If this cold snap has left your skin feeling parched, we have the answer below in a range of new skincare with hydration in mind. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the skincare she is using right now..
Our skin needs to be flooded with moisture to say hydrated and look smooth. That means it needs a blend of oil and moisture. Moisture comes from humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin; these ingredients attract and bind water into the skin. While oils such as jojoba, argan, or rosehip nourish and provide essential fatty acids to enhance the skin's natural barrier function. When this performs at its best, your skin’s barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. Both moisture and oil work in harmony to keep the skin hydrated and happy. Available online and in-store at Life Pharmacy now.
DERMALOGICA OIL TO FOAM Total CLEANSER, $115.
For busy people who want a clean, hydrated, happy complexion, this one-step oil-to-foam cleanser removes makeup, stubborn sunscreen, and the day’s grime swiftly without leaving skin with that tight, dry feeling in its wake. And while cleanser may be the hardest working product in your skincare routine, this newbie has nourishing benefits. It is loaded with plant extracts, like sea buckthorn, camellia seed extract; orange and mandarin peel oils; lavender oil; (make it smell delicious, too), vitamin E, and a generous helping of coconut fatty acids.
To use: Ideal to use in the shower on damp skin; you only need a few drops, then massage the oil as it turns into foam over the face and eyes. Rinse off with warm water.
CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL Day CREAM SPF15, $90.
If your skin feels dehydrated, that moisture magnet hyaluronic acid comes in two molecular weights to nourish the skin deeply. The organic leaf of life extract helps protect the skin from dehydration. In contrast, the blend of anti-pollution antioxidants, including white horehound, Edelweiss and succory dock-cress extracts, protect the skin from the daily assaults of our harsh environment. Then to top off the benefits of this deliciously hydrated plant-based moisturiser, it’s boosted with an SPF 15. But it’s the silky texture that melts into the skin that makes me reach for this cream daily. There is also a lightweight Emulsion (lotion) and Night cream in the Hydra-Essentiel collection.
To use: This is a day cream over a serum, under makeup.
Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Activating Essence, $149.
The idea of an essence is to boost hydration in the skin before you apply a moisturiser. Case in point with this skin-clarify fast-penetrating lightweight lotion. It’s stacked with potent fermented kefir essence, witch hazel leaf extract, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. But it’s the clever activeRED technology that helps the skin absorb what it needs and carry out what it doesn’t. This essence is perfect for treating visible pores, blemishes, dullness and dehydrated skin. Finally, it’s lightly scented with finished with jasmine - gorgeous.
To use: After cleansing before a serum or moisturiser. Pour the lotion into your palm and gently tap it into the skin with your fingers.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto replenishing Hydrator, $159.
Moisture surge is the jewel in Clinique’s crown as far as we are concerned. It has a firm fan base for the instantly refreshing boost it gives the skin. While oil-free, it’s still super nourishing thanks to the aloe bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid that sinks deep into the skin; the brand promises to keep your skin hydrated for 100 hours - and it delivers.
To use: Day and night, pressed into clean, dry skin.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer, $66.
This a primer serum hybrid. Why? Skincare ingredients, namely microfluidic technology, power it; with oil droplets suspended in a hydrating gel. It glides on the skin, and its job is to boost moisture thanks to hyaluronic acid and soluble collagen to firm the skin while helping your foundation stay put longer and giving your skin a dewy glow - it’s brilliant. Our only complaint is that it needs to come in a one-litre bottle. BTW it’s suitable for any skin type.
To use: Apply to well-moisturised skin after SPF before makeup.
The latest skin-changing innovation.