Skin Studies: Co-founder Olivia's luteal phase skincare tips

Our hormones are linked to everything, they are our body's messenger which is why I even map my skin care routine to my menstrual cycle. My PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) doesn’t just show up as psychological symptoms; there are gastrointestinal and  skin symptoms as well.

The sensitivity to the change in hormones and increase of progesterone as I enter my luteal phase makes my skin super oily and breakouts pop up on my chin – and even my neck!  I use Rosen Earth Mask once a week during this phase to prevent the excess oil and inflammation. 

Since I’m all about prevention, I try to drink my favorite snatched skin smoothie recipe every day because not only is it giving me that natural glow but it helps prevent the inflammation that is responsible for my breakouts and my period pain.

Olivia's Snatched Skin Smoothie Recipe

• SPINACH: 2 cups of organic spinach because it’s high in antioxidants. Pretty much everything in this smoothie is an antioxidant working to inhibit excess inflammation in the body. 

• PINEAPPLES: 1/2 cup of frozen pineapples to increase collagen synthesis! 

• BANANAS: 1 frozen banana. I put them in every smoothie because they are high in Magnesium and B6, which are not only some of my favorite ingredients for glossy skin but they help prevent and manage a lot of PMDD symptoms like depression, anxiety and bloating.

• A COCONUT: : 2 cups of coconut water straight from the coconut as a lot of the canned coconut waters on the shelf have cane sugar as their second ingredient, which personally makes my skin worse! 

• AVOCADO: 1/4 of an avocado. Avos are full of good fats that help hydrate my skin! I eat one a day :) 

• SEA MOSS: 1 scoop. It may be trendy, but it really works for me. I put it in my smoothies, my hair, my skin, pretty much everywhere. Sea Moss contain 92 out of the 102 minerals that make up the human body which can help balance the skin microbiome because of the antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial functions. Akasha is my favorite.

Catch more of Olivia's smoothie recipes over on TIkTok where you'll find us @ourhummingway.

A few more skin secrets, most of them I learned from my mom: 

• I have been dry brushing since I was a little kid. My mom has had the same dry brush for almost 40 years and she taught me how to use it, starting at the legs and moving up to my chest. Not only is it great for circulation and opening up pores but it’s a way to connect with your body. G Tox Ultimate Dry Brush is great, you can also sometimes discover local smaller sellers at farmers markets! 

• Another ritual I learned from my mom was oiling my body. We have been using Heritage Stone Aura Glow since I can remember, my favorite is the rose. You can get it at iherb.com.

• When I was younger my mom really advised against buying beauty products from anywhere other than organic stores. She always taught me that our skin is a sponge, and so the chemicals from mainstream beauty brands (especially in the early 2000s) are just seeping into the bloodstream, and they are most likely tested on animals. Always look for the bunny! 

• I do try to keep it as clean as possible but definitely have used retinols that aren’t the cleanest and that’s okay because they work and make me feel good in my body. 

• I wear Elta MD everyday and everywhere, including my hands, especially since I’m driving all the time in LA. 

• Face massaging for twenty minutes before bed not only helps with my TMJ but it really gives me a more lifted and snatched natural look. I have to be consistent with it to notice results but thankfully it’s free. 

• My sister-in-law and co-Founder Ashley is also letting me borrow her Nue Face machine and I’m obsessed!!!  It emits electrical micro currents that supposedly stimulate muscles and make the skin tighter. 

• Last but definitely not least, I dunk my face in ice water. This cold exposure instantly makes me appear less puffy but also allows me to embrace discomfort which turns out to be great for my mental health.