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I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

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When I first heard I’m From came out with a Pear line, I couldn’t help but raise a brow. I felt like they were really stretching the plant and fruit extracts idea and I didn’t have high expectations.

Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love some of their skincare like the I’m From Rice Toner and Serum, as well as their Honey Mask! However these are more traditional ingredients from nature that have quite a track record for their efficacy. Hearing about pear… Well, I thought it was quite random!

I still gave their Pear Soothing Pads and Serum a go, trying to keep an open mind. While pear in general is not my most favourite fruit, it is a sentimental one. Any family gathering on my Korean side would include some Korean Pear my grandmother cut up for the family to enjoy as a snack. On my Italian side my grandparents had a pear tree growing in their backyard; The first pick always smelled the sweetest!

I have used up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, and am ready to share my thoughts!

Note I am acne-prone, normal to dry skin. I get easily dehydrated from dry environments, and I am also using prescription strength tretinoin and dapsone.

Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products.
My thoughts are honest, always *casts patronus*

All shopping links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to search a new link.

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description and Ingredients

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Description

“This soothing pad contains 75% of Wild Pear Leaves, which delivers rich hydration with plant-based hyaluronic acid. With the main ingredient of pear called luteolin, it features an immediate cooling and soothing effect on irritated skin. The 2.55-inch size pad will make the skin moist and smooth with an eco pure cotton pad, leaving a light and fresh finish. Recommended for flushed skin and sensitive skin that needs cooling & hydration.”

Wishtrend.com

Price: $24 USD
Amount: 60 sheets
pH: unknown
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Ingredients

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (75%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Arbutin

INCIDecoder

I always appreciate that I’m From products always have a high amount of the star ingredient they’re marketing. This way, we can actually get an idea of what it does for our skin. Their Pear Soothing Pad contains 75% Pear Fruit Extract. According to the description above and some general information on the interwebs, is mainly a skin-conditioning ingredient. What gives Pear Fruit Extract a bit of oopmh is luteolin. It is a flavinoid found in a variety of herbs, fruits and veggies that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

There are some classic humectants in the list such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolized hyaluronic acid. And of course, “soothing” can’t be in the product name unless there is Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix. The pad also contains arbutin, an antioxidant that helps reduce the formation of pigmentation and brighten skin.


I’m From Pear Serum Description and Ingredients

I’m From Pear Serum Description

“This serum contains 83% Wild Pear Leaves, which soothes and calms the skin as it forms a protective barrier to strengthen the skin. It has a watery, light, non-sticky texture, which replenishes moisture for dehydrated and irritated skin. Recommended for sensitive skin that needs hydration as well as a healthier skin condition.”

Wishtrend.com

Price: $25 USD
Amount: 50ml
pH: 6.1~7.1
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

I’m From Pear Serum Ingredients

Pyrus Ussuriensis Leaf Extract 83%, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Pyrus Pyrifolia (Pear) Fruit Extract (0.1%), Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Tromethamine, Sodium Phytate, Allantoin, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum

INCIDecoder

Once again, we see a high percentage of Pear as the base of the serum. This time it is a Leaf Extract at 83%. The fruit extract is also found at 0.1%. Goodie humectants glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, hydroxyethyl urea. There’s also a couple of plant extracts – Chondrus Crispus Extract and Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract – that also serve as humectants. Cocoa seed extract has some antioxidant benefits, and of course, Panthenol and Allantoin in the mix for soothing.

My Experience Using I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

The I’m From Pear Soothing Pad is in a frosted plastic jar with a twist-off cap. The serum counterpart is in a clear glass bottle with a plastic pump and cap.

Inside the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad Jar
Up close photo of a single I’m Froom Pear Soothing Pad
Swatch of the formula of the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad
Formula of I’m From Pear Soothing Pad massaged into skin

I was pleasantly surprised with the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad, the pad itself was very saturated with the formula. It felt very soft when I’d use it in my skincare routine either as a “morning cleanse” in the AM or just as a hydrating toner in the PM. It does have a cooling feeling on my skin and left a good amount of moisture. It’s quite simple, but it does the job. On good skin days, I found the Pear Soothing Pad to be fairly gentle. However if my skin barrier was impaired, I found this stung a bit and I couldn’t use it.

The I’m From Pear Soothing Serum after pumping a bit on the back of hand
I’m From Pear Soothing Serum slightly massaged in to the back of hand

The I’m From Pear Serum I am less impressed with. It’s just a slightly more viscous version of the Soothing Pad formula. So overall it performs the same, but for my drier skin type I’d like a hydrating serum to be richer. I noticed on occassion this did sting my face if my skin in general was feeling a bit more sensitive. Instead of continuing to use the Pear Serum on my face, I have been applying this it to my scalp prior to a wash. It’s great at soothing my scalp – it even managed to reduce an itchy, red spot I had underneath my baby hairs!

Final Thoughts on I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum

After using up the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad and Serum, my overall feel for them is – take it or leave it. They’re not bad products by any means. They add slight moisture to my skin and have light consistencies, I overall thought they were easy to use. But now that they’re emptied, I don’t have an urge to get them again. They’re just a check off the list for new skincare products I’ve tried.

For the I’m From Pear Soothing Pad, this basic type of performance makes sense and works well. I was really hoping for some more soothing and moisturizing prowess from the I’m From Pear Serum. I guess if you’re looking for that oomph in an I’m From skincare product, I’ve definitely experienced it with their Rice Serum (reviewed). If you’re very oily skinned and live in a humid climate, the Pear Serum also may be more your preference texture wise. But for my thirsty skin, I felt like I had to use a generous amount for me to feel anything substantial when it came to extra moisture. Also add the fact it didn’t really soothe my skin and actually had a tendency to irritate it further.

As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative!

xo, M

I’m From Rice Serum and Cream Review

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Back in November 2020, I received a lovely package of I’m From’s Rice Toner, Serum and Cream. I’m a fan of their toner for it instantly softens and brightens my skin. It also performs as a great supplemental moisturizing product. I even featured it in my Skincare Favourites of 2020!

I’ve been rotating all three products in my skincare routine for a few months now and I’m ready to share my thoughts! I have already done a full review on I’m From Rice Toner, I’ll leave a link to that down below. In this post, I’ll specifically be reviewing their serum and cream.

I’m From Rice Toner Review

I also have a Youtube video reviewing all 3 products!

Products are PR Samples. This does not change my opinion of the products.
My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

All shopping links are affiliate links. This means when you use the link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to search a new link.

About I’m From Rice Serum and Cream

I’m From Rice Serum

“This serum contains 73% Rice Germ Fermented Extract, which retains more than 65% of the nutritional value in a grain of rice. It is also rich in vitamin B and powerful antioxidants, which will boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Use this serum before the rice cream to double the effect.“

Wishtrend.com

Price: $27 USD
Amount: 30ml
pH: 5.0~7.0 (6.1)
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

I’m From Rice Cream

“Rice is known as the 1000 years Asian Beauty Secret. The cream contains rice bran extract rich in ceramide that has been distilled and specially treated by the in-house technology to help improve the skin tone and barrier from sun damage. It is rich in beauty minerals and vitamins B and E and effectively controls excessive sebum production. Together with the rice toner and serum, this cream will be ideal for daily use.”

Wishtrend.com

Price: $30 USD
Amount: 50ml
pH: 6.6~8.6 (7.9)
Where to Buy:
Wishtrend
YesStyle

ADDITIONAL CLAIMS:

  • Made in Korea
  • Vegan Friendly
  • Cruelty Free

I’m From Rice Serum and Cream Ingredients

I’m From Rice Serum

INCIDecoder

Aspergillus/Rice Germ Ferment Extract Filtrate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone , Water (Aqua), Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol,Squalane, Betaine, C12-14 Pareth-12, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Panthenol,C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Glutathione

I’m From Rice Cream

INCIDecoder

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Beeswax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Vinyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Bisabolol, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin

“…rice bran is a rich source of over 100 antioxidant compounds, including vitamin E, ferulic acid, and oryzanol.

The bran also contains moisturizing polysaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients like calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.”

Paula’s Choice’s ingredient dictionary

I personally enjoy using rice based products in my skincare routine. I’ve experienced various benefits such as brightening, skin softening, and extra moisture. I experienced this from the Naruko Jing Cheng Face Renewal Miracle Essence (gift) with 94% Rice Lee’s Extract (featured in my latest morning winter skincare routine), as well as I’m From’s Rice Toner (gift) with 77.78% Rice Extract.

The I’m From Rice Serum contains a good 73% of Aspergillus/Rice Germ Ferment Extract Filtrate. In addition, there are other brightening ingredients like Niacinamide and Licorice Root Extract. There are also some soothing factors in this serum coming from the Panthenol, Allantoin, Madecassoside, and Purslane Extract. There are also some lovely moisturizing ingredients in the formula such. Glycerin and a couple of Hyaluronic Acid molecules for humectants. There is also Squalane, an oil that can be found in our skin’s own sebum.

The I’m From Rice Cream has 41% Rice Bran Extract Water. Since this is Rice Bran Extract Water, I’m assuming that the claimed benefits of Rice Bran Extract will be more watered down. Similar to the serum, the cream contains moisturizing ingredients. Glycerin, HA molecules and Squalane. It also has Shea Butter, Rice Bran Oil, Ceramide NP, and Phytosphingosine to add more emollience. The cream also has Panthenol and Bisabolol for soothing, all rounder Niacinamide and Tocopherol for antioxidants.

Based on the ingredients list alone, both the I’m From Rice Serum and Cream contain a really nice variety of moisturizing, soothing, brightening, antioxidant and wound-healing ingredients. All of which are great at supporting any actives in your skincare routine.

Experience using I’m From Rice Serum and Cream

I’m From Rice Serum and Cream are both in glass components. Serum dispenses product with a plastic pump, and the cream is in a jar with a twist off lid. Texture wise, both the serum and cream definitely have cosmetic elegance. Neither of them are sticky and they are enjoyable to use in my skincare routine. The serum is a gel milky texture, the cream feels like it’s a dense but light cream. There is no scent coming from these products and it’s fairly easy to incorporate them in my existing skincare routine.

Swatches of the I’m From Rice Serum and Cream. First three photos are the serum, last 3 are the cream.

I use both the serum and cream as supplemental moisturizing products in my skincare. I find myself using a generous amount of each of them. The serum does not seem enough with one or two pumps – I actually use around four pumps. I have used this as the 2nd hydrator step in my current Nighttime Winter Skincare Routine. i have noticed its soothing benefits if my skin felt particularly sensitive that night.

While the cream is a lovely texture, it is definitely not enough for my skin this time of year. I tried using it as a standalone moisturizer and I felt my skin become dry as the day progressed. I feel it may perform better come the warmer, more humid months for my skin type. for those that are not as dry and prone to rough texture, you may enjoy this cream during the colder months. For now, I have been using it either to “sandwich” my Retin-A Micro or ocassionally swap it with the serum as a 2nd hydrator step.

Final Thoughts on I’m From Rice Serum and Cream

At first I was a bit “meh” about the new I’m From Rice Serum and Cream. But continued use of them changed my mind. The I’m From Rice Toner is still my preferred product out of the line. I find it gives me better skin benefits such as brightening, even complexion, skin softening, and additional moisture.

Out of the two new products, I like the serum best. I became fond of it with increasing use because it still has a high amount of a rice extract. It is gentle with the concoction of supportive ingredients it has. My one gripe is the 30ml amount, but I should try to lower the amount I use. I probably don’t need that much, but I’m so used to applying a generous amount of supplemental moisturizing products. The cream is also lovely to use. But if you watched my recent Winter Skincare Routine, you know that the 50ml of moisturizer is not enough for me and it doesn’t seem as cost-effective. I also find I notice the instant brightening benefits from rice extract the best from the toner and serum vehicles, but overall I enjoy using it and like the formula.

And that’s all folks! As always, I hope you find content like this helpful and informative.

WHERE TO BUY:

Wishtrend – “MICHXMASH” 15% OFF
YesStyle – “YESMICH” 4% OFF RETURNING ORDERS

xo, M

I’m From Fig Collection Review

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The skincare world seems to not be on pause, for I’m From recently launched their new Fig Collection. It features 3 products: Cleansing Balm, Scrub Mask, Boosting Essence. I’ve never heard about Fig in skincare before, but I’m always down to learn about new and potentially skin beneficial ingredients!

“I’m From decided to launch three products with fig as their main ingredient and it is targeted to help you achieve ‘clear skin’. Whether used all together in a single routine or separately, you can expect

  1. delivery of antioxidants
  2. hydrating finish on the skin
  3. removal of dead skin cells
  4. enhanced skin’s texture.“

GENERAL CLAIMS:

  • Cruelty-free
  • For all skin types
  • Made in Korea

– Wishtrend.com

Looking more into Fig, there’s not really a whole lot I could find. Here are the ones a mere skinthusiast like me came across, so I thought I’d share (note the emphasis on “skinthusiast.” I’m not a skin professional, just a skincare consumer that’s interested in how ingredients work).

  • One study talking about how a 4% cream was applied on human volunteers for 8 weeks
    • Significantly decreased:
      • skin melanin
      • trans-epidermal water loss
      • skin sebum
    • Significantly increased:
      • skin hydration
    • Insignificant effects on skin erythema
  • Paula’s Choice lists it as a “BEST” plant ingredient
    • High in antioxidants
    • Prevents TEWL
    • Reduces the formation of dark spots

I took these sources with a grain of salt, but I definitely didn’t expect to find such a number of benefits Fig Extract could provide! Needless to say, I like testing skincare, but I tried these products with no expectations.

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Wishtrend provided me all 3 of I’m From’s latest Fig products for review purposes, and I am ready to share my thoughts and experience with each item!

  • Cleansing Balm
  • Scrub Mask
  • Boosting Essence

The products provided are for review purposes, however that does not effect my opinion in any way.

My thoughts are honest, always *casts doe patronus*

I’M FROM FIG CLEANSING BALM

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Amount: 100ml
Price: $30 USD
7.8% Fig and Oil Water

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Opaque, violet coloured plastic jar. Comes with a small plastic spatula.

Texture: Sherbet, classic formulation among other Korean cleansing balms.

Fragrance: Artificial sweet smell.

Application: Nickel-size scoop, melt between fingers and gently massage all over face and neck. Fragrance does not linger for long. With wet fingers, massaged face again and product emulsifies.

Feel: I reminisce about the Banila Co. cleansing balms, but this one feels like it has more moisture to it.

Overall Thoughts: Performs similarly to other cleansing balms I’ve tried. It has a nice texture, don’t need a lot to effectively remove a day’s face, leaves a moisturizing residue, does not dry out my skin.

I’M FROM FIG SCRUB MASK

wp-1588269124454.jpg

Amount: 120g
Price: $32 USD
1.2% Fig Powder

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Transparent glass jar with plastic top. Comes with a large spatula.

Texture: Thick and grainy.

Fragrance: Artificial sweet smell.

Application: Covered face and neck in a thin layer and left it for 5-10 minutes. With wet fingers, massaged skin gently and the scrub emulsified.

Feel: Fairly gentle scrub, left face feeling moisturized and smooth, did not dry out my face when I left the mask in place and after washing it off.

Overall Thoughts: I personally don’t care to use sugar scrub masks on my face, but the experience was still enjoyable – at first.

What I did not enjoy was the lingering fragrance and the slight irritation I experienced 10 minutes after washing the mask off and finishing up my skincare routine. I suspect it’s because I’m using Differin, otherwise I feel like my skin prior to Vitamin A would tolerate it better.

I’M FROM FIG BOOSTING ESSENCE

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Amount: 150ml
Price: $35 USD
62.7% Fig Extract

Other Beneficial Ingredients:

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Packaging: Glass bottle with plastic cap, dispenser is a small spout.

Texture: Slippery water, reminds me of the By Wishtrend Quad Active Boosting Essence.

Fragrance: None.

Application: 1-3 nickel-sized layers massaged all over face and neck and patted in.

Feel: Surprised at how gentle and hydrating it was! Skin felt very comfortable for a period of time before applying moisturizer.

Overall Thoughts: Favourite product out of the whole Fig Collection. It is hydrating, did not irritate my skin, skin maintained brightness throughout the day.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON I’M FROM FIG COLLECTION

1st place – I’m From Fig Boosting Essence

My overall experience with this skincare item was very enjoyable. At first, I felt like I have seen the most benefits when it comes to Fig Extract – hydrating, brightening, maintains skin’s moisture. Looking closer at the ingredients list however, it seems to contain quite a number of other notable ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, and can also provide the mentioned benefits. Whether it’s the Fig Extract or not, we can’t be certain, but at least the overall formulation seems very skin-friendly.

2nd place – I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm

Although it is a sherbet texture like other makeup removing balms on the market, I do like that bit of extra moisture it provides while not feeling too heavy like richer cleansing balms. It feels like when I follow up with my second cleanse, my skin does not feel as stripped. The only thing I didn’t really care for from this product was the artificial fragrance. If you like shopping on Wishtrend, it is also the only cleansing balm they currently offer.

3rd place – I’m From Fig Scrub Mask

It did also provide extra moisture to my skin and makes it feel very smooth, although I feel like I would have enjoyed the experience more if it not for it irritating my face after use. In addition, both of the cleansing products do have fragrance, but because I left the Scrub Mask on for 5-10 minutes, I had a little bit of a headache because of how fragrant it was.

And that is it for this review! As always, I hope you found it helpful and informative if you were considering purchasing one of these products to incorporate into your skincare routine.

Before you leave, did you like that I linked every beneficial ingredient? INCIDecoder and Paula’s Choice help me so much when learning about ingredients, and I want to promote every consumer to look at the INCI list instead of the marketing claims 🙂

xo, M

WHERE TO BUY:

These are affiliate links and codes. If you use a link to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

Wishtrend:
Cleansing Balm
Scrub Mask
Boosting Essence

Use “MichxMash15” at checkout for an addition 15% off your order

YesStyle:
Cleansing Balm
Scrub Mask
Boosting Essence

Use “YESMICH” to get 10% off your order

TRIED & TRUE TIPS: How I Repaired My Dehydrated and Dry Skin!

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Press Samples in this post will be indicated with (PR)
Links marked with a * are affiliate links/codes. This means if you use this link/code to make a purchase, I make a small commission. Thanks for your support if you decide to use them! If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

I thought I’d start off a new blog / video series called “Tried and True Tips” – basically I share tips that like many of us, go Googling for all over the internet for that I have tried, and have worked!

Since it’s now snowing here in jolly Ontario, I thought  it would be the perfect time to share my Tried and True Tips on how I repaired my dry/dehydrated skin! Before I do, quick recap:

  • I was oily-skinned for ~24 years
  • Past 4-5 years, after working in a stupidly dry environment and aging in general, my skin became so dry, it not only felt uncomfortably tight, there was no moisturizer, or oil in general to be found on my skin when I touched my face!

After many a months to a couple of years of trial and error, I finally found what has been working for me in maintaining my skin’s moisture! If what I’ve gone through sounds similar to your current circumstance, then keep on reading!

1. GET A HUMIDIFIER

Picture from Costco.ca

The most common tip, and for good reason! To start improving your skin’s hydration levels, this is an easy way to set it up for success. Like I mentioned, my skin gets easily sensitized in dry environments, so having a large humidifider that lasts hours was much needed for my place.

The one I purchased: Homedics Humidifier
Costco
Amazon.ca

2. PLAN YOUR MORNING CLEANSE ACCORDINGLY

IMG_20191116_132451.jpg
All these cleansers have a pH around 5-5.5

As demo-ed in my Morning Skincare Routine, I do not wash my face in the morning, and go straight into my Vitamin C serum. Most of the time, my skin doesn’t feel like there’s a heavy layer of product, feels oily, or crusty, so skipping morning cleanse in these instances work for me. It’s particularly beneficial for dry skinned folks because as we know, every time we cleanse our skin, we are promoting Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL); So limiting the amount of times you wash your face in a day helps. However, on the off days where I do feel like my skin has a greasy buildup or feels so crusty my skin texture is uneven, I use a low pH cleanser for 30 seconds in the morning. While cleansing, I already feel my skin becoming softer and smoother than before. Since the cleanser is pH balanced, it doesn’t dry out my skin and I can comfortably follow with my skincare routine; Sometimes my skin actually feels more moisturized! By planning my morning cleanse accordingly, I haven’t had the urge to jump into a chemical exfoliant right away, which overdoing could make your dehydrated skin worse!
Products:
Bioderma Sebium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel *
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Cleanser (reviewed)
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser * (PR)
Dermalogica Active Clearing Skin Wash * (Previously Medibac)

3. KEEP YOUR SKIN DAMP

In relation to the previous tip, when washing your face, try not completely drying with a towel. When we completely dry out all the water on our faces, we’re helping speed up the process of TEWL; This leaves our faces tight and uncomfortable, and now we’re using more skincare products than necessary to replenish what we helped lose. My face never feels tight anymore and I don’t feel like I need to use as many replenishing items or layers to feel comfortable again.

4. ADD IN EXTRA HUMECTANTS, EMOLLIENTS, AND/OR OCCLUSIVES

Rule of thumb for finding a moisturizer is that it should contain a good balance with all 3 types of ingredients mentioned above to help retain and prevent water loss from your skin – humectants to attract water, emollients to soften and smooth skin, and occlusives to seal in the deal (See Chemist Confessions post explaining further!). Depending on our individual skin concerns and our preferred products, you can incorporate an extra step into your routine to further help your moisture level.

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Using a hydrating toner, essence, lotion, and/or gel moisturizer is my favourite way of adding in extra moisture! They’re typically humectant rich, some may have emollients as well. I use these all year round, but come winter, I either layer a light one, or swap for a hydrator with a thicker consistency, and one that may leave a film.
Products:
I’m From Rice Toner (PR Sample) *
Laneige Cream Skin Refiner *
Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion *
Hada Labo Premium Lotion *
Hada Labo Perfect Gel *

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Plant oils are another easy way of incorporating something more emollient into your routine. Oils I have tried and liked are Marula and Rosehip Seed Oil. Another popular oil is Squalane; I have never tried this one before but I constantly see it appear in people’s skincare routines!
Products:
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil *
The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil *
Not shown cause I forgot: Jordan Samuel Soothing Facial Oil

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If my skin is in dire need, I will go in with the big guns and either mix or add a pea-sized amount of the best, cheap occlusive of its kind – petrolatum! Applying Vaseline or Cerave’s Baby Healing Ointment were some serious game changers in providing my dry skin with relief, especially when I started using 0.3% Adapalene around this time of year!
Products:
Cerave Baby Healing Ointment *
Vaseline *

And there you have it, the tried and true tips that have helped me fix my dehydration / dryness!

I know this isn’t a super long list, but I wanted to share the very effective ones that worked so well for me! Hope you found this post helpful and informative.

xo,

M