L’Oréal, the world’s biggest beauty brand, is helping customers understand the relationship between their menstrual cycle and skin health with a new partnership.
Clue is a period tracking app, used by 12 million consumers in 190 countries worldwide, and will combine its data-driven technology with L’Oréal’s skin care experts.
Working with the beauty owner’s Active Cosmetic Division, the companies will develop science-backed content to inform consumers on the relationship between menstrual cycle and skin health.
“We are excited to partner with the largest beauty company in the world to advance what we know about the relationship between the menstrual cycle and the health of our skin,” said Clue co-CEO Audrey Tsang.
“Changes in skin is one of the most tracked categories within the Clue app, alongside the period and menstrual symptoms, so we know that it’s super important for many of our community.
“With L’Oréal’s vast scientific skin care knowledge, we will be able to provide new and helpful information to both our Clue community and all consumers on how the cycle can affect the skin.”
Meanwhile, L’Oréal’s Deputy CEO, in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology, Barbara Lavernos, added: “Through this partnership, we want to pioneer scientific innovation.
“Our goal is to develop the best personalized skincare routines for consumers of all ages regarding skin health, beauty and wellness aspirations, taking into account their menstrual cycles from puberty to menopause.”
Skin care fit for a period
Common symptoms of women’s periods are cramps, mood swings and headaches, but their skin is also at the mercy of their ‘time of the month’.
Breakouts, oily skin are common hormonal symptoms, particularly on the chin and jawline, and can be more sensitive during their period.
“Progesterones and androgens are the main culprits in blemishes, because they impact on sebaceous glands which are the oil producing glands in the skin,” Emma Wedgeworth, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, told Cosmetics Business.
“In addition, oestrogen levels drop in early and mid-cycle, which may account for increases in dryness and sensitivity. Skin cells have a number of hormone receptors within them, so it’s not surprising that fluctuating hormones will influence the nature of our skin,” she noted.
As a result, many skin care brands have tailored their offering to include products that are specifically dedicated to tackling the effects of the menstrual cycle.
Typology introduced its Woman Periodic quartet of serums that are to be used throughout the four weeks of the user’s menstrual cycle.
Meanwhile, Faace, the brainchild of PR boss Jasmine Wicks-Stephens, was founded to help consumers tackle everyday skin stresses, including the monthly onslaught of blemishes from consumers’ periods.
