This winter, your skincare mantra is: exfoliate, then hydrate. Here’s a reminder of why: As the temperature drops, so do humidity levels, causing us to lose more moisture from our skin into the air. Combine that with icy winds and indoor heating (both of which deplete your skin’s protective barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain water) and you have a recipe for dryness and flakiness.
It goes without saying that hydration is essential when it comes to treating dry skin — especially in harsh winter weather — but regularly exfoliating your skin is just as important. This is because it helps your skincare products absorb more easily and deeper since it’s removing a layer of dead skin cells that would otherwise prevent even the best moisturisers from penetrating the skin’s surface.
With that said, here are our picks for the best and most luxurious exfoliators and moisturisers you absolutely must have this winter season.
1. MESOESTETIC Hydra-Vital Face Mask
This intensive moisturising mask with hyaluronic acid and extracts of gentle viola tricolour does more than just hydrate; it also contains a biotechnological active ingredient called Urban D-tox to help protect against signs of ageing by reducing oxidative stress.
2. QMS Hydro Foam Hydrating Recovery Mask
Infused with skin-softening silk proteins, hydrating hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory jojoba oil, this foam mask instantly melts into skin for radiant results.
3. IMAGE VITAL C hydrating enzyme masque
Formulated with two forms of vitamin C, which means double the brightening boost, plus gently exfoliating fruit enzymes, this is the mask your dry, dull winter skin is in desperate need of.
4. sk.in marvel | hydro shot
The star ingredient in this serum is a hyaluronic acid complex, which provides multi-level hydration with different molecular weights of HA. With the addition of vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, as well as ceramides to restore the skin barrier, this powerful formula seals in moisture.
5. SKINCEUTICALS H.A. Intensifier
SkinMiles shoppers love this serum that’s proven to boost your skin’s hyaluronic acid level. Results include improved hydration and smoother, firmer skin.
6. ESTHEDERM Intensive Hyaluronic Serum
This highly concentrated serum promises intense hydration at the surface and deeper skin layers. Look forward to a more youthful and plump appearance.
7. LAMELLE Serra Soothing Cream
By helping to replenish your lipid barrier, this ultra-soothing cream locks hydration into the skin. It’s perfect for treating dry, inflamed skin in need of serious TLC.
8. NEOSTRATA Renewal Cream
With ingredients like gluconolactone (a polyhydroxy acid that gently resurfaces and hydrates sensitive skin) and pro-retinol (a milder form of retinol), this renewal cream delivers improvements to skin’s texture and tone.
9. KSURGERY LABORATORIES Plumping Filler Cream
Nourish your skin overnight with this plumping cream. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, beeswax and a mix of plant extracts to restore and revitalise dry, damaged skin.
10. OBAGI Hydrate Luxe
Apply this luxurious shea butter and peptide cream every night before bed, and wake up to a softer, more radiant complexion.
11. IMAGE AGELESS total microderm exfoliator
This microdermabrasion-inspired exfoliating treatment combines chemical, physical and enzymatic exfoliants in one system to refine uneven texture and smooth skin.
12. ZO® SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish
This exfoliating polish uses ultra-fine magnesium crystals to gently remove dead skin cells. It also contains antioxidants to protect and soothe the skin.
13. EXUVIANCE Professional Glycolic Polish
With a combo of both physical and chemical exfoliators, this face polish uses glycolic acid and alumina crystals to gently yet effectively remove dead skin cells for brighter, more radiant skin.
14. TEAM Dr JOSEPH Gentle Clarifying Enzyme Peel
If silky, soft skin is your goal, look no further than this gentle clarifying enzyme peel that uses papaya and pineapple extract to dissolve dead skin without irritating it.
15. JORGOBÉ Refreshing Scrub Mask
This face scrub/mask hybrid uses jojoba beads to gently remove impurities and leave the complexion looking refreshed with a radiant glow.
