How the moon's phases impact your skincare routine and tips to make the most of each phase

As the cosmic chaos of mercury retrograde gradually recedes, leaving us with a sense of relief and clarity, many people are turning their attention to the lesser-talked-about celestial body for some inspiration and guidance in our daily lives—the moon. It might sound mystical, but the moon’s energy has long been associated with various aspects of our lives, including spirituality, emotions, and even skincare. Yes, you heard it right! Lunar energy and its impact on skincare has been gaining momentum lately, and we think it’s time we decode how the moon impacts your beauty and skincare rituals.

Just as the moon goes through different phases, your skin also experiences changes throughout the month. The complete lunar cycle, consisting of eight phases and lasting for approximately 29.5 days, has the potential to enhance our skin’s radiance, cleanse, and rejuvenate it, thus providing a fresh start while releasing all your pent-up energy. Each of its eight phases—the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent—is believed to influence the skin differently. Here’s how: 

New Moon

The new moon phase, with its association with new beginnings and a fresh start, can have a huge impact on your skin. During this phase, your skin may experience a sense of calm and tranquillity, making it an ideal time to revamp your skincare routine and address issues related to stress or inflammation. To make the most of this phase, consider starting a new skincare routine, detoxifying your skin with gentle exfoliation or clay masks, and focusing more on hydration and moisturisation. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and setting intentions for your skin can also enhance the overall experience, letting you work towards achieving healthier, more radiant skin. 

Waxing Crescent and First Quarter

As the moon transitions into the waxing crescent and first quarter phases, your skin’s receptivity to nutrients and treatments reaches its peak. These phases are considered ideal for introducing nutrient-rich products into your skincare routine. Consider including serums and treatments infused with vitamins, antioxidants, and botanical extracts that rejuvenate and nourish your skin. Moreover, these phases are a good time to address specific skincare concerns. Whether it’s tackling hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or acne, tailored treatments during these phases can be extremely effective. We would recommend building a consistent skincare routine that is complete with gentle cleansing, nourishing serums, moisturisers, and sunscreen during the day, which can help you yield long-lasting benefits for your skin. 

Waxing Gibbous 

The waxing gibbous phase, occurring just before the full moon, represents a moment of revelation and release, similar to shedding negativity in our lives. During this phase, your skin becomes more sensitive and responsive to skincare treatments. It’s an ideal time for detoxification, where you can release tension. Gentle exfoliation, detoxifying masks, and facial massages can help achieve a clearer and more radiant complexion. Additionally, this phase enhances your skin’s absorption capacity, making it perfect to use nourishing and hydrating products like serums and moisturisers. 

Full Moon and Waning Gibbous 

The full moon, a culmination of the lunar cycle, marks a moment of heightened energy and clarity. During this phase, we would recommend indulging in a soothing moon bath infused with fragrant flowers, Epsom salt, and healing crystals to rejuvenate your body, mind, and aura, followed by moisturizing your skin, allowing it to recover and regenerate. On the other hand, when the lunar cycle transitions into the waning gibbous phase, a period of healing and self-reflection begins. Using a face roller or a gua sha stone, can help release pent-up stress, reduce inflammation, and minimize fine lines, dark circles under the eyes, and breakouts, all while promoting overall skin brightness. 

Third Quarter and Waning Crescent

During the third quarter moon phase, it’s advisable to be gentle with your skin. Avoid trying out new skincare products or treatments on this day, as overstimulating your skin can potentially overwhelm it. Instead, use this time to assess what has been working and what hasn’t in your skincare routine. 

The waning crescent phase is the final stage of the lunar cycle, offering a last chance to rejuvenate your skin before the next lunar sequence begins. This phase is all about hydration and revitalization. We would recommend using sheet or clay masks or hydrating face serums to infuse your skin with moisture and nourishment, ensuring it enters the next lunar cycle feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

On that note, there are multiple skincare brands that are increasingly incorporating lunar-inspired ingredients into their products. These ingredients are often chosen based on their alignment with the moon’s energy during specific lunar phases. For example, products containing soothing chamomile may be marketed as best for use during the new moon when you’re focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Ahead, you will find a curated lineup of some of our favourite lunar-inspired products that you can incorporate into your skincare routines according to the lunar phases. 

1. Transformative Soundarya Night Cream With 24K Gold  (₹7,600)

Moon Juice Plump Jelly Hyaluronic Serum (₹12,499)

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (₹4,000)

Love, Indus Velvet:08 Broadway Bright Detox Mask (₹4,900)