Progesterone

Produced in the ovaries, progesterone is responsible for your cycle and pregnancy. While commonly associated with fertility, healthy progesterone levels have beneficial implications for your skin, physical health, and even mental health.

Progesterone & Your Skin

We love this powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent for its ability to prevent collagen loss and increase oil (sebum) production, giving you that bouncy, dewy effect. With lower levels, you may notice dryness and more pronounced wrinkles from the reduction in those oils. The consequent buildup of dead skin cells may also be the reason why skin looks more dull, tired, and congested. Similar to estrogen, progesterone tends to be lower during the first days of your cycle (when you’re bleeding) and declines as you age.

If you are pregnant, thank progesterone for that infamous ‘pregnancy glow’ as the hormone rises dramatically to support your pregnancy. However, higher levels, especially during the second half of your period or towards the third trimester, can clog pores and break you out. Research has also shown that existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, tend to flare up more when progesterone is higher.

Progesterone & Your Health

Progesterone's main function is to support a healthy pregnancy, so expect your levels to increase with each trimester. If you aren’t expecting, progesterone metabolizes into allopregnanolone, known for its calming effects and has been proven useful in treating postpartum depression. However, current research shows progesterone to be a two-edged sword as allopregnanolone has also been linked to depression and anxiety in women with PMS and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). The decrease in progesterone can also take away natural oils that make hair lush and shiny, so they may be more prone to breakage and heat damage.

Menstruating women generally experience higher progesterone during the luteal phase (near the end) of their menstrual cycle. This is when the ovaries ramp up progesterone production and the lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Very high progesterone is not common if you are not pregnant and only has minimal effects similar to PMS.

BALANCING INGREDIENTS

High

Pomegranate Extract

Glycolic Acid

BHAs* (Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid)

*BHAs are not pregnancy safe. We recommend Willow Bark as a natural alternative.

Low

Barley Extract

Hyaluronic Acid

Lactic Acid

Skincare

Our skincare collection contains nature’s most potent botanicals and actives, precisely engineered to target the most common concerns caused by hormonal imbalances. Always endocrine-disruptor free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.

“Although its primary purpose is to prepare you for pregnancy, progesterone also plays a role in pms symptoms and has calming and sleep enhancing effects, while simultaneously sharpening your thinking.”

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MD, OBGYN, medical advisor to Veracity