A complete lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days long and includes four main phases (new, waxing, waning, full).
It is widely known that the moon has strong influence over the ocean tides, especially during each new and full moon. But did you know the moon also has an affect on us? With humans being around 60% water, it often hypothesized that the moon affects us at the gravitational level.
In fact, there are studies that demonstrate that the full moon is associated with decrease in sleep quality[1]. There is also a study out of Rhode Island Hospital that concluded that the odds of patients dying following an aortic dissection (a type of heart surgery) were greatly reduced if the surgery was performed during the waning full moon. [2]Another study from Barcelona, Spain in 2004 found that bleeding increases during the full moon phase, but more studies are needed to further clarify the moons influence on this phenomenon. [3]
Syncing Your Skincare Routine with the Lunar Phases
The practice of syncing your skincare with the lunar cycles can foster a deeper connection to nature, your skin and your own inner world.
For those who are interested in the moon, love the moon, and are fascinated by the incredible natural power it holds, these skincare routines and rituals are for you!
New Moon Skin Ritual Detoxification + Release Time to detoxify
Time to detoxify
During a new moon, the Moon is not visible in the sky, as it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun.
The new moon represents a fresh start. During this time, energy is said to be at its lowest, asking us to set our intentions, release what no longer serves us and embrace renewal.
Skincare ritual:
Reach for gentle exfoliation with products and ingredients like kaolin or pink clay, turmeric + raw honey, or fine ground sugar scrubs
Waxing Moon Phase Routine Growth + Nourishment Time to nourish
Time to nourish
During a waxing moon, energy begins to build as the moon transitions into its full illumination.
It is said that during a waxing moon our energy and circulation increases. This is therefore a time of absorption, making it a great time to dial in on nutrient dense ingredients.
Skincare ritual:
Use a serum or moisturizer that utilizes vitamins and botanical ingredients like:
coq10
mango butter
hyaluronic acid
prickly pear oil
avocado oil and,
sea buckthorn fruit extract
Crystals for waxing moon:
Citrine (stone of abundance, prosperity and business success)
Green aventurine (wealth stone and heals the heart space)
Jade (good luck stone and balances emotions)
Carnelian (creativity, sexual healing)
Full Moon Skincare Routine Radiance + Sensitivity Time to soothe
Time to soothe
The full moon represents completion. During this time there is heightened energy, emotional intensity and increased intuition.
While this time the skin can look more radiant, it can be more prone to sensitivity and reactivity.
Skincare ritual:
Reach for products that include ingredients like lavender and roman chamomile oil or even calendula extract to soothe the skin
Reach for a moisturizer or serum that includes oat oil, ceramides, squalane or calendula
Crystals for full moon energetic work:
Citrine (stone of abundance, prosperity and business success)
Amethyst (soothes the nervous system)
Clear quartz (amplifies intentions & cleanses)
Waning Moon Phase Ritual Repair + Let go Time to cleanse
Time to cleanse
During the waning moon, energetically it is a time to let go and release. Physically it is said that the body goes into elimination mode, making it a good time for exfoliation and lymphatic drainage.
Skincare ritual:
Do gentle massages on the face and neck to increase circulation
Dry brush your body before a shower
Take an epsom salt bath to increase circulation and encourage gentle detoxification
Reach for products with restorative and balancing ingredients like oat oil, calendula, aloe vera, meadowfoam oil, chamomile, tea tree oil, and rose oil
Smudge your home with sage while keeping the windows open, eliminating old and stagnant energy
Crystals for waning moon energetic work:
Black tourmaline (removes negative energy)
Smokey quartz (removes negative energy)
Amethyst (soothing to the nervous system)
Selenite (purifying and cleansing)
Attuning to the Cycles of the Moon
As humans we are cyclical creatures due to our connection to the Earth's natural rhythms like the seasons and our own internal clocks like a woman's menstruation and the sleep/wake cycle. Living in harmony with the moon is nothing new. In fact, it is a very natural and deeply human ritual stemming back to the times of antiquity.
So next time you look at the moon you can ask yourself:
What does my skin need?
What energetically do I need to release?
How can I care for my spirit and my body?
The Author : Adisa May
Adisa May is the founder of Adisa May Skincare, a line that utilizes botanical ingredients to create gentle effective formulations. Prior to becoming a beauty entrepreneur she was a lawyer who practiced criminal law Downtown Toronto. Through her research-backed and spiritually guided insights, Adisa shares knowledge and routines that aim to support long term skin and health wellness.
[1] Cajochen, C., Altanay-Ekici, S., Münch, M., Frey, S., Knoblauch, V., & Wirz-Justice, A. (2013). Evidence that the lunar cycle influences human sleep. Current Biology : CB, 23(15), 1485–1488.
[3] Román, E. M., Soriano, G., Fuentes, M., Gálvez, M. L., & Fernández, C. (2004). The influence of the full moon on the number of admissions related to gastrointestinal bleeding. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 10(6), 292–296. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172x.2004.00492.x
This combo is fantastic! I use both morning and night. My accupunturist, who I see for facial work, even commented on how great my skin looked after using the products for 10 days. I noticed a difference after the first night with these products. Adisa has created a beatiful product that is so nourishing to my skin. I'd highly recommend it.
After meeting Adisa and learning how her balm helps keep moisture in my skin I was sold. I tried this product and was sold based on the over night results. My skin looks years younger because it is significantly less dry so all the little fine wrinkles I would get due to dryness are gone. This product feels so soothing and moisturizing when I put it on my skin and it feels like its cummulative in its results. The longer I use it the better my skin looks.
It was a pleasure meeting you at the holistic healing fair Jen! Yes, soothing radiance is fantastic because it usese occlusives which help trap moisture in the skin and prevent transepidermal waterloss. Soothing radiance is cummulative in its effect, remain consistent and let the benefits continuing to pile on!
I started using this coupled with the balm. After the first use I could tell there was something special with these products. For the first time my skin wasn't puckered when I woke up in the morning. It still felt moisturized. 10 days after starting the products I saw my accupunturist who said he'd never seen my skin so calm and clear. It was the best he had ever seen it. I can't say enough about this product.
Jennifer, I am so happy you are enjoying Replenish & Glow and that your acupuncturist noticed the changes in only 10 days! This is excellent news and we are excited for you :)!
This set has become such a grounding part of my daily ritual. The ingredient quality is exactly what I look for- clean, thoughtful and skin supportive.
The textures are beautiful - rich yet elegant, absorbing in a way that feels both nourishing and refined. The scent is subtle, natural, and calming with a soft spa like feel.
I’m very particular about quality, texture and overall experience and this set delivers on all of it. My skin looks consistently healthy and radiant with a natural glow.
I also had the chance to meet Adisa, the owner. she’s wonderful and the care and intention she puts into her products truly shows.
Shalini thank-you so much for your thoughtful review. It was such a pleasure meeting you and I am so happy you and your skin are loving the glow set!
