95. Skin & Your Cycle, Part 4: Luteal

The luteal phase is often when we see more activity on the skin: jawline breakouts, cystic acne, rosacea flares, puffiness, congestion, dehydration.

In this episode, I walk you through what’s happening hormonally, neurologically, and metabolically during early and late luteal, and how those shifts show up on the skin.

We explore:

• Why progesterone raises your temperature and shifts your nervous system

• Early vs late luteal (two very different personalities)

• How stress and unstable blood sugar amplify PMS and breakouts

• Why sleep becomes more fragile before your bleed

• Slower digestion, hormone recirculation, and jawline acne

• Why you can be oily and dehydrated at the same time

• Lymphatic stagnation, fluid retention, and cystic breakouts

• How I use warm gua sha to reduce inflammation and interstitial pressure

• Topical strategies for barrier support and sensitivity

• The foods that support luteal skin (warm carbs, healthy fats, elimination support)

• The herbal teas I reach for during this phase

This episode blends modern physiology with a corneotherapeutic and herbalist lens. 

Mentioned In This Episode: 

Skin Care:

Laurel Detox Mask

Vibrant Garden Universal Oil

Gua Sha

Kansa Wand

The Lymph Brush

 

 

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