R&R At The Ranch: A Peek Inside Bustle & Cetaphil’s Seasonal Skin Reset

Emerging from winter can be a long process, and a confusing one at that — should you pack a cardigan? Leave the heavy-duty lip mask at home? But attendees of the Rest & Repair At The Ranch retreat at Camp Lucy, a luxury wellness resort just outside of Austin, Texas, learned that it’s possible (and even easy) to give skin the TLC it needs just in time for spring. In the calm, oak-studded expanse of Austin Hill Country, Bustle and Cetaphil brought together influencers, a board-certified dermatologist, and wellness experts to share tips on achieving hydrated, healthy-looking skin after a long winter.

Held on a warm, sun-soaked afternoon, the retreat kicked off with a panel hosted by Bustle deputy beauty editor Rachel Lapidos, plus board-certified dermatologist Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, wellness expert Phyllicia Bonanno, and fitness founder Kendall Toole. The group discussed the critical role of the skin barrier in supporting (and maintaining) healthy-looking skin throughout all seasons, and the importance of clinically proven moisturizers to protect the skin. That can be easier said than done: For months on end, cold winter air saps moisture from skin, leaving it with signs of sensitivity like dryness, irritation, roughness, and tightness.

During the panel, the experts shared their insight and tips on how best to nurture the skin barrier and help skin recover amid fluctuating temperatures, sun exposure, and extra time outdoors. That starts with Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Lotion — clinically proven for sensitive skin — which can replenish the moisture barrier to leave skin healthy and hydrated in a matter of days. Both are powered by a strategic blend of glycerin to draw water into skin, niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help soothe, and panthenol (vitamin B5) to increase skin hydration while reducing overall water loss. Together, they work to help repair and protect the barrier.

Afterward, guests had the chance to experience the moisturizing magic for themselves, starting with mini hand massages courtesy of masseuses from Camp Lucy’s Folklore Spa. Another activation offered skin diagnostics for guests, giving them a status report on their post-winter skin. And afterwards, they could chat one-on-one with Dr. Nguyen about their most pressing skin issues, be it dryness, sensitivity, or both.

The other activities were similarly centered on a sense of renewal ahead of the new season. On the lush green lawn, guests built strength and length with a mat Pilates session, while a group sound bath made for a serene meditative experience. At the bag charm station, attendees could create a wearable reminder of the memories and lessons from the retreat. An intention-setting wall offered a way to revisit any long-lost New Year’s resolutions, too.

To wrap up the event, guests left with gift bags that will help them stick with those intentions as the weather warms up, like the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Lotion, a dry brush, Pilates socks, and a bamboo and glass water bottle. (Hey, hydration is important inside and out.) It’s everything they needed to start spring feeling and looking strong — with healthy, resilient skin to top it all off.

Learn more about the featured products:

Perfect for dry to very dry skin, this dermatologist-backed cream fully restores the skin barrier in just a week. You can slather the hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula onto your body as well as your face (it's non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores) to get 48 hours of hydration.

The face and body lotion is powerful but still feels lightweight and non-greasy — making it ideal for normal to dry skin types. And it's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, which may explain why it’s dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin, too.

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