Hydration vs. Moisturizing — Winter Barrier Rituals for Melanin-Rich Skin

### December Glow & Gather Brunch

Theme: Hydration vs. Moisturizing — Winter Barrier Rituals for Melanin-Rich Skin
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Off The Brook | Bistro & Cocktails
1810 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566

As winter arrives, our skin starts telling the truth. Cold air, indoor heat, and low humidity can leave melanin-rich skin feeling tight, dull, reactive, or “dry” even when we’re doing everything we think we’re supposed to do.
This month at Glow & Gather Brunch, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in skincare:
Hydration vs. Moisturizing — and how to actually protect your barrier in winter.
This is a warm, monthly circle for Black women on Long Island to connect, laugh, and learn real skin health — no filters, no fakes.

### What We’ll Talk About

• The real difference between hydration (water) and moisturizing (sealing + supporting the barrier)
• Why winter makes melanin-rich skin more prone to tightness, ashiness, sensitivity, and uneven tone
• The “winter trap” products that can quietly worsen dryness
• A simple barrier-first winter routine you can start the same day

### What You’ll Experience

✨ Welcome + toast
✨ Brunch + sisterhood conversation (each guest covers their own meal)
✨ Real skin talk (warm, educational, and judgment-free)
✨ A simple winter “ritual reset” takeaway

### Who It’s For

• Black women on Long Island craving authentic connection
• Anyone confused about why their skin feels dry even with products
• Women who want skincare truth + community, not pressure and performance

### Your Host

I’m Judith S. Pluviose — certified skincare formulator and esthetician-in-training (400+ clinical hours). I teach melanin-safe, barrier-honoring skincare that respects real life and real skin.