Your skin is your canvas. Very much like a real canvas, once you make a mark - it's hard to undo. This year is definitely the year we learn to take back self-care rituals. After all, it's needed now more than ever. Before 2020-2021, I spent years using skin care products that just weren't great. I suffered from acne in high school and it turns out, I was using very harsh acne face washes and scrubs to help get rid of it. I didn't know any better back then but I was actually destroying my skin and its moisture barrier. Even now as an adult, I suffer from skin that is both dry and oily, sensitive to new routines, large pores and breakouts. I can say that my skin has improved so much since I've learned more about best skincare practices, my skin's moisture barrier and allowing myself to splurge a little more for quality ingredients.

So, what exactly is your skin's moisture barrier?

It's the outermost layer that helps protect your skin and helps to retain moisture. When your moisture barrier is healthy - it defends against irritants like bacteria and pollutants, keeping your skin looking smooth, clear, and youthful. If you have a healthy barrier, your skin is also less likely to breakout or have scarring.

What happens when your skin's moisture barrier is damaged?

You won't be able to see it visibly but your skin will be damaged on a microscopic level. If the moisture barrier is compromised, you will have a harder time keeping your skin moisturized and looking plump. You may suffer from skin that's dry, tight, easily irritable, more prone to breakouts, redness, dullness, fine lines, rashes, enlarged pores, and more.

Can you repair your skin's moisture barrier?

Yes. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to a month or even longer, but once your barrier is healthy again you will notice a decrease in inflammation, breakouts, dullness, fine lines, and dry skin. You can repair your skin by changing your skincare routine. Not all skincare products are created equal and there are some that are actually harmful to your barrier, while others are more beneficial. For example, switching to a moisturizer that container ceramides (lipid molecules that help form the skin's barrier and retain moisture) or a humectant (substances used to keep things moisturized) like hyaluronic acid can really help. Avoid products with high amounts of unnecessary essential oils, fragrances, alcohol-based toners, and using exfoliants, scrubs, or chemical peels too often. However, there are some oils that are good for your skin like Jojoba oil, Primrose oil, Carrot oil, and more. It's best to research ingredients in your products to really know what their purpose serves in your product.

What's the best way to layer your skincare?

There are so many resources that say different things but what makes the best sense in what I've found so far and has provided me my personal best results is this order:

Oil based cleanser
Water based cleanser
Exfoliants
Toner
Treatment or serum (for acne, anti-aging, dullness, etc.)
Eye Cream
Moisturizer
Sunscreen or other protection
Body skin care (serums, treatments, lotions)
Make-up (optional)

Masks, on a weekly basis or as needed in place of step 3.

MY FAVORITE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

CLEANSERS

If there's anything that I absolutely did not know before that I would highly recommend now, is to double cleanse. Double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face where you use two products: an oil based cleanser and a water based cleanser afterwards. The purpose of this is because a lot of the oil on your face cannot be combated with a water based cleanser on its own. Water and oil repel the other. Therefore, using just a water based cleanser will not truly give your skin a deep cleanse. If you're like me and struggle with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin - then a double cleansing method will work wonders for you. It did for me!

Another PRO: You don't have to use a make-up remover wipe to remove all of your make up. An oil based cleanser will take everything RIGHT OFF! Including waterproof eye makeup! When you're done washing all of your make up off with the oil based cleanser, follow up with a water based cleanser for a proper clean. I've noticed less breakouts on my face, less clogged pores and a more even skin tone.

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

(water based cleanser)

This brand and this cleanser is my absolute favorite. The bottle is glass and you can purchase refills without the plastic spout. It's eco-friendly and sustainable while also using high quality ingredients. The superfood ingredients calms the skin while also offering skin-repairing effects. Shop via Amazon or Kohl's.

Then I Met You - Living Cleansing Balm

(oil based cleanser)

The best oil based cleanser I've tried! The texture is thick, just like a balm but smells like a mango smoothie or mango-scented candle. It can be a bit pricey at $38 but I promise it's so worth it. It's not sold in stores, so you'll have to order more before your current jar runs out which requires some planning. It smells so good and feels luxurious when you use it. It also comes with a scoop stick. If you're worried about an oil based cleanser being too, well, oily - this one is a nice medium. It doesn't feel oily at all and it truly works to remove all of your make-up and skin care products to truly reset your skin. This one pairs well with the Superfood Cleanser above also!

Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil

(oil based cleanser)

This oil based cleanser can be found in most drug stores and is quite affordable at around $15. It has a the consistency of a liquid oil, with a little going a long way. You can use half a pump if you're not wearing heavy make up or a full pump if you're wearing make up. Shop via Amazon or Target.

TONERS & EXFOLIANTS

Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner

This toner is gentle and works to remove any impurities still left on the skin after cleansing. You can also use it to refresh your skin whenever you don't have time to properly wash your face. The color of the liquid is a light brown color so it may be off-putting to some as far as appearance. I actually don't mind it as I believe it shows the makers aren't going for just a pretty product and that it's actually made with good ingredients.

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This is a chemical exfoliant that gently exfoliates the skin without the use of harsh scrubs or physical scrubbing via a wash cloth or face brush. Having a regular chemical exfoliant in your skincare routine will help your skin shed the old layers and rejuvenate new layers. This product is one of the very few that can even out roughened skin, improve dry skin, and decrease the size or appearance of enlarged pores.

Other favorites not pictured:

TREATMENTS AND SERUMS

Great Barrier Relief by Krave Beauty

If you want to get a jumpstart on repairing your moisture barrier ASAP, bestie, this is THE one. Use it as a night cream for maximum effect and wake up with super hydrated skin.

Versed Gentle Retinol Serum

Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is one of the best skin care ingredients on the market. It provides anti-aging and anti-acne qualities. It also increases the production of collagen in the skin, giving your skin that bouncy look and fading skin spots or fine lines. A gentle retinol should be a part of your everyday skin care treatment to help keep your skin supple and smooth. Shop here.

Naturium Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B that helps your skin's moisture barrier stay healthy while also improving your skin's oil balance, reducing the appearance of pores, and keeping your skin hydrated. The Naturium formula is smooth, affordable and you'll notice results within a couple weeks of consistent use! Shop via Naturium's website, Urban Outfitters or Amazon.

Other favorite treatments not pictured:

MOISTURIZERS

Even Prime Daily Moisturizer

This moisturizer is helps to protect your skin barrier and also reduces shin and oil. It's packed with high quality ingredients including niacinamide and the company, Evenprime, puts a lot of effort into creating recyclable packaging. This is one of the very few moisturizers that gave me results within DAYS of using it. I saw huge improvements in my skin's texture and hydration. Shop via Amazon.

Oat So Simple Water Cream

This cream moisturizer has been featured in many YouTube videos by beauty gurus. If you want a no-nonsense, simple and clean moisturizer - this one is perfect. It's lightweight, not heavy at all while still providing hydration. Oats, are the featured ingredient, and helps calm irritated or stressed skin. Since it's water based, it's perfect as a summer moisturizer.

Other favorite moisturizers not pictured:

BODY CARE PRODUCTS

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream

This stuff is fantastic if you're looking for a quick, hydrating body lotion routine. It's simple and effective. Use it all over your body after your shower to lock in the moisture right away. It's affordable and can be found in many drug stores. Shop on Amazon or Zulily.

Truly Beauty

If you're looking to splurge on the ultimate package, Truly Beauty is a full line of amazing, high quality products. Using these products is a mini spa treatment at home and has converted me into a lifelong customer. The products come in glass jars and smell so good. You can purchase products that target specific areas or that are meant for a specific purpose. Their "Buns of Glowry" and "Acai Your Boobies" packages are meant to target your booty or boobies with ingredients that promote lifting and firming. Each set comes with a Body Polish for exfoliating in the shower, a serum for treatment post-shower, and a body butter that makes your skin so soft and glowy. I also would suffer from the occasional breakout on my back, neck or chest as well as razor burns on my legs or thighs. Truly's products got rid of ALL of that!

Buns of Glowry Set

Acai Your Boobies

Truly Shave Kit

While these products can be used to target specific areas, you can also use them all over your body! I've used both of the polishes and body butters on my arms and legs. Honestly, amazing stuff and so versatile.

MY CURRENT FACIAL SKINCARE ROUTINE

My current skincare utilizes a rotation of many of these products and that's honestly why they're my favorite. I have separate morning and night routines. And have even become one of those people who have separate seasonal routines. My summer moisturizer is different from my winter one because my skin is more oily in the summer and very dry and flaky in the winter. Obviously, you don't have to get all crazy with your skincare routine, especially if you're on a budget. For many people (both men and women), a simple cleanser/toner/moisturizer/protection routine is enough and there are many products that do double duty, like the Aveeno Daily Moisturizer with SPF is a moisturizer and sunscreen all in one step! I personally feel like I've got years of damage to undo so I'm really committing to the treatments to help repair my acne scars and keep my oily/dry combo skin in check. My nighttime routine is very thorough because I really want my skin to rejuvenate overnight and I like the mental health aspect of putting on these products in an official 15 minutes of self care every night. My morning routine is "shorter" so that I can get ready quickly in the mornings. It doesn't take me long at all to complete the morning routine - less than 5 minutes.

Morning Routine

1. Cleanser - Superfood Cleanser

2. Toner - Green Tea Fresh Toner

3. Treatment - Naturium Niacinamide Serum

4. Moisturizer - Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer (summer) OR Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel (winter)

5. Protection - Aveeno Sunscreen (reef friendly)

Night Routine

1. Cleansing Oil/Balm - Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil OR Living Cleansing Balm

2. Cleanser - Superfood Cleanser

3. Toner - Simple Micellar Water OR Paula's BHA 2% Liquid

4. Eye Cream - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel

5. Treatment - Versed Retinol Serum OR Great Barrier Relief

6. Moisturizer - Oat So Simple Water Cream (summer) OR Naturium Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream (winter)

7. Body routine

MY CURRENT BODY SKINCARE ROUTINE

Truly Beauty Blueberry Kush CBD Body Scrub or Black African Soap
Truly Beauty Body Polish
Truly Beauty Serums
Truly Beauty Body Butter
Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Reef Friendly Sunscreen (if I'm going out)

SKINCARE IS A JOURNEY

Everyone's skin care journey is different. We've all started at different levels and may even still be at different places in our journey of find what works for us and our skin. It's best to research the ingredients in your products to really know what their purpose serves in your product.

Sadly, we've learned that just because a store sells skincare products - that doesn't necessarily mean they are all good for you. Just like how a grocery store can still sell you junk food that isn't the best for your body. It's up to us to help ourselves become more informed with what we are buying and supporting.

I hope that sharing my own findings and my journey has lead you to some new products that you'd like to try! I would love to know of your favorite personal products that have worked well for your skin!

xoxo Vicky

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2021 Black Friday deals are coming up FAST! We've made it easy for you to find all of our favorite travel gear and on-the-go essentials. These are items that we've used throughout our travels. We've gone through tons of different backpacks, suitcases and many different combinations of travel items. We used to under pack, overpack, and everything in between. It took us many mistakes (and tons of money spent 😓) to learn what works and what doesn't work as far as travel gear throughout the years. These are our overall FAVORITE items, so if you are looking for a recommendation on something particular feel free to leave a comment! These items are perfect if you're looking for a gift this holiday season for the traveler in your life or if you are planning a trip for yourself in 2022!

LUGGAGE & CO.

Open Story Hardside Carry On Suitcase

Hard suitcases are durable and also protect your items from getting damaged. If you travel with valuables, having a suitcase with a built in lock is also a great feature. This is our favorite carry-on by far. The wheels are the kind that allows you to push or pull your suitcase effortlessly without dragging it. And it comes in a few stylish colors so that you can differentiate your luggage easily if you need to check your bags and pick them up at the baggage carousel.

Packing Cubes

I'm a terrible packer. I really don't organize my things well nor do I maximize the space in my bags. I saw that these packing cubes were pretty popular and bought some for a work trip. They actually helped to keep my clothing organized throughout the trip! I placed all of my clothing into separate cubes based on categories: undergarments, shoes in another, dress clothes, casual clothes, dresses, and socks and accessories. They save so much space and allow you to squeeze as much as you can fit into a suitcase or a backpack! Drew didn't order any when I got mine. However, when we were packing up at the hotel on the last day of a trip I was able to finish packing in less than 15 minutes while it took him about an hour! These made life so easy for me that he decided to get some in Navy blue to match his suitcase. I got the cream color to match my gold suitcase.

Day Trip Backpack by Open Story

I was that person that would buy a new backpack every year because the backpack I was using always had something wrong with it or it didn't last. I even purchased a $300 Yeti Backpack, that was waterproof, fireproof, tear resistant, the whole nine yards. It worked great for a little while, but eventually I found it to be too heavy for me. Drew still uses his Yeti backpack and loves it! Unfortunately for me, the perfect backpack did not exist. Until this one. It has laptop storage, plenty of storage for toiletries bags and clothes, a large front zipper pocket with lots of little pocket sections in it and a medium top/front zipper pocket for the quick-access items. Both sides of the bag has a slot, one I use for my trusty Yeti water bottle and the other I use for my phone. The bag is cushioned on your back and straps for comfort and is also aesthetically pleasing in either color. The bag isn't too chunky or heavy.

First Aid/Medicine Bag

We travel with a mini pharmacy with items like: bandaids, motion sickness medicine, melatonin, vitamins, Advil or Tylenol, powdered electrolyte or vitamin drinks like Emergen-C, emergency tampons, and my inhaler since I'm asthmatic. Drew and I used to keep all of these items in different compartments in our backpacks and it started to be a bit much. Having one "medi-bag" where we store all of those things has really changed the game for us.

Dry Bag

Cruising, beach vacations, tropical vacations, and any vacation where you will be near water calls for a dry bag. These are fantastic in keeping the stuff you want to stay dry, dry. As well as separating your wet clothes from your dry clothes. We like to bring a dry bag even to a regular beach day or pool day, if we have clothes or bathing suits that we need to change out of - we will place them in a dry bag and seal it up, then throw it in our backpack. Your wet clothes won't get the rest of your stuff wet.

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE

Weekly Pill Case

Supplements and vitamins are crucial to staying healthy on-the-go. A daily multi-vitamin, extra boost of Vitamin C for immune support or Vitamin B12 for energy is so helpful when you're stressed or sleep deprived during travel. For travelers who might not have the time or place to find healthy food on-the-go, sometimes you have to resort to fast food or convenience foods and supplements are a great way to balance that with a daily intake of greens, vitamins and minerals. These pill cases are a slim and simple way to keep it all organized.

Toothbrush Holder & Cup Combo

We have electric toothbrushes and these are great to store them in for travel to prevent them from getting dirty or banged up during the trip. The cap also doubles as a cup for when you brush your teeth. They're very durable and aesthetic.

Clear Reusable Toiletry Bags

We've had our share of cheap toiletry bags that rip or wasting money on single-use plastic bags that could leak. These are thick silicone bags meant for food or storage but we've used them as our toiletry bags for carry-on liquids for some time now. They are fantastic and well worth the spend.

Leakproof Reusable Toiletry Bottles

Leakproof is key! And having many different colors so that you can differentiate your products is also nice. These are silicone so they are easy to clean. And flexible so that you can squeeze the product out very easily, using them til the very last drop. We NEVER buy travel sized items anymore, we simply use these bottles to fill with our own personal cleansers, shampoos and conditioners. Saving time (you don't have to go purchase the travel sized ones) and MONEY! The best thing we've learned with using these is that you will feel like you have to fill them up all the way, DON'T! Unless you are going away for months, you will most likely not use the entire bottle during a trip. Just fill them up 1/4 to 1/2 of the way, depending on the product. If it's a product that you will use a lot of, fill it according to how much you think you will use. We try to come back with empties so that we can rinse and clean them out when we get home. Then they are clean and ready to go for the next trip.

Reusable Water Bottle

Always bring a reusable water bottle. It's a sustainable and eco-friendly way to hydrate. Carrying around your own water bottle also helps remind you to drink more water. And it's also a budget friendly way to save money during your travels as it's always easier and cheaper to find free water to refill your own water bottle than it is to purchase a water bottle every time you're thirsty. It comes in handy for more than just water as well. The Yeti Rambler is our absolute favorite because it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. When we go hiking or go to the beach, it can sit out in the sun and still keep your drink cold for hours! When we are in Vegas or New Orleans, Drew will literally fill it to the brim with his favorite alcoholic drink and he never has to deal with warm alcohol. I sometimes fill it with hot coffee or hot chocolate on cold trips and it's always reliable.

Liquid IV

If you have yet to try this stuff, we highly recommend it. When you feel like you are about to get sick, if you are sick, or even if you're just hungover from a late night. This has worked miracles for us while traveling or on the road. Simply dissolve one packet into water and it's the equivalent of drinking three glasses of water. Constantly flying on planes also dries out our skin due to the recirculating air, so having liquid IV on hand keeps us on our A-game. There's multiple flavors but passionfruit is our favorite.

Anti-Chafing Lotion

We're not the skinniest of people. We sweat and we chafe. My thighs rub together when I wear dresses or shorts. It's not a great situation. These creams have changed my life and I will never travel to hot weather without it. There's one for men and one for women. The lotion dries and turns essentially into baby powder, without the mess. It lasts all day and prevents uncomfortable chafing or even sweat issues.

Ocean-Friendly Sunscreen

Did you know that most sunscreens are dangerous to ocean life and coral reefs? It's super important to find a sunscreen that not only protects you from sunburn and possibly more serious skin diseases but also protects wildlife. We use separate sunscreens for our bodies and our faces. Banana Boat Sport is our go-to for body sunscreen. We never go without it. And we use a variety of different ones for our face, as long as it's reef friendly and more than 30 SPF with face friendly ingredients like this Sun Bum Face Sunscreen. Using sunscreen also prevents your skin from aging and wrinkling over time.

TECH GEAR & MORE.

Power Bank

A lifesaver! Especially if you're like us and use your phone for nearly everything. We use our phones to capture photos, video, find directions, read our itinerary, as our boarding passes, or Google things when we need to.

Compact Travel Umbrella

Small, easy to store. And because you just never know.

Sunglasses

Goes without saying for sure.

We'd love to hear what your favorite travel necessities and must-haves are! Or if you like to travel, for business or personal, what are some gifts that you'd love to receive this year?

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*Disclosure: This blog and its posts contains links that are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, our blog earns a small commission. At no cost to you! Our blog features these products because we actually use them and not just because of the commission, however the commission does help us pay for our blog hosting fees. We know you trust us and that's why we want to be transparent. Whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. If you choose to do so, we definitely appreciate it!

So, what exactly is your skin's moisture barrier?

What happens when your skin's moisture barrier is damaged?

Can you repair your skin's moisture barrier?

What's the best way to layer your skincare?

MY FAVORITE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

CLEANSERS

TONERS & EXFOLIANTS

TREATMENTS AND SERUMS

MOISTURIZERS

BODY CARE PRODUCTS

Truly Beauty

MY CURRENT FACIAL SKINCARE ROUTINE

Morning Routine

Night Routine

MY CURRENT BODY SKINCARE ROUTINE

SKINCARE IS A JOURNEY

xoxo Vicky

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LUGGAGE & CO.

TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE

TECH GEAR & MORE.

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