Is tracking your period the secret to clear skin?

Using your menstrual cycle to alter your beauty regime could be the key to preventing dry skin and greasy hair according to the founder of a new app.

Denmark-born, founder of female health app Clue, created a way for women to track their period and claims that by monitoring changes during your cycle you can correct problems like greasy hair and spot outbreaks.

Nicole Kidman has dry skin which could be worse than usual in the second half of the cycle
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Although monthly hormones affect all women differently, by paying close attention Ida claims the app can help to prevent beauty issues which can flare up over the 28-day cycle.

During different parts of the cycle it can cause differences in acne outbreaks, skin hydration, elasticity and wound-healing ability.

Ida said: 'Most women will have realised that the quality of their skin changes at different times in the month, and we know that this is related to fluctuating hormones, however that is as far as it goes when it comes to the teaching on this matter.'

She wants to educate women on the differences it can make if they take account of their cycle.

There are four types of skin condition that Clue allows you to track: good, oily, dry and acne.

After determining your own patterns, you can create your own tailor-made skin care regime to adapt the products you use and take preemptive action.

Here is when you might experience each skin type within the cycle and how to treat it.

Cyclic hormonal changes are likely to cause major differences in sebum excretion in people suffering from oily skin, peaking about one week ahead of period.

Oily skin occurs when skin appears shiny and greasy from excessive production of sebum.

Whilst you may think an intensive soap-based cleanser is the answer here, stripping your skin of all its natural oils will actually encourage it to produce more.

Likewise, it is still important to moisturise and keep skin hydrated. Stick to a light cleanser and wash the face both in the morning and evening using a clean muslin cloth.

Afterwards, moisturise with an oil-free moisturiser.

DRY SKIN

Usually during the first week as your period starts, dry skin appears without shine and may be red, flaky and crusty. If you suffer from dermatoses, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis, symptoms of which may likely worsen in second half of your cycle leading up to your period.

Keep your skin well hydrated with emollients, present in over-the-counter moisturisers.

Choosing the appropriate moisturiser will ensure your skin is soft, smooth and hydrated. Often dry and sensitive skin go hand in hand so if treating skin that is both dry and sensitive, the most important thing is to use unperfumed products as you don't want to aggravate or inflame it.

ACNE

Acne is common 10 days before the period is due, until the period starts, and during a couple of days of the period. People who have mild acne will likely have a few extra blemishes and they may have whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.

Acne is one of the most frequently reported skin ailments connected to your cycle.

Period-related hormonal breakouts, known as catamenial acne, occur in the perimenstrual phase (the 10 days before your period plus days of bleeding).

The over-production

Progesterone-induced overproduction of sebum contributes to catamenial acne.

Acne is also closely connected to the lifestyle you lead, which is why tracking other aspects of your life in Clue, such as partying habits and sleep patterns, can also help you gain a better understanding of your skin.

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