Lunar Cycle Self-Care: How Moon Phases Can Affect Your Beauty Ritual

Lunar skincare allows us to unite our self-care with the rhythms of nature and its celestial energetic force. We know the moon controls the tides of the ocean, and humans are composed of 60% to 70% water, so it makes sense to align our self-care rituals with the moon to elevate our skincare practices.

What Are The Different Phases of the Moon and How Do They Affect your Beauty Routine?

There are eight major lunar phases. The different phases of the moon can help you get glowing, purify, and replenish your skin. Below, we’ll unpack how to become lunatics, aka crazy about the moon, when it comes to our skincare.

New Moon

In this first phase of the new moon, the moon lies directly between the earth and the sun, with little sunlight reflected towards the earth. This is a time for quiet self-reflection and new beginnings. Think of it as a fresh start and a time to manifest and set new intentions.

During a dark new moon, we want to feel vibrant and fresh, which is why it's best to use a brightening enhancing serum to energize your skin like Tru Alchemy's Glow Serum. It's supercharged with vitamin C and bakuchiol to give an incandescent glimmer. 

Waxing Crescent

This cycle is the first sight of a small crescent on the horizon. As this crescent grows on its journey, it symbolizes a great time to nourish and soothe the skin with nutrient-rich formulas. Packed with white shiitake mushroom and niacinamide, make our Spot Check part of your evening ritual for deeply replenished skin.

Waxing Gibbous

After the first quarter half-moon phase, more of the sphere is illuminated than is dark. The illuminated portion will continue to grow until the moon is full. During this time, the body is the most absorbent, so adding extra moisture to the skin, body, and hair is vital. After cleansing, try an emollient body lotion, and for the face, use our Quench Crème with botanical lipids and rice protein to restore moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Full Moon

The moon comes to lie directly opposite the sun. All the sunlight is reflected toward the earth, and we see a full moon. It’s time to slow down and focus on self-care, pamper yourself, and perhaps head to a spa. Or, do facial steaming and apply our softening Mystic Mask with kaolin clay and fruit enzymes.

The full moon is a time when energy is flowing and abundant. A good self-care ritual during this phase might include tapping into the full moon's potent energy by taking a cleansing bath. You can place a jar of water outside to charge under the moonlight and use that water in a cleansing bath to help energetically cleanse your body.

For an at-home spa experience, relax in a lavender and magnesium soak and nourish your body in rich coconut milk.

Waning Gibbous

The waning moon moves into its last phases; it appears as a sliver in the sky just before sunrise. Its energy is comparable to autumn's as we deliberately begin to slow down. During this time, you should resolve any issues that have been bothering you and begin to decompress.

Use products that are calming and purify the skin without stripping it. Keep your skin fresh with our gentle cucumber and mineral clay, Celestial Cleanser.

Waning Crescent

The moon, continuing its journey, is now getting darker and is known as the waning moon. It takes around seven days to complete, and its energy compares to winter. Now is the best time to exfoliate your body and clear your mind.

Consider the waning moon a time to recharge, release, reset, and let go of anything from your life that is no longer serving you. This might include discarding anything like clutter or leaving environments that aren’t ideal for you to thrive in.

This is a great time to invest in a body brush and exfoliate your skin. Body brushing helps promote lymph flow and supports circulation for overall wellness.

The Unseen Transformations

Since ancient times, we have long been fascinated with the moon and its impact on our planet and our bodies. It’s luminescent and mysterious and our closest celestial presence. On a scientific level, the moon's gravitational force creates high tides in the areas facing the moon and low tides elsewhere.

On a more mystical level, such as astrology, the moon historically represents our feminine “yin” sensorial side, and the interest in lunar practices reflects more awareness being brought to this part of ourselves. Perhaps it can inspire you to find the balance between scientific and mystical — the unseen transformations when considering self-care.