The Science Behind Seed & Berry Botanicals

At Seed & Berry Botanicals, we’re more than a skincare brand—we’re your nurturing guide through the beautiful, ever-changing rhythm of your menstrual cycle. We know that your skin isn’t just a surface; it’s a living reflection of your body’s inner harmony, influenced by the ebb and flow of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Drawing from rigorous scientific research and the wisdom of nature, we’ve crafted our cycle-synced facial emulsions—Berry Calm, Berry Bloom, and Berry Balance—to provide targeted, plant-based support that adapts to these shifts. Each formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and freshly prepared in small weekly batches to ensure the ingredients deliver their full, potent benefits.

Let’s dive deeper into the science of how hormones shape your skin and why we chose specific botanicals to gently align with each phase.

Your Skin’s Monthly Journey: The Hormonal Science and What Research Reveals

Scientific studies have long established that the menstrual cycle—typically around 28 days—drives profound changes in skin physiology due to fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones interact with skin cells via receptors in the epidermis and dermis, influencing everything from hydration and barrier integrity to oil production and inflammation.

Estrogen, often called the "beauty hormone," promotes collagen synthesis, enhances skin thickness, boosts hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, and strengthens the skin barrier by improving ceramide production and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Testosterone, though present in lower levels in women, fluctuates subtly during the menstrual cycle—with a small surge around ovulation and some influence in the luteal and pre-menstrual phases. As an androgen, it stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil production, enlarging pores, and contributing to hormonal acne (often along the jawline or chin), especially when combined with rising progesterone.

Progesterone, on the other hand, stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing sebum output, which can lead to pore enlargement, congestion, and inflammatory responses like acne.

Cortisol, released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, influences skin through inflammation, oil production, and barrier function. Chronic or elevated cortisol can increase sebum output, clog pores, and promote inflammatory conditions such as acne or eczema flare-ups. It may also slow wound healing, thin the skin over time, and heighten sensitivity or reactivity.

The estrogen-to-progesterone (E/P) ratio, a very novel factor in skin health, also seems to play an important role: higher ratios support differentiation of keratinocytes (skin cells) and barrier function, while imbalances can compromise it.

Menstrual Phase (Days 1–7, approximately)

This phase begins with your period, when both estrogen and progesterone plummet to their lowest levels. Without estrogen's protective effects, collagen production slows, leading to thinner skin and reduced elasticity.

The skin barrier weakens, increasing TEWL and making the epidermis more permeable to irritants—resulting in dryness, dullness, flakiness, tightness, and heightened sensitivity.

Progesterone's absence means less sebum, exacerbating dehydration, while lower dermal water content can accentuate fine lines and a lacklustre appearance.

Research shows this phase often correlates with elevated irritation and compromised wound healing, as estrogen normally accelerates repair processes.

Your skin craves deep replenishment: ingredients that restore lipids, boost hydration, and soothe inflammation to rebuild resilience.

Follicular Phase (Days 7–14, approximately, leading to ovulation)

As estrogen steadily climbs, peaking around ovulation, it revitalizes the skin. This hormone enhances collagen and elastin production, thickening the dermis and improving firmness. It also upregulates hyaluronic acid synthesis for superior moisture binding, balances sebum to prevent excess oiliness, and refines pores for a smoother texture.

Studies indicate clearer, more even-toned skin with a natural glow, as estrogen improves vascularization for better oxygenation and reduces pigmentation variability. Progesterone remains low, minimizing inflammatory risks.

This is your skin's "peak" period, but it benefits from lightweight support to amplify radiance, protect against oxidative stress, and maintain equilibrium without overwhelming the barrier.

Luteal Phase (Days 15–28, approximately, post-ovulation to pre-period)

Progesterone surges, while estrogen rises initially then declines. This shift ramps up sebaceous gland activity, boosting sebum production and enlarging pores, which traps oil and debris—leading to congestion, oiliness, and breakouts, particularly along the jawline.

Inflammation spikes as progesterone exacerbates conditions like acne, psoriasis, or eczema by weakening immune responses and barrier function. The E/P ratio favors progesterone, potentially increasing TEWL and sensitivity in some, though ceramide levels may rise in others for temporary barrier support.

Skin may appear more red or reactive due to vascular changes, and post-ovulation testosterone adds to oiliness.

Here, the need is for oil-regulating, anti-inflammatory care that prevents blemishes while nurturing the barrier to avoid stripping.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Cycle with Science and Care

At Seed & Berry Botanicals, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge hormonal science and the gentle power of nature. By deeply understanding how estrogen fosters collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid production, barrier strength, and that coveted natural glow—while progesterone drives sebum increases, pore changes, and potential inflammation—we’ve designed our trio of emulsions to meet your skin exactly where it is, phase by phase.

This isn’t about fighting your body’s rhythms; it’s about honoring them. Recent scoping reviews and physiological studies continue to affirm the clear, cyclical links between estrogen/progesterone fluctuations and skin properties like hydration, elasticity, oil production, and sensitivity. While cycle-synced skincare remains an emerging approach with growing anecdotal support and alignment to established hormonal-skin research, our formulations draw directly from this evidence base—using plant-derived actives proven to hydrate, repair, balance, calm, and protect precisely when your skin needs it most.

The result? A more consistent, resilient complexion that feels nurtured rather than reactive. Fewer unexpected flare-ups, amplified radiance in your peak moments, and gentle comfort during tender days.

Your menstrual cycle is a monthly reminder of your body’s incredible intelligence.

The Science

• How Hormones Affect Your Skin: Understanding the Connection - dermatologyofct.com

• How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Skin - thecenterforderm.com

• The menstrual cycle and the skin - ovid.com

• Effect of estrogen/progesterone ratio on the differentiation and the barrier function of epidermal keratinocyte and three-dimensional cultured human epidermis - sciencedirect.com

• Changes in Women’s Facial Skin Color over the Ovulatory Cycle are Not Detectable by the Human Visual System - journals.plos.org

• Physiological Changes in Women’s Skin During the Menstrual Cycle: A Scoping Review - Pubmed

• Across the Lifespan: Understanding the Cutaneous Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on Women’s Skincare - practicaldermatology.com

• Hormones and How They Affect Your Skin - bendderm.com