If Your Hormones Could Talk, This Is What They'd Tell You About Breakouts, Bikini Waxes, And Orgasms

But as you already know if you read about hormones, everything is about timing. There are certain phases of your cycle when high-intensity workouts make optimal use of your current hormone balance and times when rest and restorative yoga are the best forms of exercise for your body and mind. There are weeks when it’s smart to schedule big meetings and speaking engagements and weeks you’re better off focusing your energy on detail-oriented tasks that call for solo time. So it’s probably no surprise that just as your hormones should dictate everything from your food choices to your sex habits (yes, seriously), they should also play a major part in planning your primping sessions.

Here’s how to schedule your beauty sessions so you continue to slay all month long without letting the pain of preening slay you.

This post-period phase is your chance to start anew. Your hormones are hovering at low levels, but your estrogen is starting to increase slightly. If you’re a fan of regular facial treatments or waxes, make sure to schedule them for this week since it’s the time your skin is least sensitive. It’s the perfect time for a major cleanup, so extractions, exfoliation, and enzymes are all fair game—let your esthetician handle the job and don’t go squeezing by yourself!

Since all your hormones are rising, now’s the time to be super mindful of keeping them all beautifully balanced—too much of one can result in those dreaded zits and other beauty blunders. Since estrogen dominance is typically the cause of unpleasant signs and symptoms, you’ll want to do what you can to purge any excess amount from your system. Dry brushing is one great way to do that, but getting good and sweaty is best. Try an infrared sauna, and—bonus!—schedule some sexy time alone or with a partner. Reaching orgasmic plateau is one crucial way to flush estrogen from your body. So if you needed one more excuse to achieve the big O, there you have it!

Your testosterone will also hit a high point during your luteal phase—that’s the male hormone (or androgen) that women make in small amounts that can activate your sebaceous glands to make more sebum, i.e., the thick, oily substance that acts as your skin’s natural lubricant. This extra oil may cause breakouts—especially if your hormonal balance is out of whack—and since you’ll also be experiencing increased blood flow throughout your body as you prepare for your period, angry zits may look even angrier. While you may be tempted to remedy any skin snafus with a facial, again—don’t. Your sensitive skin won’t react well to the poking and prodding. Skip the deep cleaning and instead try a superfood mask with spirulina and aloe to soothe inflamed skin. Add a magnesium-rich Epsom salt bath nightly to ease any PMS symptoms.

However you choose to groom during the various phases of your cycle, remember that a hormone-healthy diet and lifestyle lay the foundation for looking and feeling amazing all month long. Be sure to download the MyFLO app to start learning how your everyday actions affect your energy, thoughts, and—yes—your appearance. Happy spring cleaning!