With Spring bringing the promise of warmer weather, for many of us, the cold weather has wreaked havoc on our skin. During the winter months our skin can be subject to flaking, cracking, inflammation and dryness. This is not only caused by the cold, windy weather but also the heating and hot showers our skin is exposed to. Moisturisers that are used in the warmer months can be ineffective in winter, so it vital that the appropriate products are used to keep skin comfortable and well-hydrated.
Since winter conditions have different effects on your skin compared to summer, the ingredients to look for in your moisturisers are different. The ingredients that you should look for include petroleum jelly, glycerine, mineral oil, linoleic acid, ceramides and dimethicone. These ingredients prevent moisture loss and should be sought out when choosing your winter moisturisers. Richer creams will also be more effective at keeping your body hydrated.
Exfoliation is also vital to keep skin hydrated. Unlike moisturising, this should not be done on a daily basis; however, it is important that it is done once or twice a week so you can discard any dry and flaky skin. Couturing looks at the top products to rehydrate and revitalise your skin, just in time for Spring!
COUTURING RECOMMENDS:
FACE
Masks that are deeply hydrating are great to use in the winter months. Avoid harsh masks and alcohol based toners as they strip vital oils from your skin. Also stay away from clay based products as they draw out moisture that is necessary for winter.
Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream ($50) provides your face with the vital nutrients to keep your skin hydrated and protected from environmental damage. It will leave your skin feeling smooth and full of moisture throughout the day. This product is high in lioneic acid to replenish your dehydrated winter skin.
BODY
Body moisturisers should be applied straight after showering to rehydrate skin from the hot water and to lock in any surface moisture. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter ($48) is luxurious and will leave your skin with an incredible scent. This product is rich in shea butter for skin restoration and hydration and squalane, an oil derived from the olive and highly compatible with the skin’s natural oils.
HANDS
The skin on your hands is thinner than anywhere else on your body, so apply creams liberally and frequently. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($39) is the best-seller that your hands will love. With 20% shea butter and anti-oxidising vitamin E, the extracts in this hand cream will heal your dry and dehydrated hands to keep them moist in winter.
FEET
Your feet are one of the roughest parts of your body and it is vital that you take extra care of them. Exfoliants will help get rid of all the dead skin and help your moisturiser sink in faster. Kora Rejuvenating Foot Balm ($34.95) is a great moisturiser that contains a range of organic ingredients including essential oils and fatty acids. It will not only moisturise and rejuvenate the dry skin on your feet, but will also keep them feeling fresh.
LIPS
Your lips are one of the most exposed body parts to the cold and wind. To prevent cracking or bleeding it is important to use a lip balm or sunscreen. Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner ($42) can be used during the day and overnight. With Vitamin C, Vitamin E and SPF 15, this conditioner will hydrate, smooth and protect your lips. This product is extremely versatile and can be worn under lipstick as a moisturising base coat or applied at night for moisture treatment.
Leave a Reply