Yes, we will adjust certain treatments based on a patient’s menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect the skin’s condition, making it more sensitive or prone to certain issues like acne, dryness, or irritation. For example:
Pre-menstrual phase (luteal phase): The skin may become oilier due to increased sebum production, and some individuals may experience more acne or breakouts. Aesthetic treatments aimed at controlling oil and preventing acne, such as light chemical peels, may be more effective or necessary during this time. However, because skin sensitivity can also increase, aestheticians might avoid aggressive treatments like deep peels or lasers.
Menstrual phase: The skin can become more sensitive or inflamed, so some aestheticians may recommend gentler treatments or avoid treatments that involve irritation or intense exfoliation during this time.
Follicular phase (after menstruation): This is generally a time when the skin is less sensitive and healing well. Aesthetic procedures, such as microneedling or more intense peels, may be better tolerated during this phase.
Ovulatory phase: During this phase, the skin often looks its best due to an estrogen surge, which promotes hydration and elasticity. It may be a good time for hydration or glow-enhancing treatments.
Medical aestheticians take these fluctuations into account when personalizing skincare plans, especially for treatments that could cause irritation or require optimal healing conditions. However, not all aestheticians focus on the menstrual cycle as a determining factor, so it’s something patients may want to discuss with their practitioner to get the best customized care.
2. Do you take a patient’s menstrual cycle into account when scheduling procedures or treatments? Why or why not?
Yes, if the patient has stated that she is particularly sensitive according to her period cycle. Every patient is different.
3. Have any of your patients expressed concerns or discomfort about receiving treatments during their period? How do you respond to these concerns?
Yes, and we respond appropriately, either with mitigating measures or by rescheduling.
4. For more invasive or potentially painful treatments (like injectables, lasers, etc.), do you offer patients the option to reschedule around their cycle?
Yes. We always want our patients to be absolutely comfortable with any elective procedure.
5. Are there certain types of treatments that you would avoid performing on a patient during menstruation due to increased sensitivity?
Yes, there are certain types of treatments that any medical aesthetician might avoid or adjust during menstruation due to increased skin sensitivity and heightened discomfort. Treatments that could potentially exacerbate this heightened sensitivity include deep chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, dermabrasion, injectables such as Botox, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and body contouring treatments.
6. In cases where patients must undergo a treatment during their period, do you offer different pain management strategies?
During the menstrual period, when local pain sensitivity may be heightened, we might apply a thicker layer of topical anesthetic or leave it on longer to enhance its effect.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended before the procedure to help reduce discomfort.
For treatments like laser or light-based therapies, cooling mechanisms may be used to soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort. Cryotherapy (cold air or tools) applied to the treated area can also reduce pain and inflammation.
After the procedure, we may advise the use of cold compresses or soothing gels after the procedure to help manage any heightened sensitivity or discomfort.
7. From your experience, do you believe this heightened pain sensitivity is common, or do you think it varies significantly from patient to patient?
It’s both very common and it varies from patient to patient.
8. Do you think there’s a growing awareness in the aesthetics field about the role of the menstrual cycle in patient care? Have you noticed any shifts in how practitioners are handling this?
Yes, there is increasing awareness. This is because the field of aesthetic medicine is growing, medical practitioners are becoming more sensitive to the needs of their female patients, and the patients themselves are expecting to be treated more like customers.