December always hits differently. Shorter days, less sleep, more stress, colder weather; suddenly your skin, energy, and overall mood start showing it. This month, I leaned into a mix of skin barrier support, tone correction, internal wellness, and intentional movement and honestly it’s created some of the biggest changes I’ve seen all year!
In this article we’ll jump into my five December favorites, things I’ve been consistently using or doing, why they’re working for me, and the real science-backed reasons they may help both aesthetically and wellness-wise.
1. DMK Super Serum
Hydrating Antioxidant Support
I was given this serum after my DMK Enzyme facial and didn’t think too much of it as I used it here-and-there. But once I started using it consistently, I noticed overall vibrancy to my skin! This serum has quietly become a staple in my routine, especially during colder months when my skin tends to look dull or dehydrated.
Why I love it
It helps even out my skin tone and makes my skin, especially my under-eye area, look more vibrant, awake, and healthy. My skin just looks better rested, even when I’m not.
Why it works
DMK Super Serum combines:
- A stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid): supports brightness, antioxidant protection, and overall skin tone
- Beta-glucan: helps calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier
- Panthenol + humectants (glycerin, sodium PCA): support hydration and barrier resilience
- A signaling peptide: supports skin firmness over time
From a skin-health perspective, antioxidants + barrier support = healthier-looking skin that reflects light better.
Best for: dull skin, dehydration, uneven tone, tired-looking under-eyes
2. Ourself Complexion Brightening Serum
My Hydroquinone Replacement
This one genuinely surprised me. I was introduced to Ourself skincare and actually found their moisturizer to be drying so I kind of wrote off the whole brand. However, I decided to give the brightening serum a chance and it did not disappoint!
I use to use hydroquinone religiously when I was younger to tackle my hyperpigmentation resting on my upper lip. With constant use, hydroquinone comes with side effects such as rebound hyperpigmentation, irritation or the melanocytes becoming desensitized to the hydroquinone, yielding no further results. So I eventually left hydroquinone and transferred to Alastin’s A-luminate serum which kept pigment at bay. However, when I tried Ourself complexion brightening serum, the pigment reduced much further than I could have imagined! Basically gave the hydroquinone results without the blotchiness or irritation.
Why I love it
I use this as a spot treatment, especially on hormonal upper-lip pigmentation. Within two weeks, I noticed a visible difference. It’s the first product that’s matched the effectiveness of hydroquinone without the adverse reactions.
Why it works (science-backed)
This formula is doing something smarter than just bleaching pigment:
- MI9™ patented peptide: targets melanin signaling (working at the source)
- Tranexamic acid + 4-butylresorcinol: clinically supported for stubborn hyperpigmentation
- Niacinamide : calms inflammation and supports barrier repair
- Gentle retinoid (retinyl linoleate) : supports skin turnover without the irritation
Instead of aggressively stripping pigment, it works by interrupting the pathways that create discoloration which is especially important for skin that’s prone to rebound pigmentation or irritation.
Best for: hormonal melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, anyone trying to avoid hydroquinone
3. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega (1280 mg)
Internal Skin + Recovery Support
I truly believe these supplements have improved both my outward aesthetics and internal wellness.
Why I love it
I’m not someone who can typically recover well after getting poor sleep. However, since I’ve been taking these fish oil supplements, I feel dramatically better on days after poor sleep. I’m less inflamed, less foggy. Aesthetically I feel like the youthfulness has returned to my face. I was thinking that I looked younger, but was confirmed when my friends and family would ask what I was doing to my skin as I looked younger without me mentioning it. I’ve gotten more compliments on my skin than I have in years. I can’t pinpoint one thing, my skin just looks more youthful and healthy overall.
Why it works
High-quality fish oil provides EPA + DHA, which:
- Reduce systemic inflammation
- Support brain and mood regulation
- Integrate into cell membranes (including skin cells)
- Support skin barrier function and hydration
While fish oil isn’t a magic anti-aging pill, lowering inflammation internally often shows up externally as calmer skin, better hydration, and improved skin resilience.
Best for: Inflammation, skin health, recovery, mood support, overall wellness
4. Host Defense Cordyceps
Energy Without the Crash
This has been my quiet energy support. Caffeine makes me sleepy so I can’t drink coffee like most people to wake up and provide some energy for the day. Cordyceps are my coffee.
Why I love it
Cordyceps helps me feel steady and energized through the morning, instead of crashing an hour before lunch like I used to.
Why it works
Cordyceps have been studied for:
- Supporting energy metabolism
- Improving fatigue resistance in some populations
- Traditional use as an adaptogen (helping the body cope with physical stress)
While human research is still emerging, many people report more stable energy rather than stimulation which aligns with how I experience it.
Best for: afternoon crashes, low stamina, people sensitive to caffeine
5. Jump Roping
The Most Fun Cardio I’ve Found
Exercise is never a fun topic for me but jump roping takes the seriousness out of working out so it’s more enjoyment.
Why I love it
Jumping rope gets my heart rate up fast, feels playful, and makes cardio less intimidating. I also love that it’s easy to track progress more jumps, longer sets, better endurance.
Why it works
Jump rope:
- Elevates heart rate efficiently
- Builds coordination, balance, and endurance
- Strengthens calves, ankles, and core
- Improves cardiovascular fitness in short sessions
It’s also rhythmic and meditative which makes it easier to stay consistent.
Best for: beginners, busy schedules, people who hate traditional cardio
Conclusion
What I love about these December favorites is that they work together:
- Skin barrier support + tone correction
- Internal inflammation support
- Steady energy
- Joyful movement
None of these are extreme. None are quick fixes. But together, they’ve helped me feel more balanced, energized, and confident in my skin, which is always the goal.
If you’ve tried any of these, or want to, I’d love to hear your experience. That’s what Sonderbeaut is all about!
Also Read: The Most Impactful Skincare For My Skin
References
https://www.dannemking.com/product/super-serum/
https://www.nordic.com/products/ultimate-omega/?variant=39472192192696
https://hostdefense.com/collections/cordyceps-supplements?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17442839224&utm_content=&utm_term=&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A17442839224%3A%3A&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17543535345&gbraid=0AAAAABmpBGYwpUM4D5-G3cCFeaDIxdPY7&gclid=CjwKCAiA0eTJBhBaEiwA-Pa-hcATGBhy0SpiZqAGZf9REdF53awV4rtoRLhsTFMygkF7FnWUmaxGOxoC6sgQAvD_BwE
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299485153_Comparative_Training_Responses_to_Rope_Skipping_and_Jogging
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