Skincare

The creams and balms you really need to be using

Cool weather demands rich creams, oils and balms to keep skin supple and hydrated. Elise Wilson presents her top picks.

Now that summer is officially over, you’ll have switched your wardrobe from light layers to snug jumpers and coats. But what about your skincare? Skin needs extra protection from the elements, too.

“Our skin gets dry in winter because we have a drop in the humidity in the air,” says Dr Dendy Engelman, consulting dermatologist for Elizabeth Arden. In cooler conditions, she explains, skin is less able to protect itself. “We have to add moisture externally with good emollients and oils year-round, but most specifically during the drier winter months.”

  1. Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream SPF30, $265. 2. Clarins Anti-Eau Contour Body Treatment Oil, $82. 3. MDRejuvena Rejuvaphyl Ultra Rich Hydration, $202. 4. Clarins Anti-Eau Contour Body Treatment Oil, $82. 5. Aesop Redemption Body Scrub, $43. 6. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body oil, $125. 7. Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads, $79.

To counter the dehydrating effects of harsh weather outside and indoor heating, Dr Engelman recommends swapping exfoliating or foaming cleansers, which can irritate sensitised skin in winter, for gentle, moisturising formulations. “I love oil cleansers,” she says.

“They do a great job at removing dirt, oil and make-up from the skin, but don’t over-strip it.” Tackling dry skin on elbows, knees and feet also requires more intense formulations. “The rule of thumb is that lotions are less hydrating than creams, which are less hydrating than ointments. The thicker the formulation the more humectant there is in it, so it will hydrate the skin more,” she says.

  1. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $69. 2. Guerlain Gommage de Beauté, $116. 3. Decléor Aroma White C+ Brightening Cleansing Oil, $72. 4. Environ Skin EssentiA Pre-Cleansing Oil, $49.

Body scrubs work wonders at home to keep skin supple by sloughing away dead cells – but a visit to a facialist is a must if you want to get the most out of your winter skincare routine, says Taryn Johnstone, national training manager for Caci. “A chemical exfoliator, such as glycolic acid, helps to dissolve the sebum that holds dead skin cells together,” she explains. “Gently removing this outer layer allows your serums and moisturisers to work at a deeper level for increased hydration and healthier skin.”

Words: Elise Wilson

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