Skin + The Menstrual Cycle

Approximately every four weeks, skin regenerates itself, with new growth in the epidermis pushing up older cells primed for exfoliation. Working alongside that time frame is the menstrual cycle, a process that sees oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate, causing a variety of different effects on skin. The four phases of a menstrual cycle are the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase, and each bring their own skin changes.

News | Murad Launches ExaSoothe Collection

Murad is expanding its already coveted skincare collection with the launch of the ExaSoothe, a new range specifically designed for extreme dryness and irritation.

Winter Skin Saviours

Winter brings strong winds, low humidity levels, and a bitter chill, causing skin to quickly become dry, dull, irritated, and damaged. Even taking shelter in the warm and dry indoors can makes things worse, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause dry and dehydrated skin.

So, when it comes to surviving this cold season, a good skincare routine is essential. You'll need skincare products that protect, hydrate, brighten, and repair. Here are some of my favourites:

Review: Eucerin Urea Repair Replenishing Face Cream

I've always believed in the need to have a skin repairing product in your beauty cabinet at all times. Whether it's sunburn, reaction inflammation, or a bad retinol OD, your skin can find itself in need of emergency care at any moment.

One of my all-time favourite skin repairers is the iS Clinical Sheald. However, I was recently contacted about the Eucerin Urea Repair Replenishing Face Cream and was so intrigued, I had to try it.

Eucerin Urea Repair is lightweight, with a texture that sits between a lotion and a cream. Because of this, a little goes a long way, making that 50ml stretch! It is scentless and absorbs fully in a few minutes, leaving behind a ultra-soft skin texture. Designed for dry and damaged skin, Urea Repair is formulated with urea and lactate - two natural compounds that hydrate the skin and lock-in moisture.

I had a skin flare up recently and - with hesitation - reached for this over my usual iS Clinical Sheald. It quickly soothed my skin, added much needed hydration and, in around five days of continual use, returned by skin back to its normal healthy state. I was well and truly proven wrong. However, if I had to make a choice, I would still opt for Sheald in a skin emergency, but Urea Repair is a close second and - importantly - over 70% cheaper!

Damaged skin aside, I would recommend this cream to anyone with dry skin. Regular use keeps skin hydrated, plump, and smooth to the touch. For just £11, it really is a great skincare product. 

Ask TBI: Choosing The Right Cleanser

Question: I have been using a foam cleanser for the past few weeks and I have noticed that it is making my skin really dry and tight. I do have dry skin but I think the cleanser is making it worse! Is there a better alternative? - Emily Thompson.

Faithful Four: Hydrating Facial Serums

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

Promise: “This serum collects and continuously and deeply spreads water to restore skin's water balance, making skin supple and fresh”
Price: £29.00 / $49.00 30ml

Purchase: John Lewis / Sephora

This really is a beauty product that stays true to its word. Caudalie’s S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is very lightweight and fine in texture, yet is still able to provide a whole load of hydration to the skin. One of its greatest strengths is that it does not irritate skin, a side effect that is common in highly concentrated serums. The hero ingredient in this skin saviour is organic grape water, an antioxidant rich water that helps to strengthen collagen and firm the skin. Typical of all Caudalie products, the S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is non-comedogenic, paraben-free and is not tested on animals.

Darphin Hydraskin Serum

Promise: “Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum is formulated with the Extreme Hydration Complex and extracts of pomegranate and elm root to smooth, soften and restore suppleness to dry and dehydrated skin"

Price: £43.00 / $76.00 30ml

Purchase: House of Fraser / Space NK

Darphin’s water-based serum is a great hydrating serum for all skin types. Although on the pricey side, the Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum feels weightless on the skin and leaves it looking healthy and plumped. It includes pomegranate extract, a powerful antioxidant that plays a positive role in the repair of skin damage caused by UV exposure and aging. The downside? It doesn't last long, especially if you take Darphin’s advice for maximum effectiveness and use five drops per application.

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum

Promise: “A water-charged and oil-free bioactive serum that immediately quenches thirsty skin and helps intensively improve skin appearance over time”

Price: £28.00 / $48.98 30ml

Purchase: Selfridges / feelunique.com

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive is one of the best water-based serums available. This certified organic serum deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it plumped and free of those pesky fine lines. What's more, Hosanna replaces standard 'aqua' with Waiwera water, a water low in sodium and rich in naturally occurring minerals. It has been scientifically proven to stimulate type 1 collagen production by up to 72% and did I mention it smells amazing?

Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum

Promise: “This universal moisturising beautifying serum has the power to protect your beauty and restore all your radiance. Exquisitely comforted with vital moisture, skin is radiant, beautiful, fresh and plumped”

Price: £78.00 / $135.00 50ml

Purchase: Selfridges / Nordstrom

This ultra-hydrating serum absorbs into the skin almost instantly. In addition to treating dry skin, the Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum also helps to repair flaky skin and its non-greasy, smooth texture makes it a great foundation primer. The one thing that pushes this serum to the pedestal is that, after a week of using it, my concealer finally stopped creasing....halle-freakin-lujah! Unsurprisingly, the only downside is the cost.