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Beyond Topical: Destigmatizing Hormones with Alisa Vitti
Beyond Topical is an informative series featuring interviews with authentic Marie Veronique users sharing their expertise across a variety of topics that impact total skin health and wellness. As leaders in their respective fields, we value the informed decisions that have brought these friends of the brand to Marie Veronique Skincare. Because while supporting skin with well-formulated and strategic topicals such as the ones we make at Marie Veronique is imperative, we also want to bring attention to other contributing factors that can influence skin health.
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“Your daily routines - the foods you eat, how you move, sleep habits, etc. - need to change throughout the month to adequately support your hormones, which will influence healthy skin patterns as well.” - Alisa Vitti
Thank you to Alisa Vitti for sharing her valuable expertise on hormonal health with our community. Our goal was to provide understanding + strategy for supporting hormones rather than fearing or blaming them. Kristina read Alisa’s first book, WomanCode when she was in her 20s, which profoundly influenced her own approach to balancing her hormones, so it was extra meaningful when she discovered that Alisa has been an authentic user of Marie Veronique for over a decade.
Based on Kristina and Alisa’s conversation, here are Kristina’s topical recommendations for foundational skin health before + after the pivotal age of 35 to naturally support hormonal rhythms:
- Teen -> 35:
Focus on foundational support to create strong + stable skin rather than excess stimulation/over-treating the skin or use of aggressive topicals.
Topically we recommend:
Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum for stable skin OR C-Therapy Serum for sensitive/symptomatic skin, Barrier Restore Serum, and Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30. Avoid excessive exfoliation, stimulating devices, or aggressive treatments such as lasers.
- 35 +:
This is when more profound changes in hormones + skin function begin, including: a decrease in collagen, circulation + biodiversity, marked with an increase in inflammation/"inflammaging", and major hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and post-menopausal. Focus on compensation for these changes, with an emphasis on stimulation + nourishment.
Topically we recommend:
Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum for stable skin OR C-Therapy Serum for sensitive/symptomatic skin, Gentle Retinol Night Serum for under 40 OR Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion for 40+, Balancing HypoTonic, Barrier Restore Serum, Barrier Lipid Complex.
Following Alisa’s guidance on her Cycle Syncing® Method, here is a brief summary of the cycle phases, including how these shifts specifically affect the skin + the topical products to keep you best supported:
PHASE 1: FOLLICULAR
At this time estrogen levels rise which results in a boost of collagen and plump skin thanks to hyaluronic acid stimulation, moisture regulation, and elasticity. Estrogen plays a big role in proper skin function, as well as the blood vessels, hair follicles, oil glands, and melanin production.
Topical support:Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum for stable skin OR C-Therapy Serum for sensitive/symptomatic skin, Gentle Retinol Night Serum for under 40 OR Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion for 40+.
PHASE 2: OVULATION
During ovulation, estrogen and testosterone rise and peak. Testosterone helps the skin remain plump, as well as promotes sebum production.
Topical support:Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum for stable skin OR C-Therapy Serum for sensitive/symptomatic skin, Gentle Retinol Night Serum for under 40 OR Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion for 40+, Treatment Serum or Intensive Repair Serum, Treatment Oil (for breakout concerns).
Additional support: Dry brushing is highly supportive during this phase to promote circulation and assist the movement of lymph. During this phase, you can also keep topical products relatively simple.
PHASE 3: LUTEAL
Estrogen and testosterone start to fall and progesterone levels naturally rise. Progesterone contributes to sebum stimulation, elasticity, blood flow, and melanin production.
Topical support:Intensive Repair Serum, Gentle Retinol Night Serum for under 40 OR Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion for 40+, Treatment Serum (to slow sebum production), Treatment Oil (clear/reduce breakouts).
Additional support: This is the ideal time for at-home skincare with an emphasis on oil-based topicals to balance sebum production. Exfoliation, clarifying masks, and products with lactic acid are encouraged.
PHASE 4: MENSTRUATION
During menstruation progesterone + estrogen levels drop. The skin may feel more sensitive to hormonal changes and there are shifts in pH balance throughout the body, so vulnerability to symptoms is highest at this time. Low levels of estrogen means skin may retain less moisture, produce less collagen, and feel dry. Focus on restorative, soothing skin care.
Topical support:
Soothing B3 Serum, Barrier Restore, Barrier Lipid Complex. Masking: Face to Chest Hydration Mask, Micronutrient + Hydro Mask. Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis can worsen before or during menstruation, for body support use Body Barrier Emulsion.
Additional support: Avoid extractions or hair removal during the second half of the month when the skin is thinner and increased blood flow to your capillaries means more post-extraction swelling. Save facial appointments for after menstruation.
Alisa is the Founder of Flo Living, creator of The Cycle Syncing® Method, researcher, educator and author. Through her own PCOS journey, she has become a thought leader for women’s hormonal health, a pioneer in femmetech, a US patent holder for her tech, and an advocate for gender equality in nutrition research. She has published 2 best-selling books—WomanCode and In the Flo.