Joanna (Tam) Pham

During winter, many of us notice the same frustrating changes in our skin: A dull, greyish tone Increased puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline Skin that looks tired, heavy, or less defined Cold weather slows circulation, we move less, drink less water, and our bodies naturally conserve energy. What many people don’t realize is that these seasonal changes also slow down the lymphatic system  — a key system responsible for clearing waste and excess fluid from the skin. When lymph...

When winter arrives, many clients tell me the same thing: “My skin feels tight. “It burns when I put on moisturizer. “My makeup looks patchy and dry.” These are not just winter problems—they are skin barrier problems . Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence, and when it’s weak, everything from cold weather to simple skincare products begins to irritate it. Understanding your skin barrier is like understanding the foundation of a house: If the foundation is cracked, it doesn’t...

As winter sets in, many people start to notice tightness, flakiness, or dullness on their skin — and immediately reach for heavier creams. But here’s the secret most people don’t know: dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing.  Understanding which one you have can completely change how your skin feels and looks this season. Let’s break it down. Sheet masks are one of the most effective ways to restore the skin barrier and prevent dehydration, leaving the skin soothed, supple, and...