Cycle-syncing skincare is trending fast — here’s how adjusting your routine to your hormonal cycle can help manage breakouts, dryness and sensitivity throughout the month.
For many women, skin isn’t just skin — it’s a monthly rotation of dryness, breakouts, dullness and unpredictability. When hormones are already delivering daily curveballs, even the most reliable skincare routine can feel suddenly ineffective.
Enter cycle-syncing skincare, the trend turning hormonal patterns into a plan. Google searches for “cycle syncing skincare” and “hormonal skin routine” have spiked, alongside hormonal acne-care-related questions being one of the top-searched skin categories between 2024 to 2025. TikTok has turbocharged this craze, with the same searches racking up hundreds of millions of views as women share tips, routines and results.
The idea’s simple: instead of using the exact same products every week, you shift your routine to align with the four hormonal phases — menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal. This is because hormones like oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone influence oil production, hydration, sensitivity and inflammation throughout the month.
“Cycle-syncing has taken off because women are finally being taught how their bodies work,” says Rebecca Prade, hormonal and clinical nutritionist at Bexology. “It’s not just about skin — energy, mood, appetite, digestion and focus all follow a hormonal pattern. Skin is simply the part you can see.”
While dermatologists note that research specifically on cycle-syncing skincare is still emerging, many agree that understanding hormonal shifts can help women anticipate changes — especially if they’re prone to breakouts, dryness or sensitivity at predictable times.
Seasonal factors can amplify these swings, too. Low humidity, heating or cold air can leave an already stressed skin barrier more reactive. Tailoring your skincare to both your cycle and your environment can make a surprisingly big difference.
So, Living360 spoke to the experts to create this beginner-friendly guide to cycle-syncing your skincare.
Read more: Menstrual cycle training: should women adapt exercise?
Best skincare products for each phase of your menstrual cycle
Menstrual phase (days 1-5)
With oestrogen and progesterone at their lowest, skin often feels dry, dull and more reactive. “The skin is the last organ to receive nutrients during this phase,” says Michaella Bolder, master facialist and skincare specialist.
Gentle, hydrating products are key here — think creamy cleansers, ceramides, squalane and soothing ingredients such as oat or centella. This is also the moment to press pause on exfoliants and potent actives.
Products to try:
- Byoma Foaming Rice Deep Cleanser
- Dr Loretta Barrier Enhancing Milky Essence
- Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm
- Aestura Skin-Barrier Moisturising Mist
Follicular phase (days 6-14)
As oestrogen rises, skin becomes more resilient, hydration improves and radiance starts to return. This is typically the ideal window for brightening serums, peptides, light AHAs and anything that supports glow and skin renewal.
“This is when products really work hard for you,” says Michaela. Skincare expert Sophie Smith adds that vitamin C and gentle exfoliation tend to land particularly well here.
Products to try:
- Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence
- Tatcha The Brightening Serum
- Biossance Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
Read more: 25 trending K-Beauty products that will transform your skincare routine
Ovulation (around day 14)
With oestrogen at its highest — and a brief rise in testosterone — circulation and elasticity often improve, leaving skin looking naturally brighter and smoother. But for those sensitive to androgens, this mini surge can also prompt mid-cycle breakouts.
Gentle exfoliation over a couple of days, consistent hydration and a radiance-boosting mask can help maintain glow without overwhelming the skin.
Products to try:
- Rhode Glazing Mist or Glazing Milk
- Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
- Sarah Chapman R&R Glow Recovery Cream
- Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Moisture Mask
Read more: Should women be adapting their training and exercise for their menstrual cycle?
Luteal phase (days 15-28)
As progesterone increases, oil production can rise, too — leading to congestion, jawline breakouts and a little puffiness. Stress during this phase can intensify inflammation.
This is a good time to reach for niacinamide, clay masks and lighter gel moisturisers. “A clay mask acts like a mop to draw out excess oils and reduce the longevity of breakouts,” says Michaela.
Just avoid over-exfoliating or layering too many actives, which can aggravate already temperamental skin.
Products to try:
- Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse
- Faace Period Faace Mask
- Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol
- Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream
Cycle-syncing your skincare isn’t essential, but it can help you anticipate changes and work with your skin rather than against it.
At the very least, it gives structure to the ebbs and flows of your complexion — and a little extra predictability never hurts.
Feature image: Canva
