Can menstruating actually cause me to have clearer skin or is that merely a coincidence?
Yes and no - it can cause clearer skin & the breakouts. Most people tend to be prone to acne breakouts while menstruating. Clear skin usually occurs after ovulation because of your estrogen levels peaking! But if you do get clear skin on your period, then that's great!
Yes it can! It can also cause the breakouts. The menstrual cycle typically ranges between 25 to 35 days. The first day of menstruating marks the first day of the follicular phase in which estrogen levels are low. At the end of this follicular phase the follicle produces estrogen. With the increase in estrogen around days 7-11 of your menstrual cycle, the increase in estrogen begins to repair skin and reduce sebum creation, reducing the chances of creating acne while also refining skin texture and making pores less visible. After this, ovulation begins and estrogen levels reach their peak resulting in your skin looking its best. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins and estrogen levels decrease again. This brings you back to the beginning of the menstrual cycle where sebum production increases due to the decrease in estrogen. This can cause acne.
