The Weekly Tea: New Brands to Know, The Importance of Skin 'Barrier Protection'
Happy October, or should I say…HOW did we get to October? Alas, the hands of time know no bounds or speed limits.
If you’re like me and are finding yourselves at the crossroads of fall, then this can be a rather interesting time across the board—for your skin, your mind, and wardrobe. I’ve been doing some street watching (and internet sleuthing) to find the hottest trends that keep you feeling refreshed and polished throughout the awkward ‘idk-if-I-want-to-be-summer-sweaty-or-fall-ready’ weather. So let’s get into it, shall we?
SKIN - It’s All About ‘Barrier’ Protection
During the summer months, my skin tends to get dry, dry and drier—I can feel the cracks forming on my forehead as I type this. Come to find out, my skin’s barrier is damaged and also experiencing a bit of ‘perioral dermatitis’ (more on this another day). Since this discovery, I’ve been on the hunt for the most hydrating, yet barely there, moisturizing products to add into my routine that will help balance and repair my delicate surface skin. Luckily, I have stumbled upon a few gems that will continue to work with my skin and routine throughout the transitional fall weather, as well. They all promote the protection and nourishment of the skin’s barrier—aka the entire ‘ecosystem’ that is your face. Barrier protection is not a new concept, however it is a newly marketed trend that is starting to be seen in facial sprays, moisturizers and serums. So let’s take a look and see what this is really all about, shall we?
Barrier Protection
The outermost layer of your skin, known as your skin barrier, defends your body against environmental threats while simultaneously protecting your body’s critical water balance. (Healthline, Aug. 2022)
SKIN - Edit List: Protect, Hydrate & Prime
Let’s start with the obvious—there is already a brand out there pioneering the ‘skin barrier’ trend with trademarked science and Korean-beauty insight. Meet Superegg, the clean, plant-derived, vegan ‘egg’ formula that is designed to cater to the skin’s barrier and leave your skin feeling smooth, soothed and egg-celent. Some of my favorites include:
Aside from Superegg, here are a few other brands that work to keep the skin’s natural balance and barrier in tact:
Indie Lee: Squalane Facial Oil - 100% Squalane derived, leaving you moisturized, soothed and fresh for a gua sha/ice roller
La-Roche Posay: Effaclar Foaming Gel Cleanser - Dermatologist recommended, super gentle yet a clean and unstripped feeling for skin
Kiramoon: Flower Melon Serum - When used in tandem to moisturizer, this magic little potion give your skin a quick, plump refresh.
MIND - It’s All About ‘Getting it Out’
Moving on—not only can our skin reflect what is happening in our physical environment, but did you realize that skin can also manifest from causes that we internalize? In other words, your stressed out thoughts aren’t helping your skin calm down, but actually could be keeping your skin inflamed. This week’s latest episode on Him & Her Podcast, by Lauryn & Michael Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential, is joined by Clearstem founders Danielle and Kayleigh….and trust me they have some piping hot tea. My cup runneth over.
Let’s say you’re not an audiobook/podcast person (really I am not either). I recently happend upon another tool that might be worth a try for fitting in some extra time for mindfulness. For any fans of introspection, let us remind ourselves of the Rupi Kaur—teaching us MORE about human emotion through her newest release ‘Healing through Words.’
In description, ‘This collection of her curated guided writing exercises encourages you to explore themes of trauma, loss, heartache, love, healing, and celebration of the self. It is the creativity tool for everyone. Pick up a pen. Reflect. And let your thoughts wander.’ I don’t know about you, but there is probably something that all of us can relate to in this one. The best (and arguably hardest part) is that the book also acts a journal, setting the writer up with emotional prompts that allow you to feel, process, understand, reflect and hopefully, heal.
Journal It Out
I hate admitting things, but sometimes if I write them down they become easier to face than the image I create in my mind.
WARDROBE- It’s All About ‘Keeping it Tailored’
One thing can ring true for me all year long—I build a wardrobe that doesn’t go out of style. My biggest personality trait is founded on wearing all-black outfits, all-year long. So if you’re in a rut of ‘how do I take my 90s kitchy summer tumblr girl’ aesthetic to the ‘moody fall girl who drinks black coffee in a non-ironic way’ then it’s all about keeping things simple. Tailoring, neutrals, and knowing how to layer for the temperature.
What I love about Express, aside from their heroic assortment of denim, is the recent change to exploring marketplace retailers within their site. Now carrying brands like English Factory, LXR, and Vince Camuto (to name a few), there’s never been a better place to find new staples/everyday pieces that carry through every season. Things I’m eyeing include vested/cropped layers, puff-sleeve tops, belted midi-dress, and lots of texture types.
