean or covered in a build-up of dirt, oil, etc. To reduce the risk of acne flare-ups during your period, consider washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
Stay hydrated
If you have dry skin, be prepared: your skin will be noticeably drier on your period. Estrogen dips during the first days of your cycle, which impacts your body’s ability to retain moisture. This leads to duller and drier skin, which can make skin concerns like wrinkles more pronounced. To address dry skin, don’t forget to slather on a lightweight moisturiser daily. You could also consider slugging—a K-beauty trend that involves applying an occlusive before bed—so your skin feels super-soft when you wake up.
Watch what you eat
It may be tempting to eat a whole bar of chocolate and a bag of chips while on your period, but be warned: your guilty pleasures can lead to skin concerns like breakouts! Eating a diet that’s rich in sugar, salt, and saturated fats can also exacerbate period pain and cause bloating. So instead of giving in to your high-calorie cravings, reach for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Wear sunscreen daily
Hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout your cycle can make your skin more sun-sensitive. This increases the risk of sun-inducing skin aging, which can come in the form of sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. UV sensitivity also increases your risk of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the US. To protect your skin, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. A good sunscreen will prevent UV from penetrating your skin when it’s at its most vulnerable state.
Staying fit while on your period
Wondering if it’s OK to work out during that time of the month? The answer is yes! While working out while on your period can feel a bit uncomfortable, it comes with plenty of benefits. For example, exercising may ease period pain due to the release of natural painkillers. It can also improve blood circulation, which can help reduce period cramps.
As you can see, it’s actually a good idea to work out during your red days. All you have to do is find ways to deal with the discomfort. Here’s how:
Take medicine for pain relief
If you suffer from period pain like 80% of women, you might want to pop a paracetamol before you hit the gym. You could also use cannabis—a bit controversial, we know, but it has been found to have potential benefits for decreasing inflammation during workouts. Plus, incorporating cannabis into your pre-workout regimen may give you a boost of energy, according to claims.
Wear the right clothing
Most women skip the gym when they’re on their period because they’re worried they might leak through their workout gear. However, you shouldn’t allow Aunt Flo to get in the way of your workouts. Wear whatever gives you peace of mind, whether that’s period-proof clothing (underwear that absorbs period blood) or dark clothes that will conceal any stains. It’s also a good idea to change your tampon, pad, or menstrual cup so you can move with confidence.
Stick to easy workouts
When you’re on your period, your body’s abilities won’t be the same. For instance, if can normally lift weights with ease, you might find it difficult to do during your period. So if strenuous exercises such as cycling and Cross Fit are too challenging for you, stick to gentler workouts for now. Some examples of easy exercises to do while on your period are yoga, pilates, light cardio, and low-intensity strength training. Once your energy goes back up a week after your period, you can resume your usual workout routine.
Listen to your body
When your period starts, you may want to stay in bed and binge-watch the newest season of your favourite TV show. So if you don’t feel like going to the gym because of period pains, or your flow is too strong, then don’t go. That’s your body’s way of telling you to kick back for a day or two. Always listen to your body—it knows best.
Don’t let your period ruin your routine!
Periods can be the worst, but don’t allow them to ruin your routines! With these tips, you can continue to care for your skin, stay on track with your fitness goals, and be the confident, beautiful woman you’ve always been.