Skin Care Tips
Why is My Skin so Dry in the Winter?
If you’ve been feeling like your face is drier than normal lately, you are not alone! Winter time dry skin is incredibly common, and with below-average temperatures all over the place lately, you may be feeling more dried out than you expected. Why Does Cold Weather Dry Out My Skin? A few factors are at play with seasonally dry skin, starting with lower atmospheric humidity when the temperature drops. Aside from less natural moisture floating around in the air, wintry weather like wind, rain and snow removes moisture and oils from your skin. To make matters worse, if you think staying inside to get out of the cold will help, unfortunately, the opposite is true. All the warm air circulating around while you run your heater saps the moisture from your skin too. Additionally, when we spend more time indoors in the winter we lose the benefits of healthy sun exposure like Vitamin D, which can help strengthen our skin barrier and keep moisture in. For more on the causes and treatment of dry winter skin, check out this article from The Cleveland Clinic. Tips for Fighting Dry Winter Skin 1. Switch up Your Cleansing and Exfoliating Routine If you're struggling with your skin feeling extra dry, try changing up how often you wash your face, and which cleansers you use. Over-washing is a common contributing factor to dry skin, as it removes natural oils and can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased transepidermal water loss. It's a good idea to switch to a gentler cleanser in colder weather, exfoliate less frequently, and maybe cut back to washing once a day if you typically do more. 2. Use a Richer, Thicker Moisturizer Odds are that you already have a lighter moisturizer for the summer months, and a heavier one for winter, but if not, this is a great way to improve skin hydration seasonally. Make sure to pick one that is fragrance-free and ideally, alcohol free, to avoid causing extra irritation & drying. Also, applying moisturizers to wet skin helps with moisture retention, so it's good to moisturize right after showering or washing your face. Here are a few moisturizers we recommend to help get you through winter dry spells: EltaMD Moisturizer- A no-frills fan-favorite with more of an ointment texture, the EltaMD Moisturizer is a bargain way to help your skin keep moisture in. NEOCUTIS Bio Cream Firm Riche - The thicker version of Bio Cream Firm, this moisturizing cream comes with the added boost of anti-aging peptides and Growth Factors. NeoGenesis Intensive Moisturizer - An incredibly well-rounded moisturizer, with antioxidants, growth factors, and peptides for skin barrier repair, at an affordable price point. And, it's oncology safe! SENTE Dermal Repair Ultra Nourish Creme - You may already know and love SENTE's Dermal Repair Creme, but Dermal Repair Ultra Nourish is a thicker, more luxurious formulation that makes a perfect cold weather moisturizer. Besides adding moisture back to your skin, this cream also helps to repair your skin barrier to prevent future drying. Alastin Skincare Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer - Besides having a lovely, thick texture that feels amazing going on your skin, this is a fragrane-free, oil-free, powerful blend of antioxidants and phytonutrients to keep skin looking & feeling its best. 3. Use a Humidifier Not just for babies, humidifiers are a great way to return moisture to the air at home and help keep your skin hydrated in spite of your heater. Run a humidifier in your room at night during winter months and see if you notice a difference. 4. Add a Hydrating Serum to Your Regimen If you haven't already embraced the magic of a hyaluronic acid (HA) serum in your regimen, winter time is the right time to give it a shot. HA is an excellent way to restore some moisture to your skin, plus it comes with some fantastic plumping and wrinkle smoothing effects. Here are some of our favorites: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator - A luxurious, smooth formulation, this blend of 5 different HA forms, will add moisture to your skin, and encourage it to create more HA of its own. Alastin Skincare HA Immerse Serum - This fast-absorbing, daily-use serum is a fantastic HA option to consider, with a proprietary blend of anti-aging ingredients that will smooth and hydrate skin. NEOCUTIS Hyalis+ Intensive Hydrating Serum - With an array of Hyaluronate molecules designed to both penetrate skin and sit on its surface, this serum is another comprehensive HA product. Revision Skincare Hydrating Serum - Developed to be a hydration boost used in tandem with a moisturizer, this serum is a great way to return moisture to your skin, with instant and long-term effects. Hopefully one or a few of these tips will help you get your skin's moisture content back on track this winter! Leave us a comment if you have any other ideas.
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Best Selling Skincare Products of 2022 - Harben House Customer Favorites
As the year winds down, it feels like a good time to share your favorite skincare products from 2022. And, because a top 10 doesn't feel like quite enough, here are the 25 top-selling cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and more as chosen by you: the Harben House shoppers. Thank you all for making this a great year, and we look forward to seeing what everyone will love in 2023! 25. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 - It's no surprise people love this daily sunscreen from Jan Marini-- it's lightweight, sheer, smells good, and provides broad-spectrum protection. Its antioxidants are an added bonus that protect and help repair damage from the sun. 24. Flawless Canvas Quantum Lift Reset Serum - Dr. Vicky Vega has been a superstar of the skincare world for years and is likely responsible for at least one product you know and love. Quantum Lift Reset Serum is her latest hit under her own brand; a hydrating, plumping, healing, anti-aging serum. To learn more about Vicky and Quantum Lift, you can listen to Courtney's interview with her on The Beauty Formula Podcast here, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 23. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 - Untinted - UV Daily is a fantastic broad-spectrum every day sunscreen that can do double duty as a daytime moisturizer thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid in the formula. It also features vitamin E for increased antioxidant protection from the sun. 22. jane iredale Pure Pressed Blush - We love jane iredale around here, so we're glad to know you all do too! PurePressed Blush comes in 14 gorgeous colors, and every one of them is in a soft, creamy formulation that goes on smooth & blends like a cream, but builds like a powder, with added botanicals to soften and smooth skin. 21. AnteAGE MD Brightener - This won't be the only time you see an AnteAGE product in this list, and for good reason. This Brightener works well on its own, but really shines in conjunction with the rest of the AnteAGE line. Using peptides, tranexemic acid, and growth factors, MD Brightener helps to even skin tone, fade discoloration, and bring back your glow. 20. Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus MD - A powerful retinol boosted with peptides and antioxidants? Yes, please! Add in hydrating agents to soothe skin and reduce irritation, and you've got a winner. 19. Revision Skincare Soothing Facial Rinse - Revision is the most-featured brand on our list this year, and their soothing facial rinse is a strong part of any regimen. It's a lovely alcohol-free, oi-free toner that smells great, and refreshes skin after cleansing. 18. Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced - Building on the success of its predecessor Nectifirm, Nectifirm Advanced is a powerful tool for reducing the signs of aging on the neck and decolletage. With its blend of peptides, antioxidants and Microbiome technology, Nectifirm Advanced helps reduce the appearance of crepey skin and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. 17. Osmosis MD Stemfactor Serum - Using patented stem cell methods, StemFactor is among the most trusted growth factor serums on the market. With over 600 growth factors and proteins, this is a powerful serum that rejuvenates and encourages glowing skin. 16. EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 - Tinted - As far as physical daily sunscreens go, UV Physical is a fantastic option. Chemical-free, oil-free, water-resistant, and rich in antioxidants, this is a comprehensive sun protection solution. 15. Revision Skincare DEJ Eye Cream - Backed by impressive clinical trials, DEJ Eye Cream is a highly moisturizing, anti-aging eye cream. Its peptides, antioxidants, and botanical extracts smooth and hydrate skin to diminish fine lines and reinforce the skin barrier for healthier, younger-looking skin. 14. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex - Fantastic at removing makeup, this powerful but gentle cleansing gel has been a favorite for years. Great for all skin types, even sensitive or blemish-prone, this cleanser leaves skin soft & smooth. 13. Revision Skincare Youthfull Lip Replenisher - Revision's advanced lip treatment combats the signs of aging around your mouth with a powerful formula including peptides, Hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. It works from within to plump, contour, and define healthier lips. 12. Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex - A powerful anti-aging serum, Alastin's Restorative Skin Complex features their proprietary TriHex technology and antioxidants. Use morning and evening to improve collagen production, volumize aging skin, smooth fine lines, and even skin tone. 11. Alastin Skincare Restorative Eye Treatment - Another hit from Alastin, this eye cream with TriHex technology is great for smoothing fine lines, reducing puffiness, and firming skin around the eye. It also features hydrating botanical extracts and a lipid encapsulated retinol for improved delivery. 10. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum - This powerhouse serum brings us into the top ten! Like all of SkinMedica's products TNS Advanced+ Serum is backed by extensive scientific research as a comprehensive anti-aging treatment. With 450 growth factors, peptides, and probiotics, this treatment delivers an overall improvement in skin texture, fades discoloration, and reduces fine lines & sagging. 9. Elta MD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 - UV Elements is another one of EltaMD's fantastic facial sunscreens, intended for sensitive or post-procedure skin. It includes hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and can be used as a daily moisturizer. 8. Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex - Vitamin C has long been known as a powerful antioxidant for the skin, but rather than just fighting existing free radicals, Revision's C+ Correcting Complex goes on the offensive and prevents free radical damage rather than just repairing it. The result is a strong anti-aging and pigmentation treatment that smooths fine lines, increases melanin production, and supports microbiome health. 7. Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 - HydraTint is a lightweight, all physical daily sun protection option that is rich in antioxidants, hydrates, and has a tint that works with most skin tones. It's water resistant and provides UVA/UVB protection too. 6. AnteAGE Home Microneedling Solution Refill - When used in conjunction with the AnteAGE Microneedling Roller, this solution is a powerful pro-healing skincare treatment. Containing hyaluronic acid for hydration, anti-inflammatory growth factors, and cytokines, this is the perfect treatment for post-procedure skin or skin that otherwise needs help in the healing process. 5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Tinted - EltaMD's daily sunscreen designed for oily skin, this oil-free formula protects sensitive skin from the sun's damage. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 help hydrate and soothe skin to reduce inflammation and sensitivity too. 4. Osmosis MD Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum - Osmosis' blockbuster serum, Rescue combines patented active ingredients to calm redness, clear blemishes, boost skin's immunity, and even skin tone. It's powerful addition to a regimen for people battling inflammation, Acne, Rosacea, Hyperpigmentation, and more. 3. AnteAGE System MD - A true power couple, the AnteAGE System, with the Serum and Accelerator is a breakthrough skin treatment that improves skin appearance and health. A pro-healing system ideal for post-procedure or everyday use, it's loaded with cytokines and anti-aging, anti-inflammatory ingredients to help your skin look its best. 2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Untinted - If you're surprised both the tinted and untinted versions of this sunscreen cracked the top 5, then you may not have tried UV Clear before. It's been EltaMD's #1 selling sunscreen for years, so give it a shot if you're looking for a new daily SPF. 1. Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector - A revolutionary product, the Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector is a clinically proven hyperpigmentation treatment that people all over the planet have fallen in love with. (It is also by far our best-selling item with international customers!) Now, if you haven't heard, Cyspera has been discontinued, but don't worry: we still have it in stock for the time being. And, in even better news, Sente has created a replacement that improves on the existing Cyspera formula called Cysteamine HSA Pigmentation and Tone Corrector. You can read more about Cysteamine HSA and how it compares to Cyspera on our blog. That's it! Thanks again for being part of the Harben House family, and we look forward to being part of your skincare journey in 2023.
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Cyspera and Cysteamine HSA: How are They Different?
If you love Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector as much as we do, you have probably heard that it's been discontinued, and may have wondered what to replace it with. The good news is that this best-selling hyperpigmentation treatment that is used & loved by people all over the world isn't going anywhere. What is Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector? Long term Cyspera loyalists will remember the early days when it was called Cysteamine. Now the original name is back, with an improved formulation! Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector has everything you know and love about the old Cyspera, plus a few bonuses, including Sente's revolutionary Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) technology. How is Cysteamine HSA Different from Cyspera? With Cysteamine HSA, you can expect to receive the same pigment correcting effects you're used to from Cyspera, but with a few changes we think you'll love: Price Cysteamine HSA is priced at $149, down from Cyspera's $169. Long-time users, start thinking about what you'll do with that extra $20! Size This is a tiny change, but Cyspera was sold by weight: 50g, which is equivalent to 1.75 oz. Cysteamine HSA is sold by volume: 50mL, or 1.7 oz, which means you get slightly less product even though it comes in the same tube. That may be a small piece of the new lower price tag. Reduced Waiting Time With Cyspera, you are supposed to wait one hour after washing your face to apply the product. With its new formulation, Cysteamine cuts that down by 66%, meaning you now only have a 20 minute pause between washing and application. Scent If you've used Cyspera, you are already familiar with the smell: something similar to hair dye or hair remover. Most people get used to it with repeated use, but for those of you who never did, Cysteamine comes with a great update: a milder smell! Cysteamine still smells similar, but it is definitely more subtle and maybe a little sweeter. Sensitivity Cyspera was built on a mineral oil base, which caused irritation for some users. Cysteamine has been reformulated to replace it with a gentler base that will be tolerable for even more people. Plus, the inclusion of Sente's proprietary HSA compound provides even more soothing repair for sensitive skin. Have you already tried Cysteamine HSA? Let us know in the comments what you think!
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What is Slugging, and Should I Try It?
The name may not be very appealing, but slugging is a skincare method that has been gaining popularity over the last couple of years. If you’re on skincare TikTok, you’ve probably seen slugging videos come across your feed, but otherwise you may not have heard of this night time trend. What is Slugging? Slugging is the process of slathering your face with a petroleum-based balm or thick moisturizer as the last step in your evening skincare regimen before bed. The name comes from Korean beauty, where people said it made them look slimy like a slug. The goal is to lock in moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss (more on that below) and encourage absorption of the serums and moisturizers you apply as part of your routine. What is Transepidermal Water Loss? Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a natural process, by which water evaporates from the skin. However, despite being a normal function of healthy skin, having a higher rate of TEWL is an indication of a damaged or impaired skin barrier. Healthy skin tends to retain moisture better and exhibit a much lower rate of water loss. Read more at the British Journal of Dermatology or Leslie Bauman MD. Should I Try Slugging? Like most things with skincare, the answer to whether slugging is right for you is that it depends. If you struggle with dry or very dry skin, slugging could be a great solution to help you restore hydration and help you wake up feeling refreshed. Just remember to skip using retinol on the nights you slug to avoid extra irritation. If you have combination skin and want to give slugging a try, avoid the oily parts of your face. For most people with combination skin, that would mean staying away from the T zone and slugging only on your cheeks. For people with very oily or acne-prone skin, this is one trend you should probably sit out, as slugging is likely to exacerbate your skin concerns. Recommended Products EltaMD Laser Balm - this product is intended to help skin heal after procedures, which is why it's so great for slugging & healing your skin barrier overnight. It's thick and waxy, but melts with your body heat and goes on smoothly. ClarityRX Healing Fine | Barrier Ointment - Another product designed to help post-procedure skin, Healing Fine is a nice, thick ointment that gives your skin the protection it needs to heal & slow Transepidermal Water Loss. It even includes Vitamins A and E to enhance the process. Alastin Soothe and Protect Recovery Balm - Alastin's version of a post-procedure healing balm is luxurious and super-hydrating. It comes in a generous 4 oz size, which is great if you plan on using it to slug routinely. Bonus non-petroleum moisturizer option: Obagi Hydrate Luxe - If you like the idea of slugging but don't quite love the idea of slathering a petroleum product on your face, this thick night moisturizer is a great alternative option. This isn't an occlusive cream, so it won't lock in water loss as well, but that may be better, depending on your skin type. It's extra-hydrating, deliciously smooth cream that absorbs overnight to help you wake up feeling fresh and moisturized.
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2022 Harben House Staff Favorites
At Harben House, you know we're obsessed with finding skincare products that actually work, and we know you feel the same way! Since everyone loves seeing Courtney's routines and getting the scoop on which products she recommends, today we're sharing which products the rest of the Harben House team can't get enough of. Not just things we've tried and liked, these are the cream of the crop, all-time favorites, from three members of our staff. These products keep our skin healthy, hydrated, and looking its best, so give some a try if you're looking for new ideas. Jeanette - Photography & Social Media Clarity Rx Glimmer of Hope | Shimmering Facial Oil – I love this facial oil & use it morning and night. It replenishes and hydrates, helps serums and makeup go on smooth, and makes me glow! Elta MD AM Therapy– My go-to daytime moisturizer! It’s super hydrating but still lightweight, and it visibly helps heal my skin when I need it. Revision Skincare Youthfull Lip Replenisher – Hands-down my favorite lip product—I love that it isn’t very sticky compared to other lip plumpers. I use it morning and evening to keep my lips looking full. Revision Skincare Intellishade Original – Everyone loves Intellishade! This is my grocery-getter, no makeup makeup look for when I don’t want to wear a full face. NEOCUTIS Bio Cream – The best night time moisturizer! It’s silky & I know it works because I wake up looking pretty & smooth. Alyson - Inventory Management Alastin Skincare Gentle Cleanser – This cleanser is gentle enough to not irritate my skin, rinses clean, and smells great. What’s not to love? Truth Treatment Systems Biomimetic Mineral Mist - I love a misted toner! This one feels good going on and helps my skin absorb serums better. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator – I tend to switch up my Hyaluronic Acid serum, but this one is my favorite. It’s silky-smooth, I like the way it smells, and it helps me hydrated without feeling oily. Revision Intellishade Matte – This is the only tinted moisturizer that has ever sat right on my skin, plus I like that the SPF 45 is a little higher than what you usually get in a daily moisturizer. For me the tint coverage evens my skin tone enough that on a normal day I skip foundation and go with just Intellishade + mascara. Jenny - Customer Service Rep Sente Daily Soothing Cleanser – I love this cleanser: it’s gentle on my skin, but still powerful & removes makeup like a dream. NeoCutis Lumiere – A classic for a reason! I’ve been using Lumiere for ages on my eyes and love how it moisturizes, brightens, and reduces puffiness. Revision DEJ Face Cream - My every day anti-aging serum. I love that it’s packed with antioxidants, and it leaves my skin feeling wonderfully smooth. Sente Bio Complete Serum – Because I have really sensitive skin, I’ve had problems in the past with retinols irritating my skin, but not with this one! It is gentle but I can still tell it’s working. Elta UV Clear Tinted – Everyone knows sunscreen is critical for skin care, and this is my every day SPF. I love that it doesn’t clog my pores or leave me feeling oily.
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Retinoids: The Skincare Must Have!
Retinol is a skincare must have and we have some recommendations for you!
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Best Moisturizers of 2021
A quick read about our top selling Moisturizers of 2021. Find out which ones are the best for your skin type or concern. Your skin will be craving these and will thank you later!
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Best of 2021 : Exfoliators
Harben House top selling exfoliators for all skin types and concerns.
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BEST OF 2021 : MASKS
We have your faces covered with masks for all skin types. Address your skin concerns with our best selling intensive at home treatment mask or wind down from a long day with fan favorite soothing pampering masks.
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