Photo Credits: Model: Marloe Stevens for SMYTHE , Photography: Royal Gilbert, Styling: Rita Liefhebber - Edite, Makeup and Hair: by Anna Nenoiu - our Founder

Winter has a way of exposing everything. The glow we took for granted in the summer fades, replaced by dryness, dullness, and a complexion that feels as brittle as the air outside. Suddenly, the products that once worked seem to fall short, and the temptation to do more—more scrubs, more peels, more treatments—sets in.

But here’s the truth: radiance isn’t about excess—it’s about strategy. Skin thrives on balance, especially in the colder months, when hydration and barrier support are just as crucial as exfoliation. The key? A curated, skin-loving ritual that clears away the dullness while feeding your skin exactly what it needs.

If your winter glow is in hibernation, consider this your step-by-step guide to bringing it back—smarter, softer, and more luminous than ever.

EXFOLIATE WISELY—GLOW, DON’T STRIP

Why it matters:

Your skin’s acid mantle—a thin, slightly acidic layer made up of water, sweat, and sebum—acts as a natural defense system against bacteria, pollution, and moisture loss. Over-exfoliating or using harsh products can disrupt this barrier, leading to irritation, breakouts, and increased sensitivity.

THE SKIN PERFECTING HERO:

**MIMAR GLOW THERAPY ENZYME MASK**
A gentle yet high-strength multi-acid exfoliating mask that **smooths, brightens, and refines texture—without compromising hydration.** Use once a week for maximum impact.
✔ Targets dark spots, sun damage, and fine lines
✔ Resurfaces skin while maintaining hydration
✔ Boosts radiance for a winter glow

Pura Botanicals Exotic pink Coffeee Dust is a luxurious cleansing and exfoliating mask that buffs away dead skin cells, clearting pores, minimizing pores, and promoting collogen production — THE NOURISHING EXFOLIATOR:

**PURA BOTANICALS EXOTIC PINK COFFEE DUST**
A luxurious cleansing and exfoliating mask that buffs away dead skin cells, while promoting collagen production.
✔ Gently exfoliates while soothing and plumping
✔ Improves elasticity and skin tone
✔ Leaves skin feeling silky soft

HOW OFTEN?

Enzyme-based exfoliation: 1-2 times a week
Physical exfoliation (gentle scrubs): Once a week max
🚫 Avoid aggressive in-clinic treatments (like microdermabrasion) during winter to preserve your acid mantle.

SKIN FLOODING—THE SECRET TO WINTER HYDRATION

The technique:

Also known as wet skincare, skin flooding involves layering hydrating products on damp skin to maximize absorption and moisture retention.

HOW IT WORKS
Start with damp skin (post-cleanse)
Apply hydrating layers in order: lightweight to rich
Lock in moisture after each layer with an occlusive

THE HYDRATION HEROES

Pura Botanicals Hyaluronic Watermenlon Essence is a refreshing water based skin mist that enhances hydration and plums and vitalizizes the skin, great for after sun care. — HYDRATION BOOST:

**PURA BOTANICALS HYALURONIC WATERMELON ESSENCE**
A refreshing water-based essence that **quenches thirsty skin and preps it for deeper hydration.**
✔ Infused with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture
✔ Instantly plumps and revitalizes

Mimar Eden Nights Rose and Neroli Toning Mist is a hydrating botanical mist that enhances moisture and hydration if the skin — **MIST BETWEEN STEPS:**

**MIMAR EDEN NIGHTS ROSE & NEROLI TONING MIST**
A hydrating botanical mist that **enhances product absorption** and **soothes winter-worn skin.**
✔ Helps layer hydration seamlessly
✔ Brightens and balances the complexion

PRO TIP: Mist between every step of your routine to maximize hydration and absorption.

SLEEP SLUGGING—SEAL IN THE GLOW

The technique:

This overnight skincare ritual creates a protective barrier that locks in hydration and prevents water loss while you sleep.

Pura Botanicals Overnight Watermelon Mask is a rich hydrating treatmnet, that deeply restores, reduces irritation and leaves skin plump — **THE WINTER HYDRATION FIX: PURA BOTANICALS OVERNIGHT WATERMELON MASK**

A rich overnight treatment that **hydrates, soothes, and restores skin while you sleep.**
✔ Deeply replenishes moisture
✔ Reduces redness and irritation
✔ Leaves skin plump and radiant

Pura Boitanicals Turmeeric Night Cacoon is a rich night cream, that repairs and strenghens, leavs skin soft, and moisturized. — **FOR THE ULTIMATE NIGHT RENEWAL: PURA BOTANICALS TURMERIC NIGHT CACOON**

The **richest night cream for deep recovery.** Powered by anti-inflammatory turmeric, nourishing botanical oils, and barrier-repairing ingredients, it cocoons the skin in hydration while you sleep.
✔ Repairs and strengthens the skin barrier
✔ Restores elasticity and plumpness
**Why it’s perfect for winter:** This indulgent, ultra-rich formula provides **intense nourishment**, making it ideal for combating dry, winter-worn skin.

PROTECT YOUR ACID MANTLE

Your acid mantle is everything when it comes to skin health. Made up of water, sweat, and sebum, it functions as your skin’s natural defense system, keeping moisture in and bacteria out.

WHY IT MATTERS:
✔ Protects against bacteria & pollution
✔ Regulates inflammation & skin sensitivity
✔ Maintains the skin barrier & microbiome

WHAT DAMAGES IT?
❌ Over-exfoliation & harsh treatments
❌ Dry winter air & indoor heating
❌ Fragrance-heavy skincare & alcohol-based toners

HOW TO KEEP IT INTACT
✔ Stick to gentle exfoliation (avoid aggressive peels)
✔ Hydrate & protect (hello, skin flooding!)
✔ Use barrier-supporting ingredients (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, botanical oils)