Moisture is what we all want, but how do we get it in a way that's best for our individual skin? According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD and founder of Macrene Actives, you “have to understand your different moisturizer classes.”

Here, the key types of hydration as well as a few hard and fast rules to live by when it comes to maximizing water intake. 

Understand Your Moisturizer Classes 

01 Humectants, which draw in molecules and keep them in the skin 

02 Exclusives, which occlude the skin like a band aid 

03 Emollients, which get at the crux of a broken skin barrier in winter 

"I like humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe, and emollients, such as coco glycerides, jojoba esters, and olive oil derivatives," says Dr. Macrene, who recommends staying away from exclusives such as mineral oils since they can exasperate acne in acne-prone skin. She continues: "Plant-derived oils can contain nice fatty acids, and anti-microbial oils can be great, too, at low levels."

One More Tip

Pay attention to the humidity in your household. "Warm, humid air can really help to keep your skin hydrated because you're not needed to compete with your air for water," says Dr. Macrene.

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Repeat after us: Self-care doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Invest just 20 minutes in yourself to indulge your hands and feet. Your whole body (and spirit) will thank you for it. Brazilian spa and longevity expert Renata de Abreu shares this comforting winter ritual.

STEP 1: Set the Mood

Light your Jungle Candle to add comfort to your space. Take a few slow, deep breaths.

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STEP 2: Warm Up

Soak in a warm bath, gently massaging your hands and feet. Or, for a shortcut, wrap hands and feet in a damp, heated towel to loosen any stiffness.

livecostabrazil.com Scrubs 200ml / 6.76 fl oz EXFOLIANTE PARA O CORPO

STEP 3: Scrub Deep

Apply the Body Scrub, enriched with crushed murumuru seeds, green coffee and sweet almond oil, to hands and feet. Massage gently for 2-3 minutes then rinse and towel off.

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STEP 4: Enjoy a Massage

Mix equal parts Body Cream and Kaya Body Oil and treat yourself to a delicious massage, starting with your feet and ending with your hands.

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STEP 5: Release Tension

Using the tip of the Massage Tool, press and activate specific points in the sole of the feet and hands for overall balance.

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STEP 6: Stretch It Out

Finish with a swipe of Aroma in Oil at your pulse points—wrists, nape of the neck, behind your knees—to help your calming experience linger all day.

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