A Guide to Hydration
The winter months can be the hardest on our skin. Cool temperatures, wind chill, winter sports, and dry air can all contribute to our skin feeling flakey and sensitive.
You may also notice that your skin has become more dry with age - this is very common. No matter what your current skin concerns are or the given season, we have a solution for every type of dry skin.
One of the many questions we often get asked at Raw Canvas is "which moisturizer should I buy?". In this blog we'll discuss the moisturizers and hydrators that we carry at Raw Canvas, what the benefits are, and which one might be the best for YOUR skin type.
Moisturizers and hydrators at Raw Canvas. What's the difference?
First thing's first, there are big differences between HYDRATOR's and MOISTURIZER's. We will keep it short and sweet for you.
A hydrator is a serum that you should use everyday, twice a day, to ensure your skin holds onto hydration. It's like a daily glass of water for your skin to keep it healthy. Skin that is hydrated from within looks healthier, plump, and has less visible fine lines and texture. Hydrators are your base layer.
Moisturizers work to add hydration when you are feeling especially dry. They work best when paired with a hydrator. The hydrator maintains a healthy skin barrier function so that when you use a moisturizer your skin can hold on to that added hydration. A moisturizer is an extra boost of hydration.
Our favourite hydrators:
Daily Power Defense (ZO)
Daily power defense is our number one selling product at Raw Canvas. Every skin type can benefit from this product.
What is it?
A hydrating antioxidant serum.
What does it do?
Daily power defense is rich in antioxidants that defend against signs of aging (wrinkles, texture, tone, laxity). It also helps with DNA repair, so it's a go-to for anyone who wants to age gracefully (everyone). It's "super power" is that it supports a healthy skin barrier by aiding in trans epidermal water loss. What does this mean? When your skin barrier is healthy then it maintains hydration, produces collagen and hyaluronic acid, and therefore has your skin looking clear and youthful.
Pros:
- Benefits all skin types
- Improves signs of aging
- Go-to to maintain healthy looking skin
- Keeps skin hydrated from within
- Rarely irritates skin (even sensitive skin)
Cons:
- The "whisper" of retinol makes it not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Recommended to use twice daily (and you'll notice when you don't) which means the product won't last as long as others
Skin Type: All
HA5 (SkinMedica)
HA5 is the ultimate hydrator. It focusses on helping your body produce hyaluronic acid making it look fresh and plump. It gets straight to the point - locking in hydration!
What is it?
A rejuvenating hydrator.
What does it do?
HA5 supports your skin's natural ability to replenish hyaluronic acid. Why is hyaluronic acid so special? Hyaluronic acid (HA) binds to water molecules, so if your skin is rich in HA then it will keep your skin from drying out.
Pros:
- Safe for all skin types
- Hydrates from within resulting in long-lasting healthy skin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and texture.
- Retinol free formula makes it safe for pregnant and breastfeeding.
Cons:
- Contains whey, so it is not recommended to patients with a milk or whey allergy
Skin Type: All
Our favourite moisturizers:
Renewal Creme (ZO)
Renewal creme is our go-to moisturizer for all skin types, especially those that are acne and rosacea prone. It's gentle and easy to use twice a day. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, making it perfect to wear under makeup.
What is it?
A light weight moisturizer for all skin types (including acne prone).
What does it do?
Floods the skin with hydration to visibly improve dryness. Stimulates rapid moisture replenishment within the skin (not just a temporary bandaid) and locks that moisture in. Soothes and reduces redness. Includes a whisper of retinol which helps collagen production aka anti-aging benefits.
Pros:
- Light, weightless feel. Easy to apply makeup over
- Great option for acne prone skin
- Soothes redness (even rosacea)
- Stimulates moisture from within the skin and locks hydration in
- Helps improve appearance of fine lines
- Should last 3 months
Cons:
- The "whisper" of retinol makes it not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Skin Type: Normal to oily (especially safe for acne prone and rosacea). Not recommended for very dry skin.
Recovery Creme (ZO)
Recovery creme is our rich, luxurious moisturizer recommended for very dry skin. It's heavier weight makes it loved by those who can't get enough hydration but don't have acne prone skin.
What is it?
A rich moisturizer for very dry skin.
What does it do?
Recovery creme is great for protecting your skin barrier when you know you'll be exposing your skin to harsh conditions (like wind burn from outdoor activities). It works at the cellular level to activate hydration within the skin. It contains a whisper of retinol which helps improve the appearance of fine lines and texture. You'll notice it helps to firm, tighten, and lift the skin on the face and neck - making this moisturizer a favourite for mature skin.
Pros:
- Rich and luxurious feeling
- Deeply hydrating
- Helps to firm and lift skin
- Improves appearance of fine lines
- Protects from harsh environments
Cons:
- Not suggested for acne prone skin
- The "whisper" of retinol makes it not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Skin Type: Dry to normal skin only.
Hydrating Creme (ZO)
Our ambulance SOS emergency cream that instantly soothes irritated skin. Recommended for eczema and psoriasis. Can be used anywhere on the body. A go-to for anyone who has very damaged, inflamed skin due to retinol use, outdoor sports, accutane side-effects, or post-procedure.
What is it?
A moisturizer that soothes and repairs.
What does it do?
Hydrating creme instantly soothes damaged skin. It rapidly repairs damaged DNA and reduces redness, intense dryness, retinol irritation, even bug bites and sun burns! It is safe to use anywhere on your body, even your eyelids. We often recommend it to pair with retinol for those who are just starting to use retinol or increasing the strength.
Pros:
- Immediate relief of any irritation (dryness, redness, itchiness)
- Our only moisturizer recommended for eczema and psoriasis
- Use anywhere on your body
- Great for all skin types
- Retinol free formula makes it safe for pregnant and breastfeeding
Cons:
- It is a true "SOS" creme and doesn't feel as luxurious as other moisturizers.
Skin Type: All
If you are unsure of which product is best for your skin type, we recommend booking a consultation with Amanda. Amanda will go over your skin concerns in depth, discuss your current regime, and make recommendations on how to achieve your skin goals. Consultations are $100 (redeemable with purchase). You can book online or in person consultations.
