If you constantly ask yourself, “Why do I break out on my period?” - you’re not alone. Hormonal breakouts are extremely common, especially during certain phases of your menstrual cycle. These frustrating period zits often pop up around your chin and jawline, thanks to fluctuating hormone levels throughout the month.

But instead of treating breakouts after they appear, you can actually prevent them through a skincare method called cycle syncing. By adjusting your routine to your cycle’s phases, you can work with your skin – not against it – and minimise those stubborn hormonal breakouts.

Here’s how your skin changes during each cycle phase, plus product tips for keeping your skin clear and calm.

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Repair & Replenish

This phase starts on the first day of your period. During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly. As a result, your skin often feels dry, dull, sensitive, and easily irritated. Your skin barrier becomes weakened, leaving it more vulnerable to redness and external stressors.

Skincare Focus: Repair and hydrate your skin barrier with moisture-locking ingredients like Squalane and Ceramides to attract water and calm sensitivity.

Recommended Products:

S.NATURE Aqua Squalane Serum – Nourishes and deeply hydrates with plant-based Squalane.

ZEROID Intensive Cream – A rich, ceramide-based moisturiser that strengthens the skin barrier and soothes irritation.

2. Follicular Phase (Post-Period, ~7 Days): Brighten & Glow

Once your period ends, the follicular phase begins. Oestrogen levels rise again, bringing back hydration, plumpness, and improved skin elasticity. You’ll likely notice your skin looking more radiant and naturally dewy at this time, as it sheds dead skin cells more efficiently.

Skincare Focus: Boost your glow with antioxidants like Vitamin C and Niacinamide. This is also a great time to introduce gentle exfoliants like AHAs and PHAs to smooth texture and brighten dullness.

Recommended Products:

BY WISHTREND Mandelic Acid 5% Prep Water – A gentle AHA toner that exfoliates without irritation.

DEAR, KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop – A brightening Vitamin C serum that enhances radiance and evens skin tone.

3. Ovulation Phase (Mid-Cycle, 2–3 Days): Balance Oil & Prevent Breakouts

During ovulation, oestrogen levels peak – keeping skin firm, clear, and hydrated. However, testosterone also rises, which can increase oil production and lead to clogged pores or period zits if not managed carefully.

Skincare Focus: Control oil and prevent breakouts with lightweight, balancing products. Look for BHAs (like Salicylic Acid) and soothing toners with ingredients like Niacinamide or Green Tea. Non-comedogenic moisturisers are key to prevent congestion.

Recommended Products:

ANUA BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner – Controls excess sebum and unclogs pores without irritation.

4. Luteal Phase (Pre-Period): Calm & Soothe Hormonal Breakouts

The luteal phase is when many people experience the worst hormonal breakouts. Progesterone levels rise, increasing oiliness, clogged pores, and skin sensitivity. This is the time when period zits typically show up – especially around your chin and jawline.

Skincare Focus: Keep your routine simple, focusing on soothing inflammation and treating active breakouts. Stick with products you know work well for your skin – this isn’t the time to experiment! Focus on calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica or Heartleaf, lightweight spot treatments with Salicylic Acid, and detoxifying clay masks to absorb excess oil.

Recommended products:

APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP™ Clearing Solution – A fast-absorbing spot treatment powered by carrot-derived beta-carotene and IPMP to target active breakouts, soothe inflammation, and speed up healing without drying out the skin.

ISNTREE Mugwort Calming Clay Mask – A powerful yet gentle clay mask that helps to absorb excess oil, clear blackheads, and visibly refine pores, making it ideal for hormonal congestion.

PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Cream Unscented – A calming, essential-oil-free cream packed with 50% Centella Asiatica to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Final Tip:

By adjusting your skincare routine to your cycle, you can help prevent breakouts before they start and better manage those dreaded period zits. Understanding your skin’s changing needs is the key to managing hormonal breakouts naturally – and keeping your complexion balanced all month long.