What Your Birth Month Says About Your Skin
Even if you're not into astrology, you probably read your horoscope from time to time. And according to astrologers, your sign relates to more than your love life or what's going on at work—it can actually shed some light on your beauty routine, too. Astrologer Rebecca Gordon, founder of My Path Astrology in New York, and Austin, Texas-based licensed esthetician Shawn Duss share how to use the starry philosophy to optimize your skin care.
FIRE SIGNSFire, one of the four elements by which zodiac signs are classified, signifies energy, aggressiveness,and enthusiasm.ARIESMARCH 21 – APRIL 19The go-getter of the zodiac, the ram's constitutionis strong and tough. And those with this fire sign are also prone to being hot-headed. "Because of the level of heat in their bodies, Aries tend to deal with issues like flushing, heat rashes, skin eruptions, and rosacea," explains Gordon.Beauty Rx: "Placing thick slices of chilled cucumber over the eyes and forehead can help to absorb excess heat, providing some immediate relief," Gordon says. To tone down heat around the clock, Duss recommends incorporating beauty products with naturally cooling and soothing aloe vera into your routine, or using the ingredient solo. "It can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a skin or scalp treatment," she says.LEOJULY 23 – AUGUST 22Leo is a strong, energetic sign governed by the sun. "Leos are prone to dry skin, because the fire sign is characterized by persistent heat," Gordon says.Beauty Rx: "I like coconut oil for Leos' dry skin," Gordon says. "It's made up of easily-absorbedmedium chain fatty acids [the same molecules that make up your skin cells' membranes], so it's not only hydrating but also beefs up your skin's natural barrier to keeps free radicals out." She recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with ½ teaspoon of honey and ½ of a teaspoon of lemon juice to make a cream that softens, hydrates, and brightens dull, dry skin.SAGITTARIUSNOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21Sagittarians are the wisdom-seeking philosophers of the zodiac, but have a tendency to do everything in a big way, Gordon says, "If Sagittarians give in to their tendency to over-do it in the food and drink department, the resulting imbalance can cause inflammation and fatigue, not to mention rashes, skin eruptions, and acne," Gordon warns.BEAUTY Rx: Try a skin-clearing facial cleanser with about a 2% concentration of exfoliating glycolic or lactic acid, says Duss. We like Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Facial Wash ($38,peterthomasroth.com), which also contains moisturizing vitamin B and soothing allantoin to prevent irritation. "Using an exfoliating acid washat night will help slough off dead cells and clear clogged pores," Duss says. In the morning, stick to milder cleansers, with physical exfoliants like jojoba beads.EARTH SIGNSThe earth element signifies materialism, conservatism, practicality, and stability.TAURUSAPRIL 20 - MAY 20Stubborn Taurus is associated with the throat, neck, and vocal cords, which gives the delicate skin on the décolleté a tendency toward irritation, itchiness, and dryness, Gordon says.BEAUTY Rx: Make an anti-inflammatory mask made with hydrating oatmeal and healing, antibacterial aloe to soothe the skin of the décolleté and neck. Finely grind 1 tablespoon of organic plain oats with a coffee grinder before mixing with 2 tablespoons of 100% pure aloe veragel. Duss recommends using a small metal dish and spoon to keep the mixture cool as you apply it to your neck, clavicle, and face. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then lightly scrub your face with the mixture before rinsing the mask off with warmwater and patting excess moisture away with a damp cloth.CAPRICORNDECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19Wise leaders, Capricorns are cautious, ambitious,and deliberate. Physically, Capricorns tend to have dry, sensitive, and itchy skin—especiallyduring winter, the season in which they were born.BEAUTY Rx: You need head to toe hydration. Aftershowering and while your skin is still damp, rub ablend of ¼ cup of pure Shea butter and several drops of light, aromatic sesame oil all over your body, Gordon suggests. Once a month, give your scalp some love, too: Massage 5 to 7 drops of almond oil onto your head, leave it in for about 7 minutes, then shampoo.VIRGOAUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22Virgo is one of the most independent and hardworking signs of the zodiac, Gordon says. The downside? Dark circles are likely to pop up after late nights spent working or worrying.BEAUTY Rx: A cool avocado eye mask to rehab the under-eye area. Mash ¼ cup ripe, refrigerated avocado and mix with ¼ cup chilled aloe vera gel.After cleansing skin, smooth the mixture under your eyes and let it set 10 minutes, says Gordon. Gently wipe it away with a cloth and rinse your face with warm water. The cool temp of the mask will help the blood vessels contract and reduce discoloration under the eye, while vitamins C and E in the avocado help brighten skin.AIR SIGNSThe air element signifies communication, intellect, and reason.GEMINIMAY 21 – JUNE 21This sign is associated with constant transformation and stimulation, making Geminis' arms and hands prone to wear and tear, says Gordon.BEAUTY Rx: Focus skincare efforts on the hands, which are easily overlooked but are among the first body parts to show signs of aging, Duss says. She recommends treating the skin of the hands and elbows with this brightening, hydrating salt scrub: Blend together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup sunflower oil, ⅛ cup lemon juice, and a pinch of Himalayan sea salt. Massage on hands and forearms for 5 to 7 minutes, paying special attention to rough knuckles and elbows. Rinse, pat dry, and moisturize to keep hands and arms soft.LIBRASeptember 23 – October 22Libra is governed by Venus, the planet associatedwith beauty and art. The sign also holds sway over the kidneys, making the area prone to imbalance. If Libras don't stay hydrated and maintain flushed kidneys (which balances acidityand alkalinity), an excess of acidity can leave them vulnerable to breakouts, Gordon says.BEAUTY Rx: Promote a clear complexion with a 2 to 3% glycolic acid cleanser daily, and a bentoniteclay mask at least 3 times weekly—clay draws outdebris in pores, Duss explains. Be sure to use a daily moisturizer, too, to keep skin from drying outAQUARIUSJANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18This air sign is the quintessential rule breaker of the zodiac, Gordon says. Tied closely to the circulatory system, Aquarians often contend with circulation concerns, and tend to retain water in the face.BEAUTY Rx: To improve movement of the blood and lymph fluid, which can lead to facial bloating, both experts recommend dry-brushing the skin of the body and face. To dry-brush your skin, work a stiff-bristled brush in circular strokesfrom your feet and wrists in toward your heart and trunk (watch this quick video for a how-to). For your face, use a gentle brush and follow the guide:• Start by making small brush strokes up from the base of your neck to your jawline.• Make counter-clockwise, circular strokes over the area underneath your cheekbones, working from the corners of your mouth back toward your ears.• Brush across the cheekbone (from your nose to your ear) before brushing the tip of your nose withsmall circular strokes.• Stroke upward from the tip of the nose to the area between your brows.• Follow that with small, very gentle, counter-clockwise strokes around the eye and under the brows.• Finish up by brushing from the center of the forehead toward the temples.WATER SIGNSThe water element signifies imagination, emotion, and introversion.SCORPIOOCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21Emotional, loyal, and big-hearted, Scorpio is known as one of the most volatile signs of the zodiac, which can show up in unexpected skin eruptions, like a flurry of blackheads, or a deep, painful blemish, Gordon says.BEAUTY Rx: Apply a breakout-busting toner afterdaily cleansing. Duss recommends mixing 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a squeeze of fresh lemon and smoothing it on with a cotton swab. Follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum like derma e Hydrating Serum With Hyaluronic Acid to keep skin moisturized and balance the drying effect of the toner.PISCESFEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 19Pisces are known for having great sensitivity, creativity, and intuition, Gordon explains. But if they let their emotions build up internally, their skin will show the stress with inflammation and irritation.BEAUTY RX: Apply a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory rose essential oil, like Mountain Rose Herbs Rose Skin Cream twice a day. Rose essential oil is gentle anti-inflammatory oil great for sensitive skin types, according to both experts.CANCERJUNE 21 – JULY 22Cancer is the nurturer of the zodiac, with a tendency to be both warm-hearted and moody. As a strong water sign, fluid retention is a concern—it ebbs and flows with the moon's cycles, Gordon says.BEAUTY Rx: Encourage total facial drainage by dry brushing the face.
To soothe puffiness aroundthe eyes, rest with damp, cool black or white tea bags over closed lids (make sure the bag covers the under-eye area, too) for 10 minutes, says Gordon. The antioxidants will brighten the skin, while caffeine's blood vessel-constricting effects will tone down swelling.
