When the weather starts to change, so do the needs of your skin. Once it starts getting cooler and the temperature drops, it’s important to keep skin hydrated and healthy. “As the humidity decreases, skin becomes increasingly dry and itchy as local skin tissue releases more histamine, which can cause irritation and discomfort,” says Dr. S K Hui, a dermatology specialist and Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. “Winter can exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, so it’s important to keep the skin moisturised, and try to avoid scratching as much as possible.”
Ultra-hydrating products and oils are useful in cold weather for keeping moisture in and improving skin tone and quality. Here are a few must-haves for the oncoming colder climes.
Sulwhasoo’s Overnight Vitalising Mask
Overnight masks are the lazy girl’s way to keep skin smooth, hydrated and looking its best with minimal effort. Famed Korean brand Sulwhasoo’s overnight mask creates an essential layer of moisture on the skin, improving the absorption of nourishing ingredients while you sleep. Containing Acutelobed Angelica and Pomegranate to brighten the face, it also improves the skin’s vitality with Walnut and White Mulberry. Apply the mask during the final stages of your night-time skincare regime, massaging it into the skin for added benefits. In the morning, wash the mask off with lukewarm water while avoiding the use of any cleansing foam or soap.
Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate
Keep the body looking toned and sleek this winter with this concentrated cleansing treatment from French brand Clarins that also helps keep skin hydrated and healthy. True to their commitment to using 100% plant extracts, this bath and shower concentrate uses Rosemary, Mint and Geranium to invigorate and Gentian and Pine to cleanse and refine. This lightly lathering wash doesn’t dry out the skin, instead, it gently cleanses leaving skin soft and freshly scented, perfect for keeping the dryness of winter at bay. Can be used in the shower or in a bath where a capful in the warm water will release its aromatic properties and leave both body and mind refreshed.
Eve Lom’s Intense Hydration Serum
To be applied under one’s moisturiser, a serum delivers much-needed nutrients in a more direct, effective method to the skins many layers. This intensive moisturising treatment keeps skin hydrated, protected and youthful. It boosts the levels of Hyaluron, a naturally-produced compound that rehydrates parched and stressed skin. Used with Eve Lom’s TLC Radiance Cream, the serum increases the effectiveness of vitamin C and maximises the anti-oxidant effects of the product.
La Mer’s Moisturizing Soft Cream
Needing no introduction, La Mer’s famous Moisturising Soft Cream takes the sea as inspiration for its ultra-hydrating ingredients. Designed to deeply penetrate the skin and hydrate from the inside out, it contains the brand’s Miracle Broth which features the regenerating, nourishing and moisture-retaining properties of sea kelp. It’s also packed full of vitamins C, E and B12. The Lime Tea extract adds to the mix by releasing powerful anti-oxidants and replenishing moisture. Its light, non-greasy texture combats dry skin without being overly oily or heavy on the skin.
Aromatherapy Associates’ Soothing Skincare Oil
Launched last year, Aromatherapy Associates’ Soothing Skincare line was specially designed for those with dry, sensitive skin which might be prone to eczema and rosacea. It is also an ideal choice for the winter season thanks to its formulation with prebiotics that are ideal for their reparative properties and which hydrate and enhance the skin’s barrier function. Containing soothing chamomile and softening cotton thistle it is both soothing and protective. Try the Soothing Face Oil that supports the skin’s natural healing process, reduces redness and maintains a healthy look and feel for dry, irritated skin.
Using their Dynamic Collagen™ technology designed to regenerate weakened collagen, creating a new, healthy layer for younger-looking skin, this new product from Laneige freezes five ageing factors (without drying out your skin). Loss of skin firmness, fine lines and wrinkles, skin dryness, rough skin texture and dull skin are all improved with this essence, which gives the surface of the skin a stronger, resilient finish. The product comes in an airless pump bottle to minimise wastage of the product.
