Welcome to Skincare 101 with TRI-K - Your Guide to Building the Foundation for Healthy Skin

Skincare can feel overwhelming.

With endless routines, trending actives, and conflicting advice, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: supporting the skin’s natural function.

In this Skincare 101 guide, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of what skin needs to stay healthy, resilient, and radiant.

Understanding the Skin Barrier

The skin barrier is the body’s first line of defense. When healthy, it helps retain moisture, block irritants, and protect against environmental stressors. When compromised, it can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and visible signs of aging.

Key formulation goals for barrier support include:

• Improving hydration and moisture retention

• Reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

• Supporting lipid balance and skin comfort

Barrier-first skincare has become more than a trend, it’s a necessity.

Hydration vs. Moisturization: What’s the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, hydration and moisturization serve different purposes in skincare.

• Hydration focuses on increasing water content in the skin

• Moisturization helps seal that water in and prevent loss

Effective formulas often combine both strategies, pairing water-binding ingredients with occlusive or emollient systems to maintain long-lasting skin comfort.

January’s Featured Ingredients