Can The Moon Really Affect Your Skin?

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Photography: Emma Palmer

There are a lot  of things that affect our skin. From the genetic lottery to your choice of diet and whether you’re a city dweller or live in the country, not to mention monthly menstruation, there are myriad reasons why your skin can act up. Could the eight unique phases of the lunar-cycle be yet another factor that we need to consider? Potentially. 

“There are unique energies and spiritual meanings behind each lunar phase, which can be explained by science, experience and faith,” explains Jade Mordente, a Reiki practitioner, crystal healer and mystic. Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss agrees: “The cycles of the moon can have an effect on our menstrual cycle, which causes a fluctuation in our hormones. This can then impact our skin.”

Two areas that Nichola and her team notice that cause the biggest changes in our skin, depending on the time of the month, are tone and texture. “There’s often underlying congestion, puffiness and toxins when your testosterone levels are high,” adds Nichola. 

So, how exactly does the moon’s position affect our skin?

The New Moon

“This is a cosmic rebirth. We feel energetic, upbeat and vibrant,” says Jade. “If you’ve been planning to switch it up, or get experimental with some new products, now is the time to do it.” Foreo UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask Device should be your first port of call if it’s not in your bathroom cabinet already. It supercharges your face mask with the help of gentle heat and LED light pulsations. It saves the mess and fuss of sheet masks.

If you’re looking to update your haircare routine, we’d recommend exploring Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment. The hair primer boosts the effectiveness of the bestselling No.3 Hair Perfector and can help strengthen your hair by up to three times. For those looking for some makeup inspiration, look no further than Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara. It’ll put the focus on your eyes, even when you’re wearing a face mask. 

Waxing Crescent

This is when your skin should be at its most radiant according to Jade. What should you be using? Anything that promises a healthy glow will help to prolong your radiance – cue Ren’s iconic Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA. Add a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweep across your skin after you’ve cleansed in the evening to help lift away dead skin and boost your glow. 

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First Quarter Moon

Around seven days after the new moon, you might start to notice that your energy levels are dropping and your skin has lost some of that glow. Jade recommends reaching for your rose quartz facial roller and a hyaluronic acid infused mask. We love applying 111 Skin Meso Infusion Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Micro Mask and using the roller on top to really press the ingredients into our skin. 

If this sounds like too much effort, Foreo’s UFO Device with the Make My Day Mask will do the trick and give your skin the pick-me-up it needs. 

Waxing Gibbous

“The final step towards fullness brings a moment of clarity,” says Jade. “It’s time to slow down.” Once six o’clock arrives, put your phone down and try to switch off and relax. Why not light a candle (we’re currently loving Byredo Tree House Candle) and take off the day with Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Massaging the balm into your face and neck area is as soothing for your mind as it is your skin, we promise.

Full Moon

When the lunar cycle is at its peak you might find your emotions are a little frayed and your skin needs some extra TLC. We recommend taking some time out to enjoy a self-care bath with a moisturising face mask. The next full moon is scheduled for 2nd September, so we recommend stocking up on Olverum Bath Oil now.

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Waning Gibbous

Not to be confused with waxing gibbous, this side of the full moon you’ll be feeling much more harmonious. Lay off the acids and treat your skin to a nourishing dose of plant power. Look to Chantecaille’s Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask. The rich creamy formula soothes and hydrates skin almost instantly thanks to the potent botanical blend. 

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Last Quarter Moon 

It’s around now that you might want to revert back to Ren’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic if you stopped using it. If you have acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free formulas to help keep your pores clear and your sebum production in-check. Murad’s Oil And Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45 is the perfect moisturiser as it keeps shine at bay without leaving a film feeling on your skin. We also love Kate Somerville Oil-Free Moisturiser.

For more of a treatment, look to Goldfaden’s Facial Detox. It gets to work in 10 minutes and helps to ease congestion and leaves your skin feeling clean rather than stripped.

Waning Crescent

“Your skin may need a final surge of nourishing hydration, something to give it that youthful glow,” says Jade. Foreo’s ultra-hydrating H20verdose Mask will be the hit of moisture that it needs to leave you with that dewy ‘bounce’.

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