Ahh, the joys of winter. And what it does too our poor skin! Layer on cold low humidity air with indoor heating and all essential moisture in the skin is dramatically lost leaving a more fragile, irritated, and damaged skin barrier. So, what can we do to prevent the ravages of winter on our delicate complexions? Fret not, here are 5 powerhouse ingredients that your skin needs and wants in the cooler months…
HYALURONIC ACID
What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance (known as a glycosaminoglycan) that is found in the body’s connective tissues like your eyes and joints. This lubricant cushions and protects the structures of the body and supports your skin’s structure, keeping connective tissues and organs (including your skin) hydrated, plump and healthy. It is a key molecule called a ‘humectant’ in anti-ageing because when our skin starts to mature (in our 30’s) we start to lose our natural levels of it and a key reason for premature skin ageing is a loss of natural moisture.
Key skin benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare: Supremely locks in moisture, diffuses the appearance of fine lines, wound healing, reduces the appearance of skin redness, improves the flexibility of the skin, softens the texture of the skin.
Interesting fact: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (moisture carrier) that carries 1000 times its weight in water meaning when you use it topically, your skin stays hydrated all day long!
Recommended Winter skincare product with Hyaluronic Acid: Oz Fraiche Copper PCA Revitalising Cream wonderfully soothes, protects, and plumps the skin for ultimate skin comfort. Targets irritated and dehydrated skin with quenching hydrators like a high dose of Hyaluronic Acid plus Pentavitin, Copper PCA and quality organic extracts like Chamomile and Rose water.
CERAMIDES
What are Ceramides? Ceramides are essential lipids (naturally found within our body) but reduce as we age. These lipids/fats make up 50% of the skin's composition holding our skin cells together and keeping the skin barrier strong and preventing dehydration. When we hit our 30’s it’s important to ‘top up’ these fatty acids for optimal skin health, strength, and protection.
Key benefits of Ceramides in skincare: Ceramides help retain water in the skin, nourish, plump, soften, repair, and slow down the ageing process. Ceramides are important for both a healthy appearance, and for healthy functioning skin.
Interesting fact: Ceramides are considered to be the most important natural lipid in the skin barrier!
Recommended Winter skincare product with Ceramides: God’s Nectar Ceramide Renewal Oil contains an active complex of biocompatible Ceramides, Hemp and Maruna oils to repair and regenerate the skin’s fragile barrier. The results are the appearance of a more youthful-looking skin buoyancy, greater skin suppleness, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and skin-drying irritation relief for perfect skin comfort.
VITAMIN C
What is Vitamin C? Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a key nutrient the body needs for many reasons including blood circulation, muscle and bone health, and your body’s overall healing process. it is also a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radical damage.
Key benefits of Vitamin C in skincare: Vitamin C has been proven to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and potent antioxidant as well as collagen synthesiser. It is a super saver for skin dullness and pigmentation, sun damage, and for fatigue as it improves blood circulation in the skin.
Interesting fact: Your body doesn't produce vitamin C on its own, so you need to get an adequate intake through your diet and topical skincare!
Recommended Winter skincare product with Vitamin C: Ultra Bright Vitamin C Serum: boosts skin brightening, radiance and skin repair to prevent dullness & wrinkles with the strongest Vitamin C (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) and skin-brightening organic extracts.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA’S)
What are AHA’s? AHA’s are water-soluble acids that come primarily from sugary fruits (Glycolic acid (sugar), Malic acid (from apples), Citric acid (citrus fruits), Lactic acid (from milk products/lactose) and Tartaric acid (from grapes and wine). In skincare, they work on the very top layer of the skin and exfoliate it (remove surface dead skin cells) by breaking down the glue that holds the cells together. A way to think about it is this: think of skin cells as ‘bricks’ – AHA’s would break down the ‘cement’ keeping those ‘bricks’ together. Being water soluble only, they can’t penetrate too deeply (through oil) so they are quite safe to use regularly.
Key benefits of AHA’s in skincare: AHA’s work on the top layer of the skin to resurface and brighten it, decrease the appearance of large pores and surface wrinkles, and improve your overall skin tone and texture. As they work to remove dead skin cells, AHA”s also enhance the penetration of your skincare treatments.
Interesting fact: AHA’s are known to prevent acne breakouts!
Recommended Winter skincare product with AHA’s: Dark Spot Correction Concentrate Pen: isa targeted and concentrated treatment that directly targets pigmentation with Biovitamin C Glucoside and an intensive AHA complex with Lime Pearl Caviar.
ALOE VERA
What is Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera is a nutrient-packed succulent plant, which has over 400 types of species and is renowned in both the medical and beauty industry for their incredible skin benefits. Its sticky greenish gel is enriched with water and a multitude of vitamins such as A, V, C, D and E as well as minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Key benefits of Aloe Vera in skincare: Aloe Vera contains anti-ageing polysaccharides. Additionally, Aloe wonderfully soothes angry and inflamed skin, aids in skin healing, and also hydrates and softens the skin.
Interesting fact: Aloe Vera was favoured by Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra who applied the gel to her skin as part of her beauty ritual.
Recommended Winter skincare product with Aloe Vera: Erda Daily Glow Toning Cleanser: non-stripping and enriched with Aloe Vera, this antibacterial facial wash is perfect for any skin type, and gently purifies the skin while boosting radiance and skin circulation with Cinnamon.
