How to evolve your kbeauty routine according to hormonal cycles?

Hormonal fluctuations profoundly influence the condition of our skin. Shine, dryness, spots, sensitivity: each phase of the female cycle changes skin needs. Inspired by the kbeauty philosophy , which advocates listening to your skin and constantly adapting your skincare, it is possible to adjust your routine to accommodate these natural variations.

In this article, let's discover how to align your Korean routine with your cycles to maintain balance, radiance, and comfort throughout the month.

Understanding the link between hormonal cycles and skin

Hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—regulate many biological mechanisms, including sebum production, water retention, and cell turnover.

Their cyclical variation therefore causes visible changes:

• Before ovulation : Skin is generally bright, well hydrated and balanced.
• After ovulation : She becomes more prone to blemishes and sensitivity.
• Before menstruation : sebum increases, promoting the appearance of pimples.
• During menstruation : skin may be dull, tired, or even dehydrated.

Kbeauty offers a gentle and adaptive approach : rather than using the same products every day, you adjust your routine to follow your skin's needs at each phase.

1. Follicular Phase (Days 1 to 14) – Softness and Regeneration

This period begins with menstruation. Hormone levels are low, skin can be sensitive, dehydrated, and dull . It's time to pamper it with gentle, nourishing skincare.

🧴 Objective:

Soothe, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

💧 Typical routine:

• Gentle Cleanser: Ksecret Seoul 1988 Cleansing Foam: Pine Cica 1% + Probiotics — perfect for gentle cleansing.
• Hydrating Toner: Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner — rich in antioxidants and soothing.
• Soothing Serum: Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea + Panthenol Soothing — ideal for calming redness.
• Cream rich in restorative active ingredients: Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream — to regenerate weakened skin.

💡 Beautylau tip: choose creamy textures and soothing ingredients (Centella Asiatica, panthenol, ceramides).

2. Ovulatory Phase (Days 14 to 16) – Radiance and Lightness

Around ovulation, estrogen levels peak. Skin is luminous, firm, and well-hydrated : it's the perfect time for lighter textures and to boost radiance.

🌿 Objective:

Enhance the skin and strengthen its natural radiance.

💧 Typical routine:

• Gentle cleanser to maintain a clear complexion.
• Radiance Toner: Beauty of Joseon – Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA — gently refines skin texture.
• Illuminating Serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide — boosts luminosity.
• Sun Protection: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+/PA++++ — ultra-lightweight, perfect for maintaining radiance.

💡 Beautylau Tip: This is the perfect time to use hydrating sheet masks or a vitamin C serum to enhance your natural glow.

3. Luteal Phase (Days 17 to 28) – Prevent Blemishes

After ovulation, progesterone and testosterone levels increase. This stimulates sebum production, making skin more oily and prone to breakouts , especially in the T-zone or on the chin. Hormonal imbalances are often more evident during this phase.

🌿 Objective:

Balance, purify and prevent imperfections.

💧 Typical routine:

• Purifying yet gentle cleanser: Ksecret Seoul 1988 Cleansing Foam: Pine Cica 1% + Probiotics — keeps skin clear without stripping it.
• Exfoliating Toner: Beauty of Joseon – Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA — helps unclog pores.
• Anti-blemish serum: Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum — regulates sebum and reduces redness.
• Soothing Mask: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Mask — to calm inflammation linked to hormonal imbalance .

💡 Beautylau tip: avoid products that are too rich and favor light, non-comedogenic formulas . A Centella Asiatica treatment can help regulate and soothe without being harsh.

4. Menstrual Phase (Days 1 to 5 of the following cycle) – Comfort and repair – Adaptation to hormonal imbalance

During menstruation, skin can become more sensitive, reactive, or dehydrated . This is the time to return to pampering and protective skincare. This phase often concludes the monthly hormonal imbalance .

🌿 Objective:

Soothe and restore skin balance.

💧 Typical routine:

• Gentle cleanser without harsh foam.
• Restorative Essence: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule — instantly hydrates and soothes.
• Barrier Cream: Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream — nourishes and protects weakened skin.
• Nourishing Night Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask — helps skin regenerate while you sleep.

💡 Beautylau Tip: Moisturize your skin more and avoid exfoliants or retinoids during this time.

Listen to your skin first and foremost

One of the pillars of kbeauty is listening.
Unlike often rigid Western routines, Korean beauty is based on flexibility and understanding your skin . It's not about following a strict rule, but rather observing the signals your skin is sending you on a daily basis—tightness, shine, redness, uneven texture—to adapt your skincare accordingly.

Hormonal fluctuations accentuate this need: skin that is radiant today may become more sensitive or oily tomorrow, without necessarily being a problem. This is not “instability,” but simply a reflection of your body’s natural rhythm .

Taking the time to observe these changes allows you to adjust products and actions:

• When the skin feels tight or tingles, choose restorative treatments rich in ceramides or panthenol.
• If it becomes shiny or prone to blemishes, incorporate regulating and purifying active ingredients like niacinamide or gentle AHA/BHA.
• For dull skin, boost radiance with antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea, propolis).

This listening also involves the texture and sensoriality of the products: kbeauty makes a point of making the routine pleasant, almost meditative. The delicate massage during application, the plant scents, the lightness of the formulas are all ways to connect with your skin.

💡 Beautylau tip: try keeping a little “skin diary.” Record your observations (texture, radiance, spots, dryness) each week. Within a few cycles, you will see clear patterns emerge, which will help you understand your skin’s recurring needs according to your hormonal cycle .

The goal is not perfection, but harmony: recognizing that your skin changes, and that it needs you at each stage, with gentleness and kindness.
This is the true spirit of kbeauty — caring, not correcting .

Beautylau Tips for a Balanced Hormone Routine

1. Choose adaptive textures : light gel, rich cream or mask depending on the phase.
2. Don't overload your routine : kbeauty minimalism is often more effective.
3. Always moisturize, even when you have blemishes.
4. Learn to anticipate your skin's needs (e.g., reduce exfoliants before your period).
5. Use Korean masks as targeted weekly “boosts” according to the cycle phase.

Finally: Hormonal cycles and beauty

Adopting a kbeauty routine adapted to your hormonal cycles means understanding that the skin evolves at the same rate as the body.
Thanks to soft textures, natural formulas and sensory gestures , Korean skincare helps balance, soothe or energize the skin according to its current needs.

This caring approach does not seek to “correct” but to support the skin in its natural variations .
Whether you're experiencing breakouts, sensitivity, or imbalance, there's always a kbeauty solution to gently and effectively support you.

🌿 On Beautylau.fr , discover the kbeauty essentials mentioned in this article — and if you're unsure about the most suitable products, take the Beautylau skincare quiz to receive personalized recommendations.