Skincare tips to make it through the changing seasons

It’s time to step-up your skincare routine, neck to toe, in anticipation of the cooler seasons. Low temperatures and harsh winds can do a number on your skin, as can long, hot showers and central heating. Here are some winter skincare tips with all you need to know to avoid this winter woe.

What is the moisture barrier?

A healthy moisture barrier is the key to soft, glowing skin, no matter the season. The skin’s moisture or lipid barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis and a natural defense against environmental and bacterial irritants. Made up of lipids or fats/oils, it helps retain water and moisture (by keeping it from evaporating).

How to protect your moisture barrier:

In the cooler months, your moisture barrier can be more easily compromised, causing dull, dry and tight skin that is flaky and itchy.

Shelve your body lotion for a nourishing body oil—or layer the two. Not only do body oils deeply hydrate the skin, but they also lock in moisture and help support and repair the moisture barrier. Best applied when the skin is still damp, we suggest trying it right out of the shower.

A baby’s skin is soft, smooth and plump. It’s the perfect example of a healthy moisture barrier. Our baby butter is a mama-favorite, but also a standby for grown-ups, too. After all, who doesn’t want baby-soft skin? It’s crafted with fair trade cocoa butter, which balances beneficial skin oils that can be stripped away by harsh winter weather.

How to heal and keep your moisture barrier intact:

• Limit hot showers (not too hot!) to 10 minutes or less. The combination of hot water and soap can be especially damaging and actually remove moisture and natural oils from the skin.

• Check your product labels for surfactants. Cleansers, like soap or body wash, often contain surfactants to create a rich lather and can break down natural oils and fats on our skin— harming the moisture barrier.

• Avoid synthetic fragrances, which can irritate the skin.

• Get a good night’s sleep. When you’re sleeping, your body is able to heal itself.

• Hydrate from the inside out. Drink plenty of H2O and avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol.

• Our lip + cheek balm is a go-to healing balm for dry and chapped lips, cheeks, and hands. It nourishes the skin with rich shea butter and creates a beneficial barrier from dry and cold weather.