DIY Vegan Face Masks For Each Phase of Your Cycle

DIY Vegan Face Masks for each phase of your cycle! We’re making:

Pineapple Enzyme
Exfoliating Coffee Scrub
Hydrating Avocado

AND THEY’RE ALL EDIBLE.

Not that you would want to eat them, but they are made from whole food ingredients. Your skin loves to be pampered with healing food medicine! The foods in your kitchen are more powerful than you may think.

I switch off between different face masks depending on how my skin is feeling that day. Did you know this has a lot to do with fluctuating hormones throughout the month?! Your skin changes based on your hormone levels, which are shifting every week (unless you are on hormonal birth control). This may explain why your skin is feeling dull or dry one week (during your period) or oily and acne-prone another week (during your luteal phase).

Follicular and Ovulatory Phases: Pineapple Enzyme Mask

I clumped these two phases together because they are when your skin should be looking its best and is the least problematic. Thank you estrogen! This means it’s the best time to get facials or any kind of treatment done since your threshold for pain is lower. At home, you can use enzyme based products, or anything with active ingredients that are a bit harsher. You’ll want to avoid or limit these during the luteal and menstrual phases as they can aggravate your skin even more. But these two phases are all about cleaning up your skin and enhancing your natural glow! They’re also when I feel most comfortable to have make-up free days to let my skin breathe, and because it feels the most beautiful and glowy during this time. The Pineapple Enzyme Mask was made for these two phases! Made with fresh pineapple which is high in vitamin C and contains the active enzyme bromelain which helps to resurface, mashed banana for brightening properties, almond meal for light exfoliation and coconut milk to soothe.

Luteal Phase: Exfoliating Coffee Scrub Mask

Testosterone is increasing, which can lead to thicker sebum and oily skin. Anything that works to purify and detox is great for this phase. I like to focus on exfoliating and clarifying to slough away any extra oil that can cause breakouts, but you also want it to be soothing and help puffiness or inflammation. The Exfoliating Coffee Scrub was made for the luteal phase! You’ll want to use unused coffee grounds that contain more caffeine to help reduce swelling and awaken the skin while also exfoliating away oil. Next you’ll add cacao powder, which is perfect because you usually crave chocolate like crazy in your luteal phase, and cacao is full of antioxidants! Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and coconut milk again to soothe.

*My Brightening Turmeric Mask or my Spirulina Mermaid Mask would be also great for this phase!

Menstrual Phase: Hydrating Avocado Mask

Lastly, the menstrual phase. This is when your skin may be feeling dry and dull because hormone levels are at their lowest. You’ll want to amp up the glow and moisture levels which is why I created the Hydrating Avocado Mask. Soothing hydration is key during this time. Avocados are deeply nourishing and softening, and the high fat content plumps up parched skin. I love to pair that with aloe vera gel and dairy-free coconut yogurt for extra soothing and redness-reducing properties. A little avocado oil is nice to add as well, as it’s so rich and deeply conditioning.

Don’t know what phase you are in? Grab my Hormone Healing Lifestyle Plan or check out my Part One of my Hormone Balancing posts.

Let’s get to the vegan face mask recipes!

PINEAPPLE ENZYME MASK:

1 tablespoon mashed pineapple
1 tablespoon mashed banana
1 teaspoon coconut milk (I used canned light coconut milk, but any kind will work)
1 tablespoon agave (to help it all stick together)
2 tablespoons almond meal

In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients and apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off using a washcloth. If you have extra, store it in the refrigerator to use a couple more times during this phase! Lasts up to 3-4 days.

EXFOLIATING COFFEE SCRUB MASK:

2 tablespoons fresh coffee grounds (unused is best for higher caffeine content)
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tablespoon coconut milk (I used canned light coconut milk, but any kind will work)
1 tablespoon agave (to help it all stick together)

HYDRATING AVOCADO MASK:

2 tablespoons mashed avocado
1 teaspoons aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon plain dairy-free coconut yogurt (I used unsweetened So Delicious brand)
1 teaspoon avocado oil (or jojoba/pumpkin seed/rosehip oil)

I hope you enjoy! Be sure to tag me in your pictures on social media @theglowingfridge 🙂

♥