skin health

Christmas is right around the corner and I’ve got a quick list of skincare products that you can give to family and friends. These products are pretty universal and should make the perfect gift this season… or buy it for yourself. 😉

#1 The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This is a product that it’s just hard to find someone that won’t like it. It’s a very basic moisturizer that truly feels rich and occlusive on the skin without leaving a greasy finish.

It is perfect for the wintertime where more people are experiencing skin dryness and flaking. The best part about this cream is that it’s a large size for the money so you can really apply this all over your body and not just on the face.

While it is especially popular for dry to normal skin, people with oily skin may love this as a night time moisturizer. Especially if you’re using drying active ingredients such as retinol.

Shop this product:

#2 The Herbivore Pink Cloud Cleanser

This cleanser is perfect for all skin types. It has a lightweight texture that is non-stripping to the skin. It is a perfect year round cleanser, but it’ll be great for your oily to normal skin friends this winter.

Also, who can say no to the millennial pink vibes. #aesthetic

Herbivore is also a great brand for any of your friends interested in the “clean” beauty movement. You can buy them a gift that also aligns with their values.

Shop this product:

#3 Laneige Cream Skin Refiner

The Laneige cream skin has been one of my favorite Korean beauty products for a long time. It continues to give my skin hydration, moisture, and nourishment every time I use it.

This is a product that both dry an oily skin types can benefit from. Dryer skin types may use a couple layers of this and top off with a cream, while oiler skin types may feel their skin is completely satisfied by one layer of this liquid moisturizer.

Because it is a hybrid product (toner/moisturizer) this product is perfect for those who don’t like extensive skincare routines.

Also, it makes a great gift because along with a cleanser, this can make up someone’s entire routine. Especially if they’re just wanting to nourish their skin & aren’t in need of any active ingredients.

It’s nice for picky people as well because it is very multi-function. The texture of this product is very pleasant and it is soothing for the skin. I wholeheartedly recommend this product.

Shop this Product:

#4 Sheet Masks

Sheet masks make a great addition to any gift, because they are a fun and self-indulgent way to benefit your skin. Sheet masks are hydrating and replenishing for the skin.

They also make a great gift for anyone trying to get more into self-care this holiday season. Sheet masks are all about creating that at-home spa experience.

Shop the Midnight Blue Calming Sheet Mask:

Shop the I’m from Mugwort Sheet Mask:

Any of these products will make an amazing gift this year.

If you’re shopping on YesStyle, feel free to use my reward code: DAUB59. It will give you money off your purchase.

This is a reward code, but not an affiliate code. However, links to Amazon are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you decide to purchase one of my recommendations. Thank you for helping to support my blog.

Sunscreen

Let’s start here, because if you’re not wearing sunscreen, then all these other products are meaningless. While this isn’t actually one ingredient, but many, it is the most important part of your skin care routine.

Applying sunscreen (and re-applying every 2-3 hours) will protect your skin from sun damage. The sun can cause hyperpigmentation, darken areas of hyperpigmentation, accelerate the aging process, and most importantly lead to skin cancer.

Sound serious enough, yet?

So yes, it’s extremely important to wear enough sunscreen, every single day, RAIN OR SHINE.

We’ll talk more about this later.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is an exfoliant that helps to resurface the dead skin cells and reveal the smooth skin beneath. This alpha-hydroxy-acid (AHA) has the benefit of being a larger molecular weight. This just means that it is more gentle on sensitive skin.

AHAs also work as humectants, adding hydration to the skin. So it’s good for the exfoliation and hydration step of your routine.

Typically, you’ll find mandelic acid in toners or serums (lightweight formulas).

Mandelic acid is not the strongest ingredient for hyperpigmentation, but that’s kind of the point. It is great for sensitive skin and more reactive skin, but you’ll still see results.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is another ingredient that suits sensitive skin, but provides skin brightening benefits. At 5% it packs a powerful punch when it comes to lightening hyperpigmentation.

What’s nice about this ingredient is that you also get some added benefits like reduction in oil production. That’s especially helpful for anyone with oily, acne-prone skin.

It also soothes the skin and is able to reduce any redness or irritation.

And ultimately, niacinamide will address our hyperpigmentation, evening out our skin tone and brightening (not lightening!) our complexion.

Honorable mentions…

Vitamin C is a great antioxidant.

I’ll do a full post to address all the benefits and optimal percentages for this ingredient.

I list this one last because I believe that there is the greatest potential for irritation based on the product’s formulation and the percentage of Vitamin C used.

Notable mentions to Azelaic Acid & Alpha-Arbutin, as well.

I feel like these are also important ingredients for fighting hyperpigmentation that deserve their own post.

Healthy reminder: Not all of these ingredients are needed to lessen hyperpigmentation. Remember that you can see results just by incorporating one of these ingredients.