February 2026 MONTHLY BLOG
By Laura Hunnewell
February is the month of Valentine’s Day which brings LOVE to mind. At Hale and Hush, we are dedicating February to long-term barrier health and keeping the skin calm and protected.
We feel love for ourselves and others. We love our products; we love our routines! When something happens and we have a flare up of rosacea or a breakout (an unwelcome surprise) it does not feel so blissful. Yesterday your face was glowing and the next it looked irritated- not such a loveable feeling. Stress often plays a significant role—it is one of the most common triggers for sensitized skin. So how can we become more self-aware and address issues before they turn into full-blown flares?
Your mind, body, and your skin. Many are experiencing more stress now than ever before. It is so important to try your best and practice stress relieving techniques. My advice? Keep calm and do not pick! Skin picking can create wounds which take a long time to heal. Try to avoid overwhelming your skin with an excessive number of products that can cause more harm than good.
A super way to start is by paying attention to what you are putting on your skin. Are you using makeup with a lengthy list of questionable ingredients? Check your labels and look out for known irritants. Are you cleansing properly and gently? Foundation and skin primers can contain high levels of silicone and can be difficult to remove with cleansing. You might need to double cleanse or use a gentle enzyme to clear it off. These simple habits can go a long way in keeping your barrier strong and supported.
As estheticians, how can we help our clients give their skin barriers a little extra love?
When your skin is compromised, ceramides can make a difference. Ceramides are fats found in our epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) Meet Vital Lipid Lotion, your pal when things get rough. Formulations containing lipids like those found in our own skin and ceramides could improve aggravated skin!
Vital Lipid Lotion contains Ceramide NP, a well-studied ceramide like what our bodies naturally produce—meaning better absorption and better tolerance. Mirabilis Jalapa Extract (Four O’ Clock Flower) improves skin’s long-term resilience against sensitivity triggers. It protects your skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors while supporting barrier function.
Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum and seals the skin with a protective barrier. Sunflower oil is rich in vitamins A, K and E and helps protect against inflammation. Ingredients are so much more beneficial when they work with the skin, not against it!
Consider adding a stress-level question to your intake forms:
How would you rate your current stress level?
This information helps us better assess the state of the skin and prepare for clients who may be going through something significant. Our goal is to make them feel safe, supported, and treated appropriately.
Education on barrier health is essential. Please—let’s stop over-stripping the skin. Over-exfoliation can trigger reactions and create more problems in the end.
Yogurt Extract and Yogurt Powder are known for their nourishing and moisturizing properties and contain lactic acid, which gently removes dead skin cells. Yogurt also helps regulate oil production and offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits—all supportive of a healthy barrier. You will find these ingredients in Refine Polish, which can also be used in the shower on the body to prep your skin for after shower moisturizing. I especially love to mix it with Quiet Wash for a deeper yet gentle facial cleanse.
Less stimulation. Less product overload.
For reactive or compromised skin, a simple routine—gentle cleansing, light exfoliation, moisturizing, and SPF—is often sufficient. Leave deep cleansing and advanced treatments to your skincare professional.
Think of professional facials like going to the gym or a fitness class: schedule them regularly. Ask about packages for discounted services, and do not forget that many esthetics schools offer skin clinics where you can receive wonderful treatments at reasonable prices from students who are learning to love your barrier, too.
Skin care professionals are trained to give your skin exactly what it needs—not what worked for your friend or the latest trend on social media.
Some psychologists emphasize self-love as well-being and embracing your flaws which helps you be YOU! Your skin journey is part of that story.
Find joy or start a new hobby by searching for healthy recipes and preparing your own food. Making small changes like not eating out as much can make a big difference in the way you look and feel!
“Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect, and trust.” – Bell Hooks
Love your barrier. Love yourself, too.
Reference:
Coderch L, López O, de la Maza A, Parra JL. Ceramides and skin function. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(2):107-29. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004. PMID: 12553851.
