If you were a teen in the 90’s, you probably used that smelly tub of noxzema to cleanse and get rid of pimples. I even used to put a dab on a huge pimple and leave it there like sort of miracle zapping potion that would take my teenage worries away. I mean, what is it about us that thinks if we let anything marinate for long enough, it does the whole job for us? Cue the discussion about seasoning your tub back in the day with comet and pine sol. LOL! Anyway, what I didn’t know back then is that hormones mixed with bad choices of food led to that disaster of a face that we called puberty acne.

Even though puberty wore off, coming into adulthood led to a lifelong struggle that because of ignorance, didn’t always leave me with my best face forward. Through studying natural medicine and falling down the rabbit hole that is holistic medicine, I found my way back to the knowledge and practices of the ancestors. I found my way back home! Before my current skin routine, I had always struggled with oily skin, whiteheads, and hormonal pimples. I’ll be 42 this year, and my skin has never looked better!

I have these rituals that are a combination of using certain products during certain periods of my “cycle” each month, taking supplements and using those supplements to make topical masks + drinking fruit smoothies each week. I love to create those masks using my specially formulated herbal supplements. The beauty of having an herbal supplement line is that those whole food, veggie, and herb capsules can be consumed internally and used topically. If you don’t know how to rationalize your cycle, here’s my cheat code.

During Menstruation

During the first days of your cycle, estrogen and progesterone are low. This causes dry, dull skin and can make lines or wrinkles appear more obvious. Moisturizing and hydration can be great skin boosters during the initial days of your cycle. The hormone changes during your cycle can make the sebaceous glands go crazy.

1. Wash your face twice daily with a natural cleanser that balances pH levels, like Blue Beautifly’s Grapefruit Cleanser.

2. Add red raspberries to your fruit smoothies and/or take a supplement that balances estrogen and progesterone like this PMS Elixir (kill 2 birds because it decrease pain, balances hormones, and replenishes collagen levels).

3. Cutting sugars and carbs from your diet will help prevent breakouts. I know, i know… it’s the time you crave chocolate the most. If you have to, just go DARK!

4. Use ROSE HIPS! Rose hips contain lots of iron, rose hip tea is used during menstruation to make up for iron loss. I use the Rose Hyaluronic Serum and Rose hip moisturizer.

5. Get facial treatments. An esthetician can offer guidance for menstrual cycle-related skin issues and recommend treatments, masks, massages, or other remedies for your specific skin. Schedule a Skincare Consultation at Laya for insight on this.

Follicular phase

During the follicular phase, which is the first 10 to 16 days of your menstrual cycle, estrogen levels slowly rise. Your skin will likely be on its best behavior, and irritation is less common. This is also when testosterone levels will begin to rise. Your skin experiences more natural moisture and collagen production, which will make your skin stronger and more elastic.You might feel an emotional uplift because of increasing serotonin levels. Piggyback on this feeling by increasing your restorative supplements.

1. Take supplements that increase Pituitary function like Seamoss and all superfoods. I take 2 Seamoss capsules each morning with a glass of Grapefruit that’s enhanced with Nutraburst. WOAH, what a pleasant feeling it is. Learn more about seamoss in Your Lifechanging Guide to Seamoss.

2. Your skin may be at its best during the follicular phase. This means your routine of cleansing and using a light moisturizer like the Rosehip Moisturizer from Blue Beautifly should meet your skin’s needs just fine.

Ovulation

Around day 14 of your cycle, ovulation often happens. Your skin will likely appear clear and bright over the next five days until testosterone and estrogen begin to decrease. At that time, your progesterone levels will start to rise, which will lead to oilier skin. Estrogen, which peaks during ovulation, often gives the skin a healthy glow. Increased luteinizing hormone levels may also make your skin prone to bacterial overgrowth though.

1. Add to your list of supplements. Continue to take Seamoss capsules and Nutraburst liquid vitamins. Grab your bottle of Superfood Collagen and add the contents of two capsules to a smoothie each morning (you can add the Seamoss capsules too).

2. During this phase, I also make a Seamoss mask, and do a bathing ritual using the Seaweed bathing tea. See below for the Seamoss mask recipe.

3. Choose light, water-based products like face mists, sprays, light tonics, and micellar water (make sure to wash it off your skin after). Again, Blue Beautifly has a simple & organic Witch Hazel Toner.

Luteal Phase

Premenstrual symptoms, aside from prompting cravings for unhealthy food and an irritable mood, can also cause skin changes. Some people don't find these hormone fluctuations during the cycle uncomfortable, while others have to adjust their schedule and routines around their menstrual cycles. All of these drastic changes are due to hormonal imbalances that take place before, during, and a few days after the actual period. Keep your skin care light during the premenstrual interval and your periods. Focus on hydration and avoid layering different products, especially if they are oil-based.

1. HYDRATE YOSELF! This means pound that water even though you may feel bloated… it’s essential. Other ways to make sure you’re hydrating properly is to do IV Therapy. Learn more about IV Therapy on our site.

2. Avoid processed and salty foods or snacks, as these will cause more bloating, make your skin feel drier, and worsen breakouts. If you followed the tips for the Ovulation phase, you shouldn’t have too many salty cravings due to your increased load of Iodine.

3. Premenstrual symptoms can include nervousness, increased appetite, bloating, and breakouts, particularly on the chin and around your nose. During this time, it’s helpful to avoid heavy makeup.

4. Make a Superfood Collagen mask and take the supplement internally.

5. Pay particular attention to cleansing the skin. I like to use a detoxifying mask like the Binchotan Charcoal Cleansing Mask from Morihata or Blue Beautifly’s Bamboo Charcoal Mask.

6. Try to minimize sugar and caffeine. Try drinking herbal teas or coffee replacements. Visit our Herban Tea Bar, we’ve got you covered on this!

Your menstrual cycle influences your overall mood, energy levels, and the condition of your hair and skin. Feeling sick during periods isn’t uncommon. As your body prepares for possible conception throughout the month leading up to menstruation, your entire body is adjusting its hormone levels to produce a new egg.

Because of these physical and physiological changes, your skin can become either drier or oilier. These changes are triggered by fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Learning to adjust your diet and skin care routines can keep your skin in great condition, despite intense hormonal changes.

Everything is ONE… this is why I take the Holistic approach to everything I do, experience, and even think about. In a later excerpt, we’ll discuss how the Moon Phases affect your entire existence and how to use its power for yourself.

How to use your Seamoss as an exfoliator:

1. Add a small amount of the sea moss powder blend into your hand and add water, just enough to create a muddy mixture

2. Lightly rub onto your clean skin with your finger tips for about a minute and rinse with luke warm water, this can be used two to four times a week

   Here's a suggested routine where the Irish moss exfoliator would fit in:

• Cleanser (that removes dirt and makeup)

• Sea moss exfoliator

• Tone - refreshes skin without stripping it from moisture

• Essence - keeps skin hydrated, helps balance the ph levels of your skin

• Serum

• Moisturizer

Cooling Milk & Superfood Collagen Mask

• 4 Superfood Collagen capsules

• 1 tablespoon of milk (preferably raw milk, but use any milk you have)

• 1 tsp raw honey (optional: use only if you had really oily skin)

1. Open the Superfood Collagen capsules and empty the contents into a bowl.

2. Add the milk and honey, if using, and stir until combined to form a paste.You can add water instead of more milk if you still need to work to get the right consistency.

3. Wash your face and pat it dry, then apply the mask all over. You may get some tingling, but that means the mask is being activated. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.