Skincare for Luteal & Menstruation Phase

Luteal: Following ovulation, progesterone becomes dominant. This hormone stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to thicker sebum and a higher likelihood of premenstrual, hormonal breakouts and premenstrual skin sensitivity. Water retention and inflammation can also make skin appear puffy or uneven. Low oestrogen at the end of this phase can also contribute to dryness and sensitivity, so hydration remains essential.

Focus upon Calming care: Simplify your routine and avoid adding new actives at this time. New skincare is best to be introduced after menstruation. Choose fragrance-free cleansers, lightweight moisturisers, and soothing ingredients such as chamomile and green tea extract | Avoid over-exfoliation | Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Eat cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage) to support liver detoxification of the intricate dance or hormones | Red raspberry leaf tea and dandelion teas are great for this stage. 

The Luteal Phase Collection is designed to calm, rebalance, and strengthen the skin as hormones fluctuate before menstruation. During this phase, increased progesterone and fluid retention can lead to congestion, dullness, and sensitivity.

When Your Period Arrives, both oestrogen and progesterone reach their lowest levels.This hormonal dip can weaken the skin barrier, reduce sebum production, and increase transepidermal water loss, leaving skin drier, more sensitive, and prone to redness or dullness.

What to focus on: Barrier repair: Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and occlusive moisturisers that lock in moisture and prevent water loss | Nutrient intake: Replenish iron and magnesium with foods such as lentils, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Iron and magnesium help replenish what’s lost during bleeding, while hydration aids detoxification | Inflammation support and support from within: Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile) and hydration help reduce inflammation and fluid retention. Think herbal teas, coconut water, and foods high in natural electrolytes. Continuing with raspberry leaf and dandelion may be of interest for you | For those that experience irregularity herbs such as Chaste Tree may work well with you and your cycle.

This is a restorative phase where recovery and protection, rest and introspection are key.  Each formula in this collection works to soothe inflammation, support barrier health, and maintain clarity, helping your skin stay clear, hydrated, and resilient as it transitions toward your next cycle.

Associated with: Waning Moon (Luteal) | New Moon (Period) | Decrease in  Energy & Creativity | Increased Libido | Emotional world front and centre - sadness, irritation, anger, anxiety. This phase can often get a hard time, because often these are feelings many want to run away from. But this phase offers magic and opportunity to go deeper into self.

Many report an increase in libido during menstruation, which does fall slightly outside of biological reasoning - something to perhaps be intrigued and curious about.

It is important to note that each woman is beautifully unique are her unique cycle precisely fits and are supported by the wider cycles of life. Getting to know your own cycle through observation is something we cannot suggest enough for every woman.