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When most people think of moisturizer, they picture a jar of cream that you slap on and call it a day. But moisturizers are actually a whole category, and they work in different ways depending on what your skin needs—and how you like it to feel. At their core, moisturizers are made up of three types of ingredients: Humectants (pull water into the skin, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) Emollients (smooth and soften, like ceramides or squalane) Occlusives (seal it all in, like shea butter or petrolatum) Every formula is just a different balance of these three. The trick is figuring out which balance makes your skin happiest. Light & Fresh: Gels and Gel-Creams These are great if you want something weightless that disappears into your skin. They’re hydrating thanks to humectants but don’t feel greasy or heavy, which makes them perfect for oily or combination skin—or just anyone who doesn’t like the feeling of “cream” on their face. Classic Daily Creams This is the middle ground most people love. These moisturizers balance hydration and softness without being too rich. They work for normal and combination skin, and you can wear them day or night. Think comfortable, dependable, and easy to use every day. Rich Creams & Balms If your skin runs dry, sensitive, or needs repair, rich creams and balms are where you’ll find relief. These are packed with emollients and occlusives that lock in hydration and protect your barrier. They’re especially good in colder months or at night when your skin needs extra comfort. Targeted Moisturizers Beyond textures, moisturizers can also work harder depending on your skin goals: Aging skin: look for formulas with peptides, antioxidants, or growth factors to help with firmness and fine lines. Acne-prone skin: choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers with soothing or oil-balancing ingredients. Hydration is still essential here—it helps calm irritation and keeps treatments from drying your skin out. Sensitive or reactive skin: gentle, barrier-repair creams with ceramides and niacinamide help reduce redness and strengthen your skin’s defenses. Choosing What’s Right for You The best moisturizer isn’t always the one with the fanciest ingredients or thickest texture. It’s the one that keeps your skin balanced, comfortable, and ready for the rest of your routine. Pay attention to both your skin type and your preferences—whether you want something barely-there, cushiony, or rich and protective. That’s why we carry so many options at The Skin Pantry. Because everyone’s skin (and comfort level) is different—and your moisturizer should feel like it was made just for you.

When we think about cleansers, most of us picture a simple soap or gel that foams up and leaves your face “clean.” And while that works for some skin types, the truth is: cleansers come in all kinds of textures and formulas—and choosing the right one can make or break your routine. Cleansers 101: More Than Just Soap Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. A cleanser isn’t just about washing away makeup and dirt—it’s about prepping your skin for everything that comes after. The right one leaves your skin balanced and ready to absorb treatments and moisturizers. Creamy Cleansers: Hydration Heroes If your skin runs dry, sensitive, or dehydrated, a cream cleanser is your best friend. Rich, soft, and soothing, these formulas hydrate while they cleanse. They don’t strip your skin, and they leave you feeling comfortable and nourished. Gel & Foam Cleansers: That Fresh, “Squeaky-Clean” Feel For normal to oily or acne-prone skin, gel or foaming cleansers can be the perfect fit. They lather up, cut through oil, and leave you with that super-clean feeling—like your skin just had a deep reset. Some people love this sensation (my sister included—she wants her skin to feel like it’s been scrubbed spotless, dish-soap-commercial style). Balancing Cleansers: The Middle Ground Combination skin? You’re not alone. That’s where balancing cleansers come in. They’re formulated to cleanse effectively without over-drying, keeping your oily areas in check while giving your drier areas the hydration they need. Cleansers for Aging Skin: Gentle but Effective As our skin matures, it needs a little extra care. Cleansers for aging skin are usually enriched with antioxidants, peptides, or gentle exfoliants that support cell turnover without stripping away moisture. Think of them as multitaskers: they cleanse, but they also help prep your skin for serums and treatments that target fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin: Targeted & Clarifying If breakouts are your main concern, a clarifying cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help unclog pores and reduce acne-causing bacteria. The key here is balance—you want something strong enough to manage breakouts, but not so harsh that it damages your barrier. Pair it with the right moisturizer, and your skin will thank you. It’s About Skin—and Preference Here’s the thing: your cleanser isn’t just about skin type—it’s also about how you like to feel after you wash your face. For example, I personally love a creamy cleanser that still feels like it’s done its job. My sister? She wants zero residue, that squeaky-clean finish. Neither is wrong—it’s just personal preference. Why We Have Options That’s why we carry a range of cleansers at The Skin Pantry. Because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. We want you to be able to browse, learn, and find the one that feels right for you. So when you’re exploring our site, take a peek at our thoughts on each formula. It’ll help you decide what your perfect match is. Because skincare should feel as good as it works—and your cleanser is the very first step in making that happen. ✨ Tip: Start with a cleanser that matches both your skin type and your preferred feel. That’s the sweet spot.

When we set out to design The Skin Pantry Roadmap, we wanted it to feel like real life. Skincare shouldn’t be overwhelming, it should be approachable - something you can actually stick to and grow with. Think of it like building a wardrobe: you don’t need every piece on day one. You start with the staples, then layer in the statement pieces, and before you know it, you’ve got a closet (or in this case, a skin pantry) that works for you. Here’s how we built it: Beginner: Start Simple If you’re just starting out, you really only need two things: A great cleanser (not the makeup wipes, not the harsh foaming drugstore one - we’re talking a real, medical-grade cleanser that won’t strip your skin). A moisturizer that actually hydrates and protects your barrier. That’s it. Two steps. Master the basics before you even think about adding more. Intermediate: Level Up Once you’re consistent with cleansing and moisturizing, it’s time to add a little more. This is where treatments come in: Vitamin C serum for brightening and antioxidant protection. Hyaluronic acid serum for hydration and plumping. Or, if you’re acne-prone, a targeted treatment to help manage breakouts. And of course, this is where you add the non-negotiable: sunscreen. Yes, we all love the sun and a good tan, but your future self will thank you for daily SPF. Advanced: Build Your Routine Here’s where things start to get fun. You can begin alternating products: A hydrating cleanser in the morning, something stronger at night. AM serums that focus on protection, PM treatments that focus on repair. Introducing retinol or exfoliants into your nighttime routine. It’s about finding balance and creating a rhythm that supports your skin all day, every day. Expert: Mix, Match & Master This is when you really know your skin. You’ve been around the block, and you understand how to adjust based on the season, your cycle, or even just how your skin is behaving that week. You’ve got a collection of products you love, and you know exactly when to reach for each one. The expert stage isn’t about using everything - it’s about knowing what your skin needs and tailoring your pantry like a pro. Why It Matters We designed our Roadmap to take the guesswork out of skincare. It’s not about having the longest routine, it’s about having the right routine for where you are now - and giving you a path to grow with confidence. Because great skin isn’t built overnight. It’s built step by step, layer by layer, with the right products at the right time.

Hi, it’s Maddy  I’ve always struggled with eczema and super sensitive skin. Add to that the fact that I’m allergic to dandelions (random, I know) - which can cross-contaminate a lot of “natural” products - and it felt like I could never catch a break. Every time I tried something new, I’d end up red, itchy, or worse. Like so many of us, I was an avid shopper. I tried everything in the drugstores, the fancy department counters, even - you know that one box store where we all spend way too much money and come out with 57 things we didn’t plan to buy. If it was trending, I probably tried it. And honestly? Nothing worked long term. Then my best friend Lauren - who also happens to be a Registered Nurse (on her way to Nurse Practitioner) and the brains behind Skin Suite - got into skincare professionally. When she opened her clinic, she basically yelled at me (lovingly, of course) to stop wasting my money and only use medical-grade skincare. I fought her on it for a while (because old habits die hard), but when I finally listened… everything changed. For the first time in my life, my skin actually healed. My eczema calmed down, my sensitivity wasn’t a daily battle, and I wasn’t terrified of what reaction I might get from a new product. It’s been a few years now of using only medical grade, and I am a total convert. I’ll never go back. That’s why we started The Skin Pantry. Because we know there are so many people out there just like me - struggling, frustrated, and wasting money on products that don’t deliver. You deserve better. Your skin deserves formulas that are tested, proven, and safe. Nobody should be using anything else. This is our mission: to bring medical-grade skincare to everyone. To make it simple. To make it accessible. And to help you finally see your skin the way you’ve always wanted to. - Maddy 

At The Skin Pantry, our story begins with a simple truth: skincare is overwhelming. Walk into any store, scroll through any feed, and you’re met with endless products, endless promises, and endless confusion. What should you use? What actually works? And most importantly—what’s right for your skin? We created The Skin Pantry to answer those questions with clarity, care, and credibility. From Frustration to Foundation For years, we felt the same frustration our clients do. Too many products. Too many opinions. Not enough science. We wanted a space that stripped away the noise and focused only on formulas that deliver - medical-grade skincare backed by clinical results. No gimmicks, no guesswork. The Skin Pantry was built to be that space. A Partnership Rooted in Care The Skin Pantry is more than a shop - it’s a partnership. Lauren, a Nurse Practitioner with years of experience in skin health, and Maddy, with a background in design and business, came together to combine science, beauty, and simplicity. Our goal has always been to make expert-level skincare accessible, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable. Why “The Skin Pantry”? The pantry is where you keep your essentials - the staples you return to again and again. That’s exactly how we see skincare. Your routine doesn’t need to be crowded; it needs to be curated. A well-stocked skin pantry should hold only what works for you, what fits your life, and what brings results you can see and feel. More Than Skin Deep Of course, it’s not just about products. It’s about confidence, self-care, and giving people the tools to feel their best. Healthy skin is a foundation - it affects how you show up, how you move through the world, and how you see yourself. That’s why we started The Skin Pantry. Because beautiful skin shouldn’t feel complicated. It should feel possible. And we’re here to help you get there. ✨ From our pantry to your routine—welcome to skincare made simple, effective, and transformative.