Before discussing birth control, it is important to understand the female hormone cycle. The average female hormone cycle lasts about 28 days, with the menstrual cycle taking place roughly between days zero and seven and ovulation occurring around day 14 or 15. The three main hormones involved are testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Testosterone is highest during the menstrual cycle while estrogen and progesterone are lower.  

When clients turn to their spas with skin issues, they may not take into consideration how their birth control may affect their skin health as many do not understand how exactly birth control works. Practitioners must not only be aware of clients being on birth control, but they also need to understand how clients’ skin is affected when they come off the medication.