Hydrate your skin by adding hyaluronic acid-rich serums and moisturisers.
Hydrate your skin by adding hyaluronic acid-rich serums and moisturisers.
Image: 123RF / rido

Whether you have a comprehensive skincare regimen, or are just looking for the essentials, adapting your skincare routine for the changing climate is important. Not only does it bolster your skin for the extreme temperatures and environmental aggressors, but it also gives your skin the ingredients it needs to be healthier. 

As a rule of thumb, during summer, the main skin priorities are to keep the skin protected from excessive sun exposure, as well as to gravitate towards lighter product formulations to keep the skin happy. When winter comes around, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on treating skin concerns and keeping the skin’s hydration and barrier-health up.

1. Focus on treating stubborn pigmentation

Pigmentation is a constant battle, and there is never just one clear-cut reason for its cause (nor is there a quick fix). It can be caused by several factors, hormonal changes, sun exposure — even skin inflammation. Treat pigmentation by adding in a vitamin C serum and antioxidant-rich products in the morning to help brighten skin tone and gradually fade dark spots. The added benefit of vitamin C is that it also gives the skin great antioxidant protection from free radical damage and environmental aggressors. 

For her: WBeauty Brightening Radiance Skin Concentrate, R349.

WBeauty Brightening Radiance Skin Concentrate.
WBeauty Brightening Radiance Skin Concentrate.
Image: Supplied

For him: The Grey Recovery Face Serum 30ml, R1,965.

The Grey Recovery Face Serum.
The Grey Recovery Face Serum.
Image: Supplied

2. Add facial oils to improve skin moisture retention

The importance of oils in your winter skincare routine will never get old. They are great at treating dry skin and replenishing lipid levels in the skin, as well as helping the skin retain moisture. Oils may have a bad rep for potentially causing overly oily and greasy skin, or causing the skin to breakout — but applying dry facial oils (natural oils such as jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, or squalene) either mixed into moisturiser or layered over your moisturised face, will help prevent transdermal water loss by creating a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture, and increases the moisture levels within the skin. 

For her: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil 100ml, R545.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale Multi-Purpose Dry Oil.
Image: Supplied

For him: Comfort Zone Renight Oil 30ml, R735.

Comfort Zone Renight Oil.
Comfort Zone Renight Oil.
Image: Supplied

3. Chemical exfoliation is the way to go

As the skin tends to be drier when the temperature drops, it’s essential to add more frequent exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells from the topmost layers of the skin. Practising regular exfoliation helps with better product absorption, but it is important to keep in mind that over-exfoliation can be too abrasive and damaging to the skin. Avoid using physical exfoliators such as granular facial scrubs as they are too rough. Rather, opt for chemical exfoliators with AHAs as ingredients.  AHAs refers to a group of both natural and synthetic acids — such as lactic acid — that exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. 

For her: Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily Glow AHA Tonic 250ml, R695.

Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily Glow AHA Tonic.
Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily Glow AHA Tonic.
Image: Supplied

For him: Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter 90ml, R715.

Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter.
Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter.
Image: Supplied

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Give your skin a tall glass of water to drink, and prevent dehydration by adding hyaluronic acid-rich serums and moisturisers.  Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient for absorbing water into the skin cells like a magnet, stimulating the production of collagen, reducing fine lines, and keeping the skin feeling — and looking — plump. Amplify the cooling, hydrating feeling on the skin by going for gel or jelly textures that glide onto and absorb easily into the skin. 

For her: Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 50ml, R550.

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator.
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator.
Image: Supplied

For him: Lab Series Age Rescue Water Charged Gel Cream 50ml, R820.

Lab Series Age Rescue Water Charged Gel Cream.
Lab Series Age Rescue Water Charged Gel Cream.
Image: Supplied
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