The thirst is real.

I’m in the processing of changing my skincare routine as a response to this confusing, transitional weather that Toronto and the rest of Canada has been experiencing over the last few weeks. Spring weather is followed by winter-like temperatures and snow, and then somehow circles back to springtime weather within a few days. It’s been unpredictable and frustrating to say the least, and I think my skin is kind of at a loss with what to do.

I know this is partly because of my oily/combination skin. My T-zone is forever oily and in need of a major oil-free, gel-based product to keep it under control. But, I also tend to have drier skin around my cheeks and jaw. Finding the right products to use has been an endless process but there’s always one thing my skin needs during this time: hydration.

Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, hydration is always a concern. This is based largely on where you live, your water intake, your eating habits, and other lifestyle factors. But, for the most part, you skin is always in need of an extra boost of hydration during the day. Sheet masks are probably one of my favourite ways to get some extra moisture into my skin. My favourites are the Dr. Jart Hydration Lover Rubber Mask and the Garnier Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask. I can just slip on a mask and let my skin soak up all the hydration-boosting serums while I passively scroll through Instagram.

I’ve also figured out the perfect skincare cocktail and the special ingredient my skin loves: hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is already present in our bodies and works to retain moisture in the skin. It is most commonly used in moisturizers and serums because it can hold up to one thousand times its weight in water within the skin. In other words, it helps to replenish and plump skin to keep it looking firm, youthful, and healthy. It’s pretty much the heavyweight champion of skincare and once you discover it, you’ll never want to let it go.

The Vichy Mineral 89 is a great hydration booster to use in combination with your regular moisturizer. Because it’s packed with hyaluronic acid it increases the efficacy of whatever you’re using and most especially hydration levels. I love using The Ordinary’s wallet-friendly version of the hyaluronic acid. It’s like $7 and you can use it as often as you’d like. I’m a day and night kind of girl and replace it every 6-8 weeks so it’s definitely worth it for me.

During the day I like to spritz a bit of my favourite face mists. I love the Beauty Elixir by Caudalie because it has all the calming scents of mint and rosemary and also tones skin and sets makeup. It’s the perfect refresher for my skin during a busy day. I’m also pretty obsessed with Herbivore Botancials Rosewater Face Mist and their moisturizer.

At night I like to use a thicker formula, so I usually use The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet. I love The Body Shop’s entire Vitamin E Range but this particular product is my favourite for nighttime because it has such a rich consistency.

See my picks below.

 

From left: Vichy Mineral 89, vichy.ca; Caudalie Beauty Elixir, sephora.ca; The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, theordinary.com; Herbivore Botancials Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme, herbivorebotancials.com; The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, thebodyshop.ca.

Thanks for reading!

What are your favourite beauty products to use to hydrate your skin? Share in the comments.