Each month, hormones secreted by the ovaries, adrenal glands, and adipose tissues fluctuate, increasing or decreasing, not only preparing our body for a potential pregnancy but also affecting the skin. Dry skin, dull complexion, spots, increased sensitivity... it's not just our mood that's impacted by the hormonal fluctuations of the monthly cycle. These changes vary according to the phase of the cycle, thus having specific needs. At Typology, we have developed four periodic serums for each phase of the cycle. Let's look at them in more detail here.
What is a periodic serum?
Summary
Published on July 2, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 6 min of reading
Themes:
Periodic Serum: What is it and why should we use it?
A periodic serum is a highly concentrated active skincare product, designed to cater to the skin's needs at each stage of the female cycle. It aims to minimise the unpleasant effects that can be caused by hormonal fluctuations (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) on the skin. Dehydration, dullness, spots, oily skin, redness, sensitivity... a woman's skin can exhibit a range of conditions and change in appearance according to the weeks of the cycle.
"Woman", a range of 4 periodic serums targeted for the female cycle.
At Typology, we wanted to explore a new range of care dedicated to the menstrual cycle, named Woman. A combination of four milky-consistency serums, corresponding to the four weeks of the female menstrual cycle, has been developed to address the various skin issues that women experience during this period.
Treatment No.1: Hydrating and Soothing Serum.
Due to the low levels of oestrogen and progesterone, the skin becomes more sensitive and dehydrated than usual. Being more fragile, it is crucial to hydrate the skin as much as possible, which will soothe it and make it more supple. Composed of 89% natural ingredients, the serum's formula helps to alleviate discomfort (redness, tightness...) that may be felt during this period due to the "damage" caused in the previous phase, hydrates the skin by creating a viscoelastic film on the surface to prevent the water in the skin from evaporating and to protect it from external aggressions, and stimulates the skin's natural ability to regenerate itself.
The main active ingredients: of the hyaluronic acid with high molecular weight (INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate), of the aloe vera (INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder), of the bisabolol and of the cornflower floral water (INCI: Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water).
Treatment No. 2: Flexibility and Radiance Serum.
Week 2 is the one that follows the menstrual cycle and precedes ovulation. Gradually, the level of oestrogen increases until it reaches its peak during ovulation. This is when the skin is at its most beautiful. It is better hydrated without being overly oily and is more supple, thanks to the fact that it stimulates fibroblasts, or the production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid. Serum 2, with 88% naturally derived ingredients, is enriched with exfoliating and antioxidant actives, thus helping to maintain the radiance and texture of the skin which is at its peak.
The key active ingredients: include Vitamin C (INCI: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and fruit acids such as blueberry extract (INCI: Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract), orange extract (INCI: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract) and lemon extract (INCI: Citrus Limon Fruit Extract).
Treatment No. 3: Hydrating and Astringent Serum.
Week 3 corresponds to the week following ovulation. The level of oestrogen gradually begins to decrease, making way for progesterone in order to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. This increasing production of progesterone stimulates the sebaceous glands, which start to secrete more sebum than usual. This excess sebum dilates the pores, making the skin oily and shiny. Conversely, with the decrease in oestrogen concentration, the skin may start to become less hydrated, an effect that can be particularly observed in skins prone to dryness. Containing 91% natural origin ingredients, Serum 3 is composed of astringent actives to regulate pore dilation, and hydrating and repairing actives to preserve skin hydration. This third serum therefore aims to restore skin balance.
The main active ingredients: sugar extracted from wheat (INCI: Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Glucose) and mastic tree extract (INCI: Pistacia Lentiscus Gum).
Treatment No. 4: Mattifying and Anti-Blemish Serum.
Week 4 corresponds to the period just before menstruation, hence before the start of a new menstrual cycle. Already on the rise, the level of progesterone continues to increase: the sebaceous glands produce more sebum, thus increasing the risk of skin imperfections and inflammations. One or more spots may appear during this week, corresponding to hormonal acne. Composed of 89% natural origin ingredients, Serum 4 relies on the combination of mattifying, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory active ingredients to limit skin imperfections and shininess.
The key active ingredients: marine algae extract (INCI name: Saccharide Isomerate) and zinc (INCI: Zinc PCA).
Woman: How to incorporate it into your skincare routine?
Each serum has been designed for use over a 7-day period. This skincare range has been developed to adapt according to hormonal changes, thus avoiding all the discomforts a woman's skin may encounter during this time: blemishes, dehydration, lack of radiance... The skin is more balanced, more hydrated, more supple, and more comfortable. Even though the range has been designed for one serum per week, it is important to consider the needs of your skin and adapt your skincare routine accordingly. Every morning, on clean and dry skin and under the moisturising cream, apply the equivalent of one pipette to the entire face and neck.
A small note : Serum 2 should be used in the evening only. Indeed, its formula is photosensitising due to the presence of fruit acids with exfoliating properties. The following day, also remember to protect your skin with a sun cream suitable for your skin type during the period of use.
