The real reason behind your bad skin, energy dips and fluctuating libido

You've tried it all. Expensive creams, serums, face masks. You follow a strict skincare routine, yet you still wake up with pimples and oily skin. You drag yourself to the gym, but have the energy of a wet noodle. And your libido? It seems to have a mind of its own. Frustrating, right?

The beauty and wellness industry sells us the idea of perfect skin and an energetic body, every single day. But this is an unrealistic, and frankly, unbiological myth. The truth is that your skin, energy, and libido aren't constant, because your hormones aren't either.

1. Your Skin Changes Dramatically (And That's Normal)

Let's be honest: how much money have you already spent on products that promise to "save" your skin? Chances are the problem isn't in your bathroom cabinet, but in your biology.

• Follicular Phase (the week after your period): Your estrogen level rises. Estrogen is your skin's best friend. It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in firm, hydrated, and glowing skin.
• Luteal Phase (the two weeks before your period): Your progesterone level takes over. Progesterone causes your sebaceous glands to work harder, leading to oilier skin and clogged pores. The result? More pimples, blackheads, and sensitive skin.

"Your skin isn't 'bad'. You're just in your luteal phase. Learn the difference and save hundreds."

2. Your Energy Crashes Are Predictable

Do you sometimes feel guilty because you're suddenly "lazy"? Stop blaming yourself. Your energy level, just like your skin, is cyclical.

• Ovulation Phase (around day 14): This is your absolute peak. Your estrogen and testosterone levels are at their highest. You feel strong, confident, and energetic.
• Luteal Phase (the week before your period): Your energy level drops significantly. Forcing an intense workout isn't the best idea now. Listen to your body.

It's not laziness, it's your body communicating what it needs.

3. Your Libido Isn't Constant (And That's Okay)

A fluctuating libido is one of the biggest insecurities among women. We quickly assume something is wrong if we don't always feel like having sex. But here too: it's your cycle. Research shows that women's sexual desire peaks around ovulation.

Biologically, this makes sense: this is the period when you're most fertile. After ovulation, during the luteal phase, the hormones that drive your libido drop again. So it's not a personal failure if you feel less desire during that period. It's biology.

Take Back Control

Knowledge is power. By understanding the patterns of your own cycle, you take back control over your well-being. Start tracking your cycle today.

The PERIOD. app is designed to help you with this. Simple, clear, and no-nonsense. Download PERIOD. (App Store · Google Play) now and discover the power of your own cycle.

References

1. Nguyen, M. L. et al. (2024). Physiological Changes in Women's Skin During the Menstrual Cycle. PMC NCBI.
2. Zouboulis, C. C. et al. (2025). A global study of 17,009 women reveals significant skin changes. Oxford Academic.
3. Dermatology of CT. (2024). How Hormones Affect Your Skin.
4. MDPI. (2024). The Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Maximal Strength.
5. Campbell, S. E. & Febbraio, M. A. (2001). Glucose kinetics and exercise performance during phases of the menstrual cycle. American Journal of Physiology.
6. American Psychological Association. (2011). Hormones & desire.
7. University of Rochester. (2023). Ask the Sexpert: Sex drive and the menstrual cycle.