Your skin needs extra TLC during winter as the cold weather can cause damage to the protective outer layer.
Moving from warm temperatures indoors to cold temperatures outdoors causes your skin to lose moisture, resulting in dry, flaky and sometimes itchy skin.
Skin can appear to be dull and become more sensitive to products. We tested a few day creams to see how they fared:
UltraVine™ Rich Collagen Cream
Another star on the South African skincare scene is Stellenbosch based Theravine. The antioxidants found in grape derivatives are 50 times the strength of Vitamin E and 20 times the strength of Vitamin C.Their new luxurious treatment cream incorporates the latest technology of peptides and proteins, known as Trylagen™, restoring collagen levels by boosting, organizing and protecting the collagen, decreasing wrinkle depth of up to 35% after 30 days.
Theravine products are naturally derived, do not contain harmful alcohols, artificial fragrances, colorants, harmful petrochemicals or mineral oils.
For: Ageing skin.
RRP: R690
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Day Spa
The first thing that really appealed to me was how super light and how it was so quickly absorbed. The gel-cream consistency is a fresh and light, ensuring that it penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. The base is Vichy Thermal spa water - which contains 15 minerals which left my skin feeling hydrated and plumped. Hylarolic acid adds to the moisurising effect. My skin responded really well to this product and it was really refreshing to apply a light, water-based cream that didn’t leave any residue on the surface of my skin.
For: Dehydrated skins
RRP: R390
Sothys Hydra 3Ha Hydrating Cream
The Sothys Hydra 3HA cream is a luxurious gel-cream formula with hyaluronic acid. The lightweight texture of the cream, which although was quite rich, absorbed quickly into my skin and a little goes a long way. My makeup went on evenly and smoothly after applying this moisturiser and my skin felt hydrated throughout the day.
For: Mature skins
RRP: R995.00
Body Shop Roots of Strength Firming Shaping Cream
Inspired by Chinese medicine, containing 3 powerful root extracts that tighten the skin from the inside and makes it more elastic, Roots of Strength contains extract from ginger, ginseng and Stickmyrten (a circulatory herb that tones and strengthens the vascular walls).
The first thing that I noted was the spicy scent of this cream and then I felt the slight tingle from the stimulating herbs.A silky cream texture that isn’t greasy and leaves skin feeling refreshed. Being a Body Shop product all the ingredients are from sustainable sources:
For: Dry, mature skin
RRP: R250
Gatineau Aquamemory Moisture Replenish Cream-Gel
The gel-cream consistency of this product makes it one of my all-time favourites. The texture is a fresh and light, penetrating the deeper layers of the skin. It has a lovely fresh light aroma which lingers for a few seconds after application.
The active ingredients are marine algae and marine plants, restoring the hydrolipidic film and providing immediate and deeper hydration. Brown Algae Extract - prevents water loss and Sea Fennel improves the surface skin texture.
For: Dry, normal and dehydrated skin
RRP: R835.00
Lamelle Serra Restore Cream
Created by a South African dermatologist, Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Lamelle has long been the favourite of many South African aestheticians specialising in anti-ageing treatments. The Serra range was designed to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and to trap water in the skin, crucial for keeping the skin hydrated.
It’s light non-greasy formula is easily absorbed and left my skin feeling soft and silky. With a calming and soothing effect on dry skin and can be used morning and evening.
For: Dry skins
RRP: R490
Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream Normal/Combination
One of The Body Shop’s best sellers - this soft pink cream-gel is lightweight, easily absorbed facial moisturiser protects and locks in moisture all-day. It smells great and is super moisturizing yet not sticky. With the silky gel texture a little goes a long way, giving skin 48 hours of moisture.
For: Suitable for all skin types, even dry skin
RRP: R160
RVB SKINLAB Diego Dalla Palma moisturising day cream SPF15
Specifically formulated for normal and dry skins RVB have created this day cream to restore levels of hydration to balance the skin on a cellular level and regenerate. The fast absorbing moisturizing fluid cream has with soft silky texture.
I loved the slimline pump packaging - great for travelling and it contains SPF 15 - great for winter sun. After a few days my skin felt plumper and hydrated.
For: Normal to dry skins, all ages.
RRP: R860.00