It is so good to be back. I'm up early- it's 5:26 am currently - because this is my chance to breathe and stretch out. Sometimes, that means hopping on here to get my latest thoughts or recipes down and into the world. I often just do during the holiday season. Check things off a list and go to the parties. The words I've been sitting with this morning are make something and be. To be intentional with my time is healing to my own soul, but it also overflows into my family and friends and business.
I take care of my skin as a form of self-care for my physical body. In the same way I invest in Barre3 classes each week (and willingly work my legs to jello...) I mask - hydrate - moisturize as an investment in my skin. I wanted to take a minute to talk about hydration, because I'd argue this is the one skincare step you need, especially in the winter months. I've struggled for years with uncomfortably tight and super flaky dry skin November to March, until hydration came into my life.
A hydrator draws water from the atmosphere into the skin. Hydrated skin is softer and acts younger. And like a sponge, when it's hydrated, it can better absorb other products. A moisturizer replenishes the skin's barrier on the surface and locks in that hydration.
Every skin type can benefit from hydration. I've personally seen fewer breakouts, tightness and flakiness disappear and the tone and texture of my skin improve. Those with sensitive skin may find that hydrating before moisturizing helps their barrier-repairing moisturizer work better. Dullness and fine lines can also be remedied with hydrating the skin.
The products I love that are super-hydrators are Active Hydration Serum for the face, Bright Eye Complex for the eyes and Body Replenish for the body. In studies, this hydrating technology increased skin's hydration level by 200% immediately and maintained that hydration for eight hours. So it's actively drawing water from the atmosphere to keep the skin balanced. And that's exactly the word I'd use to describe it. My skin feels balanced for once! Not oily, not dry, not flaky or broken out. Just soft and balanced.
The serum is so light and melts into the skin instantly. I have a glow right away. Gosh I'm in love.
The Bright Eye Complex is creamy and works fast. It soothes and illuminates the eye area right away. Wakes up that morning puffiness within a few minutes! And over time, improves dark circles and puffiness.
And finally, Body Replenish. I've always moisturized religiously. But as I've learned, applying (and reapplying and reapplying) that surface level protection only gets me so far. Getting to the root of the problem and actively drawing water into my skin all day has healed my dry, cracked skin and eliminated my weird eczema break outs. Oh glorious day.
Skincare is a huge part of my self care. It took me a long time to feel "ok" with investing in myself. For me, learning to just be meant learning to accept myself- yes. But to also be ok with accepting help. To be ok with taking care of myself.
If any or all of this resonates with you, drop a comment below. How are you taking care of yourself this winter? What are your favorite winter skincare products? How are you taking time away from the to-do list this month? All the things. xo Lauren
