Though many of us go through the luteal phase monthly, what it means is not common knowledge. We don’t understand the ins and outs of how it affects our skin and why, but it’s so important to! 

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the luteal phase and how it affects your skin. Whatever your age, you will find science-backed information that can help you understand what is going on in your body every month.

What is the Luteal Phase?

The luteal phase is a time in your menstrual cycle that begins after ovulation and lasts until your period starts (usually about 12-14 days). Think of it as the grand finale before Aunt Flo comes to town. During this phase, your body is busy producing progesterone, which preps your uterus for a possible pregnancy. And you might be able to guess this based on your personal experience, but this hormone can throw some serious curveballs at your skin.

Spotting the "Luteal Face"

So, what does the "luteal face" look like? Here’s what you might notice:

Breakouts Galore: Hormonal acne, especially around your chin and jawline.

Oily Skin: Thanks to increased sebum production.

Puffiness and Dark Circles: Blame it on fluid retention and those sleepless nights.

Dullness: Your radiant glow might take a little vacation.

Why Does Luteal Face Happen?

Progesterone increases sebum (oil) production, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. At the same time, your skin might be retaining more water, leading to puffiness. 

Tips and Tricks for Your Overcoming Skin Effects from the Luteal Phase 

Here are some tips to keep your skin happy and healthy during the luteal phase.

Keep It Clean: Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil without stripping your skin. We love a good foaming cleanser with salicylic acid to keep those pores clear.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized. Opt for non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.

Spot Treatment: Use a targeted spot treatment for those pesky pimples. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and tremella can be your BFFs.

Healthy Diet: Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts) can help reduce inflammation.

Increase Fiber Intake: Fiber helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can help manage hormone levels and reduce breakouts.

Get Your Beauty Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to help your skin repair and rejuvenate.

Stay Active: Exercise increases blood flow, which can help give your skin a healthy glow and reduce stress.

Face Massage: Incorporate facial massage to boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage.

Luteal Phase Skincare Routine

Here’s a simple routine to follow during the luteal phase:

Morning:

Cleanser (or not): Water and a washcloth, or a Konjac Sponge, are enough in the morning.

Serum: The Berry Best Serum: This serum is a nutrient-rich powerhouse, featuring sea buckthorn seed oil. Celebrated for its high vitamin C content and deeply hydrating properties, sea buckthorn helps maintain a youthful, healthy, and radiant complexion.

Lightweight Moisturizer: SkinTrinsic Moisturizer: An organic moisturizer that will leave your skin super hydrated and nourished for longer.  Remember, even acne-prone skin needs to be moisturized - dry, flaky skin is damaged and sensitive! If it's hot and humid where you are, you may want to skip this for a moisturizing sunscreen instead. You're welcome! We just saved you a step :)

Sunscreen (never skip this!): It’s Sun-Day Serum Sunscreen: Our unique SPF 50 formula combines protection and skin-enhancing treatment, leaving your skin safe from the sun, hydrated, and glowy. 

Evening:

Cleanser: Green Clean Cleanser:  This foaming facial cleanser will thoroughly cleanse your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. Let the product stay on your skin for at least one solid minute, and even use a second cleanser; starting with clean skin is so important! Getting all the environmental impurities and sunscreen off your face and neck is the ultimate goal, but we want the skin to remain hydrated, not stripped!

Serum: Holy Glow! Babchi Serum:  A luscious organic serum that serves as a fantastic alternative to retinol without the harsh side effects. Babchi Serum minimizes fine lines, reduces inflammation and brightens the complexion. (Remember to listen to your skin and choose the actives most suited to its needs, but the evening is when your skin does its healing).

Moisturizer: R3 Balm: A super-nourishing balm that is infused with velvety butters and enriching oils. It’s perfect for transforming dry or stressed areas into radiant, healthy-looking skin. You can use this balm when your skin is in need of extra love, or you can use The Statement’s SkinTrinsic Moisturizer, as mentioned above.

Spot Treatment (if needed): If you have any breakouts, consider using the pimple patches or a sulphur spot treatment. You can check out The Statement’s Spot On! Microneedle Patches here, packed with acne-fighting ingredients for every stage of the acne cycle.

Here are All of The Statement Product Recommendations for the Luteal Phase:

Cleanser: Green Clean Gentle Cleanser

Moisturizer: SkinTrinsic Moisturizer, for deep healing, R3 Balm for deep moisturizing.

Spot Treatment: Spot On! Microneedle Patches

Serum: HY-5 Tremella Serum, Holy Glow! Babchi Serum Oil, The Berry Best Sea Buckthorn Serum Oil

Sunscreen: It’s SUN-Day! Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+

Acne Prone in the Luteal Phase? More Spot Treatment Suggestions

Tremella Extract Serum: Look for a serum that contains tremella extract to boost hydration and soothe inflammation. The high level of Vitamin D also boosts barrier health and reduces redness. The Statement’s Hy-5 Tremella Serum is a fantastic option.

Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antibacterial properties, it can help zap those zits. The Statement’s Green Clean Cleanser and SkinTrinsic Moisturizer both include tea tree oil in formulas that offer benefits for luteal face.

Benzoyl Peroxide: A classic choice for fighting acne-causing bacteria. Is this great for the pits and other areas? That's right feet and the no-no zone, too! Our active friend kills the bacteria that causes odour as well! Strange, maybe, but true!

Niacinamide: Combining tremella with niacinamide can help reduce redness and improve skin texture. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that helps to strengthen the skin's barrier, reduce inflammation, and regulate oil production. Its antioxidant nature helps reduce oxidative stress. Hot tip! Ensure the niacinamide percentage is a maximum of 5% in any product. Higher than this can have an inflammatory effect. Let's not make your skin angrier!

Pimple Patches: Apply the patches at the first sign of angry pimples. Patches treated with the actives above are even more effective, as the hydrocolloid bandage provides a barrier to the environment, and the actives treat the pimple beneath. They also stop you from mindlessly picking the pimples. For fast-acting, active-packed patches, try The Statement’s Spot On! Microneedle Patches.

Superhero Ingredients for the Luteal Phase

Here are a few more ingredients that you should know about which are fantastic for overcoming luteal face:

Tremella: also known as the 'beauty mushroom.' This natural ingredient is a powerhouse for your skin, especially during the luteal phase. Tremella is rich in polysaccharides, which are fantastic for hydration. They work like hyaluronic acid, holding up to 500 times their weight in water, helping your skin stay plump and moisturized. Tremella also has antioxidant properties, which can help combat the inflammation and oxidative stress often associated with hormonal breakouts, common in luteal face. It's a gentle, natural option that won't irritate your skin, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. Try tremella for yourself with The Statement’s Hy-5 Tremella Serum.

Sea Buckthorn Serum: Sea buckthorn is packed with vitamins C and E, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It’s also rich in omega-7 fatty acids, which are excellent for maintaining skin barrier function and hydration. Try The Statement’s The Berry Best Serum to experience sea buckthorn in a fantastic formula with a multitude of skin benefits.

Babchi Oil (Bakuchiol): Often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol, babchi oil can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines without the irritation that retinol can cause. It’s also great for managing breakouts thanks to its antibacterial properties. Try The Statement’s Holy Glow! Serum for a gentle yet effective solution for luteal face.

Face Massages Are Another Luteal Face Hack

Adding face massage to your skincare routine can be incredibly beneficial during the luteal phase. Here’s why:

Boosts Circulation: Facial massage increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, which helps to maintain a healthy glow.

Reduces Puffiness: Face massage promotes lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce fluid retention, which is common during the luteal phase.

Relieves Tension: It can help to relax the muscles in your face, reducing the appearance of stress-related fine lines.

Enhances Product Absorption: Massaging your face can help your skin absorb skincare products more effectively, ensuring you get the most out of your serums and creams.

How to Do It:

Use Gentle, Upward Strokes: Always massage your face with upward strokes to lift the skin.

Incorporate a Facial Oil: To prevent tugging on your skin, use a lightweight facial oil like jojoba, rose hip, or the super oil squalane. The Statement’s You Dew You Squalane Serum is a fantastic choice here.

Focus on Pressure Points: Massage areas like your temples, jawline, and under your eyes to relieve tension and reduce puffiness. Always start with tap-and-press manipulation around the collarbone and armpits—this gets the lymph nodes' attention. Don’t forget to get up and around the ears and down the neck to the collarbone.

Tools You Can Use:

Jade Roller: For a cooling, soothing massage.

Gua Sha Tool: To help with lymphatic drainage and contouring.

Sonic Vibration Tool: Activates the lymphatic system, improves circulation and helps contour the face. Great de-puffer! Try The Statement’s Glowry Stick, which utilizes Nano Gold Particle technology for increased conductivity while offering antibacterial and antifungal benefits.

Your Fingers: Simply using your hands can be effective, too!

Benefits of Fiber for Your Skin During the Luteal Phase

Increasing fiber intake can make a world of difference for your skin, especially during the luteal phase. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn can help balance your hormones. Balanced hormones mean fewer breakouts and more stable oil production.

How to Boost Your Fiber Intake:

Add More Fruits and Veggies: Incorporate a variety of colourful fruits and veggies into your diet.

Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereals over refined grains.

Snack on Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all great sources of fiber.

Include Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are fiber-rich and can be added to salads, soups, and stews.

Conclusion

Remember, every skin type is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Listen to your skin and give it what it needs. With a bit of care and the right products, you can keep your skin glowing even during the luteal phase.

References:

Hormonal Influences on Skin: PubMed

Diet and Acne: American Academy of Dermatology

Hydration and Skin Health: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology

Tremella Mushroom Benefits: ResearchGate

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits: Dermatology Times

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: British Journal of Dermatology

Fiber and Hormone Balance: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health