When the temperature drops – even by just five degrees – it sucks moisture out the air. This dry air, together with indoor heating, icy winds and super hot showers can cause the skin to dry out. Luckily, there are a host of beauty products that work to replenish this lost moisture, restoring the skin’s health. Below are my four favourites, and I’m giving one lucky reader the opportunity to win them all 🙂
The Body Shop Hemp Rescue Balm (R235)
This little beauty had been sitting on my desk for about three months – unopened. That was till my daughter came to me asking how to treat a rather nasty, dry, and very rough patch on the side of her hand. I think the cause is due to her frequent hand washing, and very limited use of hand cream. I had to explain to her that, come winter, one has to use a hand cream often to keep skin soft and hydrated. But, no matter how much hand cream she applied, the rough, dry patch remained.
I then remembered The Body Shop Hemp Balm and applied a little of it onto the dry patch. And it worked a trick! The following day only the slightest bit of dry skin remained. Two more application saw it disappear completely. The balm is dermatologically tested and forms an oil-rich layer on very dry areas. It provides instant relief, protection and restoration. I’d highly recommend it for areas that tend to become super dry, like elbows, knees, knuckles, cuticles and even lips.
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (R2450)
When the skin ages, it naturally becomes drier. This is due to the loss or ceramides and fatty acids in the skin’s protective barrier. This compromises the skin and it loses the ability to repair itself. Not good news…
Thankfully there’s the Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 moisturiser and anti-ageing treatment. It’s formulated to restore skin lipids, while improving the skin’s smoothness, firmness, pores and overall radiance. It’s luxuriously rich formula absorbs quickly, and only takes 24 hours to improve the hydration levels in the skin.
Here’s how it works:
Lipids are natural compounds found in skin. While there are many kinds; ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are the dominant forms. With age, lipid production declines. As a consequence, skin’s natural functions may become impaired, impacting barrier function and skin’s natural repair.
Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is formulated with a maximized concentration of lipids: 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids. This unique formulation utilizes an optimized concentration of ingredients to work synergistically on restoring skin’s external barrier, supporting natural self-repair, and nourishing skin for improvement in signs of accelerated aging.
Bioderma Atoderm Nutri Protective Cleansing Cream (R240 for a 500ml)
I love this stuff, SO much! Essentially it is a cleansing cream for both face and body (but I’ve been using it mainly on my body) that’s soap, colour and paraben free. The whole family (even babies) can use it – but trust me – you’re going to want to keep it all for yourself.
The Atoderm range by Bioderma is aimed at dry to very dry skins and works to rebuild the hydrolipidic film. The milky formulation is a dream to use and lathers ever so slightly. It’s great for really dry and sensitive skin, as the ‘superfatting’ agents in the formula help the skin to biologically rebuild its hydrolipidic (protective) film – while limiting skin dryness. You can feel it working straight after you get out the shower – no more dry scales, just beautifully hydrated skin. I also like that it comes in a very easy on the eye, big ol’ 500ml pump bottle.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Lotion (R62.95)
I’ve been a fan of the Palmer’s range of body moisturisers for years now. Aside from being really affordable, they contain excellent ingredients that do a fantastic job of nourishing the skin. At the moment, I’m enjoying the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Lotion that’s made using Vitamin E, natural coconut oil and Tahitian Monoi.
Coconut oil is a magical ingredient, and contains properties that allow the skin to lock in moisture. Vitamin E is a great antioxidant and boosts skin renewal and regeneration. Dubbed the “Sacred Oil’ by Polynesian cultures, Monoi Oil has been used for centuries by islanders to keep their skin moisturised and protected from environmental elements.
This creamy body lotion is a bit like body butter; in the way it deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin. I also love how quickly it absorbs, (and I mean quickly) without leaving any trace whatsoever of oiliness. The fragrance reminds me a little of a tropical island, thanks to the Tahitian Monoi Oil. Best of all, it contains no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, sulfates or dyes – making it a good option for those with dry, sensitive skin.
GIVEAWAY
I’m giving one reader the opportunity to win all four of these products. To enter, leave a comment below this post telling me why you think you’ll enjoy using these products and which you’re most keen to try. Please ensure you leave your email address (only I can see it) so I can contact you, should you be the winner. I will draw the winner’s name next week Wednesday 14 June and notify them by email.
