Seed Cycling For The Skin

Have you heard of seed cycling? 

I just recently discovered it through one of my favourite wellness newsletters.  There is a lot of this kind of information floating around on the internet so I wanted to check in with experts that know their stuff and that I trust, just to make sure this was legit.  I consulted with nutritional experts from Katie Stewart Wellness (KSW), Katie Stewart and Chris Brown, to see what they had to say, 

“Seed cycling is great for helping to support hormone production throughout the menstrual cycle. I love recommending it to clients as a simple easy and safe [way] to love up there hormones “

Katie

Seed cycling is essentially a form of regulating hormones through adding specific seeds to your diet at various times in your cycle.

Admittedly in my twenties and thirties I was really blessed with easy periods and balanced hormones. But now in my 40’s it’s like all of that has been completely thrown out of whack. So naturally I am constantly on the hunt for ways to “balance my hormones” (a non-scientific term) in a way that is healthy and beneficial as opposed to having to take synthetic hormones – at least for as long as I can. 

I’m not a certified nutritionist nor scientist but doing this through food seems to make logical sense to me.    Turns out I was right! 

Registered Holistic Nutritionist Chris Brown from KSW had this to say, 

“Seed cycling is great and research [shows it] supports women coming off of birth control or struggling with post birth control and the host of symptoms like acne, irregular periods, or new onset of PMS. I often use  this as it’s food-based and supports specific hormones as they go through their Menses cycle”

The menstrual cycle is split into two phases:

• Phase 1 – Follicular, begins on day 1 of menstruation (generally days 1 to 14 or until ovulation begins)
• Phase 2 – Luteal, begins right after ovulation (days 14 to 28-35 or until day 1 of mensuration)

How do you seed cycle?

According to Holistic nutritionist, wellness pro and founder of Women’s Wellness Collective, Kristin Dahl 

“You will consume one tablespoon of each of the specific freshly ground seeds per day in equal parts (two tablespoons total). Where to start depends on how familiar you are with your cycle and how regular it is. This is where a period tracker or a good old-fashioned calendar can help.”

You can add seeds into your diet through seed mixes, different recipes or just eat them on their own.  

Seeds for Phase 1 – Estrogen is the dominant hormone during the follicular phase.  

Flax Seeds

•  High in lignans to block excess estrogen production
• High in omega 3s

Pumpkin Seeds

• Rich in zinc, which prepares the body for progesterone secretion in the next phase
• High in omega 3s

Fish Oil (Not a seed but a bonus)

• Contains EPA and DHA, important omega 3 fats found only in cold water fish
• High in lignans

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Seeds for Phase 2 – Progesterone is the dominant hormone during the luteal phase.

Sesame Seeds

• High in lignans to modulate estrogen and progesterone levels
• High in omega 6 (which converts into GLA in the body)

Sunflower Seeds

• High in selenium, which supports liver function to prevent clogging from excess hormones, resulting in proper hormone excretion
• High in omega 6 (which converts into GLA in the body)

Evening Primrose Oil (Bonus)

• High in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and other important omega 6 fatty acid

For seed mixes you can add fun ingredients like coconut oil, dried fruits (non sweetened) or dark chocolate.  

Benefits for the Skin

All of this is very interesting. And I hope you find this information useful. Remember that if you are having any issues with hormones or menstruation or drastically changing your diet, you should always talk to a nutritionist or your doctor.

 But let’s get into how this pertains to what I do as a skin therapist. For years I’ve been recommending products to people with certain skin conditions that are high in phytoestrogen. So it begs the question, why can’t we “seed” cycle with our skin care?

And the answer, my friend, is that we can!

 I’ve put together two DIY facial masks so you can seed cycle topically in conjunction with your food. Don’t forget what we put on our skin goes into our body and can also have an impact on our health.   Hence, why many hormonal medications are applied topically!

 If DIY isn’t your thing I’ve made a list of products that are high in phytoestrogen and recommend which phase you can use them for at the bottom of this article.

(I’m telling you, this is so much fun!  I love what I do:)

Follicular Mask

½ tsp finely ground flaxseed or flaxseed flour

½ tsp finely ground pumpkin seed

1tbs (or to desired consistency) soybean oil, flaxseed oil, or coconut oil.

Add 3-10 drops of your choice of essential oils.   (During this phase, you’ll probably be feeling pretty good, so we focus on essential oils that promote general well-being and hormone balance as your body gears up for ovulation.) Click on the essential oil to purchase.

• Geranium
• Clary sage
• Neroli

Mix all dry ingredients together.  Mix oil and essential oils together until desired aroma is achieved.  Trust your nose with this one!  It will guide you.  Combine the two parts together.  Add in more oil if necessary.  Apply all over the face, neck and chest.   Leave on for 5-10 minute.  If possible, apply before a shower, leave on while in the shower and then rinse off.  This mask can be done daily or weekly.  Keep leftovers in the fridge.  Will keep up to three days.  

Luteal Mask

½ tsp finely ground sesame seeds

½ tsp finely ground sunflower seeds

1tbs (or to desired consistency) evening primrose oil, borage oil, or hemp oil 

Add 3-10 drops of your choice of essential oils. (these can help with PMS symptoms)  Click on the essential oil to purchase.  

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Peppermint

Mix all dry ingredients together.  Mix oil and essential oils together until desired aroma is achieved.  Trust your nose with this one!  It will guide you.  Combine the two parts together.  Add in more oil if necessary.  Apply all over the face, neck and chest.   Leave on for 5-10 minute.  If possible, apply before a shower, leave on while in the shower and then rinse off.  This mask can be done daily or weekly.  Keep leftovers in the fridge.  Will keep up to three days.  

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Here is a list of products you can use that are high in phyto-estrogen or overall  good for hormonal balance.  Theoretically phytoestrogen balances the amount of estrogen in the skin and can help with symptoms like acne, and hormonal pigmentation.

Sonya Driver Glory Oil – This is a new Wild Flower best seller!  Contains pumpkin seed, acai and Inca Inchi which is full of omegas.  

Eminence Neroli Toner – The  inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure.  Probably why we refer to this a “face crack” at the spa

Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel – Both yam and pumpkin are high in phytoestrogen.  This exfoliating mask is perfect if you’re experiencing breakouts, drynes or pigmentation.  It’s gentle too so if you’re sensitive or it’s summer, this is the mask for you!

Eight Greens Hot Mask – naturally high in phytoestrogens and antioxidants. This unique mask will help improve hydration and the look of elasticity, improve the appearance of signs of aging, and normalize oily skin and prevent the appearance of breakouts.

Eight Greens Serum – Treat the visible signs of aging with this powerful combination of organic phytoestrogens.

As always, if you’re unsure of what you need for your skin conditions, let us know!  Shoot us an email or book a 1:1 skin consultation.  

Happy cycling folks!

XO

Alexis