I Tried Knours, the Skin-Care Brand That Customizes a Routine Based on Your Menstrual Cycle
With innovations like period panties, products that promise relief from cramps, and movements rooted in pride and self-love, periods are finally being seen in a more positive light. But just because we're beginning to warm up to our menstrual cycle doesn't mean we have to get down with every aspect of it. Like hormonal acne, for example. Nope, no thank you. The good news? We might not have to.
Enter Knours, a new kind of skin-care brand based on the idea that we should be catering to our complexion's specific needs during each phase of our cycle in order for it to remain in a calm-and-clear state. The nine-piece collection features core staples like a cleanser, facial wipes, and two moisturizers, as well as some niche products like a pH-friendly bar soap safe to use on your nether regions. Each product is designed to soothe and comfort the skin while keeping hormonal breakouts at bay. There's also an app (available for all iOS devices) called U-Kno, which provides product suggestions when you input the date of your last period and answer a few quick questions. It'll even send you self-care messages from U-Kno, as Knours's ultimate goal is to help through the ups and downs of one's cycle, both physically and mentally.
Sure, filling out a simple survey and getting skin-care recommendations in seconds sounds like a sweet deal, but to find out if the brand's sounds-too-good-to-be-true system is actually legit, we tapped a few trusted dermatologists for their insight. Interestingly, their responses were somewhat mixed. Shari Marchbein, New York City-based dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the New York University School of Medicine, says there's no scientific basis for changing up your skin-care routine every week to accommodate what she explains are normal fluctuations in your skin. She also notes that not everyone has a "regular" menstrual cycle, which means it can be difficult to predict exactly when you are going to see these changes.
Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology, agrees with Marchbein in that not everyone experiences noticeable fluctuations but says that those that do see changes during their cycle can benefit from adjusting their routines accordingly. Shah adds that while she's not personally familiar with Knours, there are a lot of products on the market that can provide what your skin needs at different stages in your cycle. While Shah is certainly correct in that there are myriad products currently available that target your skin's different needs (for example, oil-absorbing cleansers), Knours is unique as it calculates when exactly you should be using certain products from its line based on when you're menstruating, ovulating, and so on. It should be interesting to see if any brands follow in its footsteps.
kaleigh holding a bottle of knours cleanser
Shah isn't the only expert who can see the benefit in switching up the skin-care routine you use based on your period. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, didn't comment on Knours specifically, but tells Allure cyclical hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can definitely affect your skin, which explains why some people break out or become more oily around the time of their periods. "Some women find they need different products earlier versus later in their cycle because the skin behaves differently," he says.
So maybe the science isn't totally there, but the pros do make a good point: There are those who experience irregular periods, which makes it nearly impossible to tell when and why their skin will act up. This isn't to say Knours isn't onto something though, as it's helping people become more connected to their cycles and learn what may or may not work for their skin during different times of the month. Oh yeah, and the products are quite good, too. I've been lucky enough to bypass any major hormone-related breakouts, but my skin is ultra-sensitive and finicky, so if something manages to soothe it instead of exacerbating it like these did, I take note.
Because I wanted to get another perspective, I also had a friend who does struggle with acne during her period put some of the products to the test, and she reported back with nothing but good things to say. "The week I started using the makeup wipes, cleanser, and gel moisturizer, I was in the middle of a really annoying breakout, but these didn't make it worse and even seemed to take down some of my redness and helped with the dryness around my pimples," she told me when I requested her feedback. "Overall I was really into them — the sheet mask too. It was very calming." She added that she wasn't sure about the whole customize-it-to-your-cycle ethos, but would continue using the products because they seemed to be working for her.
Take this information and make of it what you will, as it goes without saying but what might work for one person could wreak havoc (or simply do nothing) for another. Also, remember it's always best to speak to your dermatologist before starting on any kind of new skin-care regimen. Now, check out reviews of three lovely products from the Knours line, below.
In-bed Cleansing Wipes, $12 for 28 wipes
Made with 95 percent natural ingredients — bacteria-fighting tea tree oil, soothing calendula, and licorice root extracts, just to name a few — these hydrating wipes remove makeup and impurities, but do so in a gentle way that doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. In fact, I noticed that my skin looked visibly calmer after using them, which is probably why I got into the habit of incorporating them into my routine even on days when I went without makeup. Whether you want to freshen up after a workout or remove a full face beat, these are a great go-to.
Skin Meditation Gel Cream, $36
Anyone who knows me knows I generally do not get down with gel moisturizers, as my skin is as dry as the Sahara Desert. But this one is different. It leaves the glossiest finish on the skin, soothes redness, and sinks in quickly without totally disappearing. I can't speak to the whole "medication" part, but it sure does feel amazing on my skin.
Sweet Enough Rescue Mask, $6
I love a good sheet mask, and this one earns five stars in my book. My friend who struggles with breakouts is a fan, too. Infused with an impressive blend of calming ingredients like honey extract, rose water, and glycerin, the mask instantly tames irritation and leaves a lovely cooling sensation on the skin. Afterward, my complexion looks and feels decidedly healthier with a glow-y sheen from the leftover extract.
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