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If you have eczema, you know how unpredictable it can be. One day your skin feels calm, and the next, it’s dry, itchy, and irritated for no apparent reason. When it flares, even the most basic skincare routine can feel like a guessing game — What can I actually use right now that won’t make things worse? We see you. And we get it. Eczema-prone skin is incredibly sensitive, and the goal isn’t perfection — it’s comfort, balance, and protection. The good news is that with the right products, you can keep your skin clean, hydrated, and supported — even during flare-ups. Here are a few of our tried-and-true favourites that we recommend for sensitive or eczema-prone skin: 1. Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Mist — for calm, clean skin When your skin barrier is compromised, the last thing you want to do is overload it with heavy actives or harsh cleansers. Hydrinity’s Hyacyn Mist is a lifesaver — it helps keep your skin clean and calm without stinging or drying it out. Formulated with hypochlorous acid, it works to purify the skin’s surface and support natural healing — perfect for eczema-prone or inflamed skin that needs a reset. Use it after cleansing or anytime during the day when your skin feels irritated or tight. 2. ZO Gentle Cleanser — approved by the Eczema Society of Canada Finding a cleanser that doesn’t strip sensitive skin is no small feat. ZO’s Gentle Cleanser has earned approval from the Eczema Society of Canada, which means it’s been evaluated and recognized for being safe and effective for even the most reactive skin. It removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting your skin barrier — leaving your skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed instead of tight or dry. 3. ZO Hydrating Cream — also Eczema Society approved Hydration is everything when it comes to managing eczema. ZO’s Hydrating Cream is rich, soothing, and specifically designed to restore comfort to dry, irritated, or inflamed skin. It’s also been approved by the Eczema Society of Canada, so you can trust it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while still providing deep, lasting moisture. It helps replenish your skin’s natural barrier and relieve that uncomfortable, itchy feeling that often comes with flare-ups. The Bottom Line When your skin’s at its worst, you can still treat it properly. The key is choosing products that calm, cleanse, and hydrate without irritation. These three essentials — Hydrinity’s Hyacyn Mist, ZO Gentle Cleanser, and ZO Hydrating Cream — are simple, effective, and barrier-loving. Because even when your skin is acting up, it deserves to be cared for with products that understand it. At The Skin Pantry, we believe sensitive skin shouldn’t mean limited options — it just means finding the right ones.

One of the biggest skincare myths we hear all the time is: “I don’t need to exfoliate — my skin’s too dry.”“I don’t need moisturizer — my skin’s too oily.” We get it. It seems logical. But here’s the truth: no matter your skin type — dry, oily, sensitive, or combination — exfoliating and moisturizing are non-negotiable. They’re the foundation of every healthy skin routine. Let’s break it down. Exfoliation: The Reset Button Your Skin Craves Our skin naturally sheds dead cells, but that process slows down as we age (and even faster when we’re stressed, tired, or dehydrated). When dead skin piles up, everything looks a little dull — your products don’t absorb as well, and your makeup doesn’t sit quite right. That’s where exfoliation comes in. It’s like a gentle reset button that clears away the buildup and helps reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath. If you’re oily: Exfoliating keeps pores clear and helps control breakouts. If you’re dry or sensitive: It removes the flaky surface cells that block hydration, allowing your moisturizer to actually do its job. If you’re combination or aging: It evens texture, brightens tone, and helps renew that glow we all want. The key is finding the right exfoliant — not the harsh, gritty kind that makes your skin feel squeaky-clean (and stripped), but a balanced one like ZO’s Exfoliation Accelerator or Alumier’s Bright & Clear Solution that uses chemical exfoliants to gently encourage cell turnover. Moisturizing: The Step You Can’t Skip Hydration is what keeps your skin resilient, balanced, and calm. Even if you’re oily, your skin still needs moisture — in fact, skipping it can make oil production worse. When your skin feels stripped, it overcompensates by producing more sebum, leading to even more shine or breakouts. Think of moisturizer as your skin’s protective hug. It locks in hydration, seals your barrier, and helps every product underneath work better. Dry skin: Look for richer creams that restore your lipid barrier (like ZO Hydrating Cream or Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum). Oily skin: Choose lightweight, oil-free hydrators that balance without clogging pores (try Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer). Sensitive skin: Keep it simple — fragrance-free, soothing, and barrier-supportive. The Bottom Line Exfoliate to renew.Moisturize to protect.Both are essential, no matter what your skin type is. Healthy skin isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things — consistently. That’s why at The Skin Pantry, every routine we build includes some form of gentle exfoliation and barrier-protective hydration. Because glowing skin doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design.

If you’ve ever had sensitive skin, you know the struggle. The burning, the itching, the redness that shows up the second you try something new. The trial-and-error cycle of “maybe this one will work” — and then, back to square one. I’ve been there. For years, I couldn’t seem to find products that worked for me. Everything either felt too harsh or too heavy. I wanted glowing skin, not irritated skin — and yet, every label that promised “gentle” seemed to leave me frustrated. That’s a big part of why The Skin Pantry came to life. When my best friend — and medical aesthetics nurse — Lauren started Skin Suite, I got a front-row seat to the real science behind healthy, calm, balanced skin. She showed me what medical-grade skincare could actually do when it’s formulated properly: products that strengthen the skin barrier instead of breaking it down, that soothe inflammation instead of masking it. Supporting Lauren wasn’t just about helping my bestie build her dream clinic (though that part has been amazing). It was about finally understanding why medical-grade skincare matters — and why I believe in the lines we carry so deeply. Because I’ve seen the difference firsthand. The first time I used products like Hydrinity’s Restorative Serum and Alastin’s Ultra Light Moisturizer, my skin actually calmed down. No stinging, no flare-ups — just hydration, balance, and a glow that felt real, not forced. That’s when I knew we had something worth sharing. The Skin Pantry isn’t just another skincare store. It’s a place built on trust — between two friends who’ve tested, learned, and lived it. Every brand we carry has been handpicked because it delivers real results without compromising your skin barrier. So if you’ve got sensitive skin, know this: we get it. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to settle for “good enough.” You deserve products that respect your skin — and help it thrive. — Maddy

When you’re getting serious treatments like microneedling, IPL, or CO₂ laser—whether it’s for glow, texture, or resurfacing—your before and after skincare habits matter just as much as the procedure itself. The right prep sets your skin up for success, and the right aftercare keeps those results lasting longer. Before Your Treatment: Set the Stage Think of your skin like it’s preparing for a big event—you want it calm, strong, and balanced. That means stopping retinols and exfoliants before your appointment. For most treatments like microneedling or IPL, you should stop using retinol, AHAs, and BHAs for about a week beforehand. For deeper treatments like CO₂ laser, it’s even more important to give your skin that time to settle. Beyond actives, skip tanning, harsh scrubs, and anything that could irritate your skin leading up to the procedure. The goal is to arrive with your skin barrier intact and happy, ready to get the most out of the treatment. After Your Treatment: The Gentle Come-Back Immediately afterward, your skin will feel tender—like a sunburn but with higher stakes. This is the time to keep things as gentle as possible. For the first couple of days, cleansing should be minimal and very soft: lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser, and patting dry (no rubbing). Hydration becomes your best friend here. Stick to bland, soothing moisturizers or barrier balms to keep your skin from drying out and to support healing. Actives are off-limits for at least a week. No retinoids, no acids, no vitamin C—your skin needs time to repair. What you can do is keep it protected and hydrated. And most importantly: sunscreen is non-negotiable. A mineral SPF 30+ every single day, plus hats or shade, is crucial for weeks after treatment. Sun exposure during healing is one of the fastest ways to undo your results. You’ll also want to avoid sweating and heat for the first few days—so no hot yoga, saunas, or long steamy showers. Your skin is already working overtime to rebuild; it doesn’t need more stress. As the days pass and your skin calms, you can slowly start reintroducing your regular routine, starting with gentle hydration and eventually adding back your treatments once your provider gives the green light. Why This Matters These procedures work by creating controlled stress in your skin—that’s how they spark change. But if you go in unprepared or dive back into actives too quickly, you risk irritation, slower healing, or compromising your results. Gentle prep plus mindful aftercare equals better outcomes, faster recovery, and skin that looks healthier, longer. In a Nutshell Stop retinol and exfoliants about a week before. Be extra gentle for the first week after. Keep your skin hydrated, protected from the sun, and far away from heat and picking. Then ease back into your normal routine slowly, giving your skin time to bounce back. These treatments can be powerful resets for your skin, but the real magic happens when you support your skin through the before-and-after. That’s how you turn a single appointment into results that last.

Once you’ve got your basics down—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, maybe a serum—you might start eyeing those “extra” products and wondering: Do I need them? Things like pore refiners, spot treatments, or eye creams can feel optional, and honestly, they are. But they’re also the products that target those little things you can’t stop noticing in the mirror—the things a simple routine doesn’t always address. For me, it’s pores. I’m obsessed with my pore size. I’ll try anything labeled “pore-refining” because I love the way it makes my skin feel smoother and more even. The truth is, you can’t actually erase pores, but the right formulas—usually with ingredients like niacinamide or gentle exfoliants—can make them look smaller and give your skin a refined, polished look. It’s not essential, but it makes me feel better, and that’s the point. And then there are eye creams. I’ll never forget being 22, walking up to a beauty counter, and being told it was “time” to start using one because I’d reached that age. Looking back, that was a little overboard. But as the years go by, I’ve realized the skin under our eyes really does have its own challenges—dark circles, puffiness, fine lines. It’s thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, and sometimes it really does need its own product to help it out. Spot treatments are another great example. Instead of overhauling your entire routine when one breakout shows up, you can dab on something targeted to speed up healing. And for some, neck creams or firming treatments make sense too—especially when you want to give a little extra love to the areas we often ignore until they start to show. I like to think of these products as the accessories of your skincare routine. You don’t need them every single day, and they’re not the foundation. But when you add them in where it matters to you, they make your routine feel complete—and more personal. That’s why we carry them at The Skin Pantry. Not to overwhelm you with options, but to give you the freedom to pick the little extras that make you feel good. Because at the end of the day, skincare isn’t just about results—it’s about confidence and comfort in your own skin.

Masks are one of those skincare steps that can feel a little “extra.” Like, do we really need them? Here’s the thing: no, masks aren’t the daily essentials like cleanser, moisturizer, or sunscreen—but they are the boosters. They’re the step that gives your skin that quick reset or deeper treatment when it needs a little more love. Think of them as the snacks in your skin pantry. Not every day, but when you use them, you feel the difference. The Different Types of Masks Hydrating Masks These are the comfort blankets. Packed with humectants like hyaluronic acid and soothing ingredients, they flood your skin with hydration and instantly make it feel plumper, calmer, and softer. Perfect for dry, sensitive, or post-travel skin. Clay & Purifying Masks Clay masks are the OGs. They draw out impurities, balance oil, and give that deep-clean feeling without stripping (as long as you pick the right formula). Amazing for oily or acne-prone skin, or those times when your face just feels congested. Exfoliating Masks These are your glow-getters. Usually formulated with gentle acids (like AHAs or BHAs) or enzymes, they help sweep away dead skin cells, smooth texture, and brighten dullness. Use them weekly for that “just-had-a-facial” look. Firming & Anti-Aging Masks If you’re looking for a lift, these masks often have peptides, antioxidants, or even retinoid blends. They’re designed to support elasticity, reduce fine lines, and leave your skin feeling a little tighter and more refreshed. Soothing Masks For sensitive or irritated skin, soothing masks bring instant calm. Ingredients like aloe, centella, and oat calm redness and restore balance. These are the ones to reach for after too much sun, wind, or if you’ve overdone it with active ingredients. When & How to Use Masks 1–2 times a week is plenty for most people. Use them when your skin feels off—dry, tired, oily, or just in need of a boost. Always follow with moisturizer to lock in the benefits. Pro tip: masks are also perfect before big events. Nothing makes makeup sit better than freshly hydrated, exfoliated skin. Why We Carry Masks at The Skin Pantry Because sometimes your skin needs more than the basics. Masks give you a way to treat your specific concerns—whether it’s hydration, clarity, glow, or calm—without overhauling your whole routine. They’re the “extra” step that makes everything else work better. ✨ Tip: Keep a couple of masks on hand—one hydrating, one clarifying—so you can swap depending on what your skin needs that week.

Let’s be honest—serums can feel overwhelming. Tiny bottles, big price tags, lots of promises. It’s easy to wonder: Do I really need this? Here’s the truth: serums are where the magic happens. They’re lightweight, concentrated formulas designed to deliver active ingredients deeper into your skin than your cleanser or moisturizer can. And while the world of serums can seem endless, most of them actually fall into a few key categories. Once you understand those, it all starts to make sense. Hydrating Serums If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or just plain thirsty, this is where you start. Hydrating serums are usually packed with hyaluronic acid, which pulls water into the skin and plumps it from within. Think of them as tall glasses of water for your face—lightweight, refreshing, and universally loved. Brightening Serums These are your go-tos for dullness, uneven tone, or dark spots. The superstar here is Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps even skin tone, protect against free radicals, and give you that healthy glow. Other ingredients like niacinamide or licorice root can also fit in this category. Anti-Aging / Repair Serums When you’re looking to smooth fine lines or boost elasticity, you’ll find serums that include retinol, peptides, or growth factors. These are the workhorses that help support collagen, refine texture, and keep your skin looking firm and resilient. Acne & Clarifying Serums If breakouts are your biggest concern, clarifying serums are formulated with ingredients like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or niacinamide to help unclog pores, calm inflammation, and balance oil. They’re lightweight and targeted so you can treat without overloading your skin. Calming / Barrier Serums Sometimes your skin just needs a reset. These serums are designed to soothe redness, sensitivity, or irritation, often with ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica (cica), or probiotics. They’re all about strengthening your barrier so your skin feels comfortable and resilient. Why Serums Can Feel Overwhelming The tricky part is that there isn’t just one serum for everyone. You might use a hydrating serum in the morning, a brightening one with Vitamin C, and then switch to a retinol serum at night. Or maybe your skin just needs one simple serum to start with—that’s perfectly fine too. The best way to think of serums is this: Pick your priority (hydration, brightening, anti-aging, acne, calming). Start with one. Build slowly as you get more comfortable and learn what your skin likes. Why We Stock a Range At The Skin Pantry, we know serums can feel like the most intimidating part of building a routine. That’s why we organize them by what they do—so you can easily find a serum that fits your goals without the overwhelm. Because skincare shouldn’t feel complicated. It should feel clear, targeted, and effective. ✨ Tip: Serums always go on before moisturizer, since they’re lightweight and meant to absorb quickly. Think of them as the treatment step, and your moisturizer as the lock-it-in step. Serums might look like the “fancy extras,” but really, they’re the power players that make all the difference. Once you find the right one, you’ll see why they’re worth the hype.

For years, toner had kind of a bad reputation. Most people think of the old-school, alcohol-heavy toners that left your skin tight and dry. If that’s still your image of toner—forget it. Today’s toners are a completely different story, and honestly, they’re one of the most underrated steps in skincare. What Toner Actually Does Think of toner as the “prep step.” Cleansing gets rid of dirt, oil, and makeup, but it can also leave your skin a little unbalanced. Toner resets everything: it helps rebalance your skin’s pH, gives an extra layer of hydration, and preps your skin so your serums and moisturizers work even better. It’s like priming a canvas before you paint—you’re setting the stage so the rest of your products can really shine. The Benefits of Adding Toner Hydration boost: many modern toners are packed with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, so they layer in hydration right after cleansing. Smoother absorption: when your skin is balanced and slightly damp, serums penetrate more effectively. Targeted benefits: some toners include ingredients for brightening, calming, or clarifying, so you can tailor your choice to your skin needs. Gentle balancing: instead of stripping your skin, today’s formulas are all about restoring comfort and calm. Types of Toners to Try Hydrating toners: perfect if your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing. Balancing/clarifying toners: good for oily or combination skin, often with ingredients like niacinamide. Soothing toners: designed for sensitive or redness-prone skin, with calming botanicals or barrier-supporting ingredients. Exfoliating toners: not for every day, but amazing when you want that glow—these usually include AHAs or BHAs to gently remove dead skin cells. Why We Love Toners at The Skin Pantry Toners are one of those steps you don’t realize you’re missing until you add them in. Suddenly, your skin feels softer, smoother, and more ready to drink in everything else. They’re not just an “extra”—they’re a quiet little powerhouse that ties your whole routine together. ✨ Tip: After cleansing, apply your toner while your skin is still slightly damp. Either pour it into your hands and press it in, or sweep it on with a cotton pad—whichever feels right for you. Because at the end of the day, toner isn’t about complicating your routine. It’s about making every other product you use work harder for you—and giving your skin that extra layer of love it deserves.