How Korean women care for their skin during that time of the month using the 7&7 rule
Do Korean women have premenstrual skin issues? Hello? Do they have female hormones like the rest of us? LOL. Then of course they also suffer PMS and are plagued by those pesky skin problems during that time of the month.
Knowing that they’ve to deal with troublesome breakouts like us definitely brings some comfort huh? But comfort alone isn’t adequate. What many of you really want to know is: how do they cope?
Well that’s what we are here to find out today and what better way than to learn from the Korean skin care experts at Get It Beauty.
I’d shared aplenty regarding how to care for our skin during PMS but was nonetheless intrigued after watching episode 27 where family doctor Kang Eun Hee also weighed in her expert opinion.
What interest me was a 7 & 7 skin care rule she brought up during their discussion. Now what in the Korean world is 7 & 7?
Turns out, 7 means a week. The first 7 refers to a week before our menstruation and the second 7 refers to the week after menstruation. Here’s the lowdown:
What happens to our skin 7 days before menses?
Premenstrual skin is usually at its worst a week before menstruation starts because this is when hormones like progesterone are raging, adversely affecting our skin.
Progesterone increases
You know those maddening breakouts around the mouth? Ah huh…Our Korean counterparts suffer the same too. Some of them even get breakouts around the nose. And it’s no thanks to progesterone.
So what’s the deal with progesterone? If I were to personify this hormone, I’d say it acts like the jealous step sisters of Cinderella. She simply cannot look pretty when her step sisters are around.
Oily skin? Clogged pores? Dull skin? That’s naughty progesterone acting up to no good. It does what it does because this is the hormone that increases sebum production and compresses pores, increasing the chances for clogged pores and blemishes.
And if you’re always looking fatter before your menses, blame progesterone because you’re not supposed to look good in your ball gown. Yes, this is also the hormone responsible for increased water retention–a condition known as Oedema–causing our face and other parts of our body to look puffy and bloated.
(Yes, yes…Korean woman are not spared either. Happy now?)
Body temperature increases
Besides suffering at the hands of the evil step sisters, poor Cindy also has to deal with her evil step mom. Likewise, on top of having to contend with progesterone, we have to live with with body temperature that increases by a degree just a week before our period.
That’s another reason why sebum in our skin is produced more vigorously and why it becomes more prone to inflammation during that time. Oh what a double whammy!
But wait…didn’t a tall, maybe not too dark but definitely handsome Prince rescued Cindy from her dreadful step family? Oh yesh!
What happens to our skin 7 days after menses?
By the end of your period, your skin probably look tired. But the good news is, it’s recovery time!
Enters valiant Oestrogen, the hormone that governs women’s bodies 7 days after their menstruation. Hallelujah! This is the period metabolism accelerates and skin cell reproduction is more active. Skin is definitely glowing during this week. YAY!
How to benefit from the 7 & 7 rule?
So what do these all mean? Well, knowing what happens to our skin 7 days before and 7 days after menses, Dr Kang Eun Hee said women should follow a 7 & 7 skin care rule to maintain glowing and smooth skin.
Here’s her advice:
What to prepare 7 days before a period?
Women should take care of sebum production by cleansing thoroughly, exfoliate twice a week, and use more hydrating products than oily products. If your skin is more prone to breakout, you may want to consider using fewer skin care products during these 7 days.
What to do 7 days after a period?
Because skin cell reproduction is more active in this period, women can obtain better result if they get special care like skin lifting, elasticity treatment and whitening done in this period.
Dermatologists also recommend that women use specialized skin care products that focus on whitening and wrinkle care. This is also the best time to use your face masks, go for facials and aesthetic treatments.
I know…I know…some of you are feeling upset that your skin has to suffer 7 days before your menses, and your body has to suffer 7 days during your menses. Arrrghhh…
The only thing I can say is: you are not alone in this struggle. At least know that the Korean women have to deal with this too and yet emerge with mul-gwang, glowing skin. So be inspired and take a leaf out of their book!
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Dear Sesame
I have been a regular reader of some of your blogs.
All hormones have significant, not to mention highly intricate roles to play in our bodies. To describe Progesterone as a “jealous sister” is inaccurate and if I might add, inane. Too many women in the world we live today are affected by a far reaching lack of progesterone to counterbalance the alarming estrogen levels caused by the very environment we live in, the household and personal care products we consume on a daily basis.
Responsible fact finding and research before posting is always highly advised.
Have a good day!
Thanks for your comments. I would also appreciate that my tongue-in-cheek discussion not be taken out of context either. ?
I apprececiate all your skin care advice. Very helpful information.
Thanks Stacie! Appreciate your comment. #k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk
you skin care tips are valid and wonderful.Thanks for sharing
I’ll definitely have to try this method for myself, because it really does seem like Korean women have amazing skin! Although I’m sure there’s a lot more to it than just this ?
Shannon last post is: A Comprehensive Provillus Review – Can You Grow Your Hair Again?
Glad you think so.
You’re right…they do much more! I think visits to dermatologists is quite common too.
Just a suggesting, I think you should remove that “not too dark” part out of the prince’s description as some of your readers don’t have fair skin and could be offended by that.
Thanks for all the tips! I’m all about drinking a ton of water during my period to take care of my skin. It also just makes me feel better.
Jen Z. last post is: Luna Period Starter Kit Set Review
so the 7 – 7 is 7 days before and 7 days after…
How about during period? anything to be cautious of?
During period, your skin tends to be duller and drier. Suggest hydrating more.
Thank you for sharing the tips!! There are so many useful tips are shared in Get It Beauty.