What your skin is telling you across the month

Skin is one of the most honest reporters we have. In the follicular phase, rising estrogen brings glow and hydration. Around ovulation, you're at your brightest.

Then the luteal phase begins. Progesterone thickens sebum; the days before your period are when hormonal breakouts appear — usually along the jaw and chin.

The most useful shift isn't a new serum. It's matching your care to the phase: gentler exfoliation in autumn/winter, more support with zinc and omega-3s, and, always, sleep.