Top Layer Hydrators
Previously we have discussed the importance of incorporating ceramide-based products into a routine, the function of the skin barrier and how to layer hydrators from lightest to heaviest. While we are right in the midst of the cooler fall season, it is time to dive into products that are considered top layer hydrators for both face and body.
Face
When it comes to the delicate and ultra thin skin of the face, neck and chest, it is vital to provide nutrients and protection against potential environmental triggers. When the weather begins to cool, it is pretty common for skin to become red and inflamed as the cold, dry air strips away skin's natural moisture. If you notice this shift it might be time to adjust your routine and include products that provide skin with a better barrier for protection and overall hydration.
If you are using our Evening Rose Facial Serum as your go-to throughout the year, this product will remain your baselayer as you move into fall and winter. It will be essential to add in a richer, more occlusive product for protection and repair against the elements, this is where our Lavender Cold Cream comes in. It is formulated with nutrient dense organic lipids, ceramides and probiotics to help improve the appearance of collagen-depleted skin. It also provides a heavy barrier which helps to prevent moisture loss and has a rich texture that absorbs quickly into skin.
This product is concentrated so we recommend scooping a pea-sized amount from the jar and applying as dots to the face, neck and chest. From there, blend together connecting the dots for an even application. It is also important to include a gentle, weekly exfoliant in your routine to help deeply hydrating products absorb quicker and more effectively. In a perfect world restocking with a fresh jar in the fall is ideal as each jar will last about a year of use. With this approach you can ensure that you have what you need to protect and hydrate skin during the cooler months while being prepared for having less in stock in the summer when usage shifts to once weekly after exfoliation.
Body
When it comes to the body, top layer hydration is also key to preventing itchy and red skin. Just like with the face, neck and chest, layering from lightest to heaviest is our recommended approach to providing skin with hydration and protection.
If you are using our Arnica Massage & Body Oil as a lightweight body hydrator, we recommend using one of our moisturizers on top. We love them because they are formulated with organic lipids, humectants and probiotics along with a moderate barrier to protect against transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We absolutely love this body oil but just like our facial serum it is formulated with a lightweight barrier and needs extra support when the weather begins to cool.
While you can use any of our moisturizers on top, we especially love our Coconut & Lavender Baby Moisturizer as it is formulated with organic coconut oil for deep hydration that lasts. Another great option during the winter is our Vanilla Mint Moisturizer as it is formulated with both organic coconut and pumpkin seed oil for extra skin nutrients including omegas, antioxidants and vitamin A.
Another product to use on the body, hands and feet is our Bergamot & Lavender Body Balm. This product is fully concentrated and works best when blended and applied with one of our moisturizers. It is naturally rich in vitamins E, C, K, omegas and ceramides to help give skin what it needed to repair and regenerate. This product formulation also has both anti-inflammatory and protective properties along with a cicatrizan known to help speed wound healing, which is essential for repairing dry, cracked hands and feet in the winter.
We recommend using the back of your thumbnail to drag across the surface allowing the product to billow on top of the thumbnail as the best method for removing from the tin. From there, apply on skin or with a pinch of our moisturizer and blend until it has fully softened and leaves a matte, non-greasy finish.