I’m not a fan of winter. Yes, I get to wear gorgeous boots, paired with an even more magnificent coat, but that doesn’t negate the fact that I do not enjoy the cold. Aside from leaving me shivering, winter in South Africa is incredibly drying for my skin, and that’s no fun.
Not only is dry skin uncomfortable, but it also affects product absorption, and, considering how much I spend on skincare products, that’s not something I’m comfortable with. So, to help me combat dry skin during the next few weeks, here are my favourite anti-winter, hydrating serums.
Hydrating Winter Serums
1. Fundamentals Skincare 5% Glycolic Acid
Face acids are my favourite skincare ingredients because they not only serve to exfoliate the skin, but they also provide other benefits simultaneously.
One stand-out face acid is glycolic acid, most popular for its ability to boost collagen production and support skin moisture,
“Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from sugar cane… AHAs are natural acids that come from plants that consist of tiny molecules that are very easy for your skin to absorb.” explains Natasha Davel, skin expert.
With that said, it’s no wonder that the Fundamentals Skincare 5% Glycolic Acid serum is on my list. Thanks to the presence of glycolic acid, this serum not only keeps my skin hydrated, but it also targets pigmentation, protects against sun damage (yes, the sun still shines in winter) and sheds dead skin cells, leaving with me with a supple and hydrated appearance.
Grab the Fundamentals Skin 5% Glycolic Acid serum for R150.00 here.
2. Sknlogic Hydrating Serum
Let’s talk some more about acids that are good for the skin.
Unlike glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid isn’t an acid that you can only get from external products, as the body naturally produces it.
Unfortunately, like many things that come with age (hope, desires, the will to live, etc.), hyaluronic acid levels decline, resulting in dry skin and premature signs of ageing.
Thankfully, Sknlogic’s Hydrating Serum not only combats the declining levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin, but it also promotes other benefits that include antioxidant protection and even skin tone—thanks to the presence of vitamins C &E, and lactic acid.
Get your much-needed dose of hyaluronic acid for R257.00 here.
3. HADA LABO Premium Super Deep Hydrator
Remember me mentioning how amazing hyaluronic acid is? Well, the Hada Labo Premium Super Deep Hydrator actually features 7 types of hyaluronic acid.
Thanks to its ridiculously hydrating formulation, this easily absorbed lotion works is the perfect answer to dry and aged skin.
Embrace all the sides of hyaluronic acid for R359.00 here.
4. Elizabeth Arden Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules Strengthening & Refining Serum
Do you know what’s funny? Despite it being winter, I still struggle with oily skin. The combination of dry and oily skin is as fun as it sounds, but thankfully, Elizabeth Arden has a way out of that discomfort with their Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules.
Ceramides are found in the body, but their levels decrease as we age. As they help to maintain a healthy skin barrier, and hydration, their depletion isn’t exactly good news. Yet, what is good news is Elizabeth Arden’s ceramide capsules catered to those dealing with combination skin.
The Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules contain phytoceramides, which nourishes the skin, and alleviates dryness, cyclopeptides, which improve skin elasticity and hemisqualane, which not only controls sebum production, preventing oiliness, but also improves skin hydration and moisture retention.
Get your hands on 30 capsules for R715.00 here.
5. Endocare Renewal Retinol Serum
Have you ever heard of retinol? Well, if you’re over the age of 25, then it should be your best friend.
Granted, it’s hard to think of ageing when the world rewards you for being 25, but the day will come when you’re not, and you’re going to want to have retinol by your side.
You may think of retinol as an anti-wrinkle ingredient, but it’s much more than that. Retinol can prevent dry skin by getting rid of dead skin cells, and it also helps to unclog pores and encourage collagen production.
The Endocare Renewal Retinol serum not only features retinol, but it also has our favourite girl, hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide and bisabolol. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B that boosts hydration and combats dark spots, whereas bisabolol makes you look like you’re still 25 by reducing the signs of aging.
Get your duo dose of retinol and hyaluronic acid for R1200.00 here.
As I said, I do not enjoy winter, but with these serums in my arsenal, perhaps the upcoming days won’t feel as cold.
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