As the seasons' change, so does our skin. Founder of Lulu and Marula Jesslyn Shepard shares some expert tips to help you make a smooth transition with your skincare as we head into the colder months.
GLAMOUR: What are the signs to look out for when it comes to changing your skincare routine?
JESSLYN SHEPARD: There are many signs depending on age but some common signs that include all ages when the weather is getting cooler include dryness or flakiness of the skin on the cheek and forehead area, dullness or lack of radiance. Queue exfoliate and hydrate. Exfoliating will help boost cell turnover and slough away the dry skin cells on the surface revealing a smoother and fresher complexion. This also allows the skin to fully absorb leave-on products like mists, serums and oils which will provide hydration and moisture.
GLAMOUR: What is the most important part of a skincare routine?
JS: The two most important steps in a skincare routine are cleansing and moisturising. Even if you don’t get around to exfoliating or applying active products on a daily basis, as long as you are washing off your SPF and dirt/oil build-up from the day and then applying a layer of moisture (can be a cream or facial oil) you’re good to go.
GLAMOUR: What's the best way to handle sensitive skin especially in cooler months?
JS: The best way to handle sensitive skin in the cooler months is to keep the outermost protective layer of the skin healthy and strong with products that boost hydration and lock in moisture. Stay away from heavily fragranced products and use a thicker product to create a barrier, preventing water loss while enriching the outer oily layer.
GLAMOUR: Which ingredients should we be looking for in products (especially in colder months) and what are they targeted at?
JS: Good quality plant oils such as Baobab, Marula, Jojoba in their pure form, not added to a lotion at a tiny percentage. These will boost the skin’s protective barrier keeping skin supple and more youthful. Anti-oxidant rich ingredients like Rosehip, Vitamin E Acetate, Broccoli Seed will help to alleviate damage from sun and UV exposure. Exfoliating acids like Salicylic and Glycolic are great on most skins, they’ll boost cell regeneration and help to maintain smooth, radiant skin.
GLAMOUR: Why is sunscreen still important even in winter?
JS: Sun rays are made up of 3 different UV rays which all have the capacity to cause skin damage and are linked to cancer. The more damaging UVA rays are able to penetrate deeper layers in the skin causing non-visible damage which will only appear years later. UVA rays account for 95% of the sun’s radiation that hits earth, this is classified as during the day when it is light. Rule of thumb, if it’s light outside, you’re exposed!
GLAMOUR: Why is hydration in products vital? What does it help with?
JS: The skin needs both water and oil. Hydrating ingredients in products mean that they are water-based. They are intended to absorb into the deeper layer of the skin where water is contained. A large component over the water that’s in the skin is obtained from the products we apply, not so much from the water we drink. Other hydrating ingredients work by attracting water from the outside environment
GLAMOUR: One myth and One truth (that not many people are aware of) when it comes to skincare?
JS: Myth: Oily skin needs harsh cleansers and mattifying products to absorb excess oil. False, Oily skin could very well indicate a skin that is lacking oil and needs oil in the skincare routine. A lack of oil causes the skin to produce oil in excess in an attempt to keep the protective barrier intact.
Truth: Nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the deeper layers of the skin through the bloodstream, what you put in your body really does have an impact on the skin. Exercise is important because it boosts the amount of oxygenated blood in the body and therefore the amount going to the skin. More nutrients and oxygen = faster healing and better overall skin health.
GLAMOUR: What is the purpose of serums and please share everything in between that we need to know?
JS: This is where to spend your money from 30 years and up, anything below that age would be a waste as the skin won’t benefit unless prescribed by a dermatologist. These are the products that contain active ingredients to target specific skin concerns and are usually highly concentrated. So you don’t use it a lot and will see results. Serums target many things but the most popular are fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness, breakouts, scars and dark marks. A serum is a lightweight liquid or gel that absorbs quickly into the skin and shouldn’t feel like it could replace a moisturiser. Serums can be oil or water-based, more commonly water-based. They’re applied to cleansed skin after toning or misting and before a facial moisturiser or oil. Not all serums are suitable for all skin types unless it says so on the label, serums are targeted formulations for specific concerns. Always perform a patch test behind the ear before applying it to your whole face.
GLAMOUR: What is the importance and benefits of masking and purifying your skin?
JS: The function of a mask is to exfoliate the skin by removing the very top layer of dry, dead skin cells resulting in a clean canvas for your active products to absorb properly. Masks that contain clays are great because the actively loosen and draw dirt out of the pores. Use twice a week for optimal results.
GLAMOUR: Which products/ingredients should you definitely ditch in the colder seasons?
JS: Rather than products to ditch, perhaps products to include. Cooler months tend to be more drying for the skin, from the colder air and wind to dry inside air. Avoid any products that include words like “mattifying” or “absorbs oil” and rather stock up on products to keep moisture levels up and balance oil production. Include a richer facial oil than the one you use in the summer months and keep up with exfoliation. It’s also a good time to tackle pigmentation as it’s easier to avoid the sun and stay indoors during the colder months. Never ditch your SPF if you’re going to be outdoors, no matter the season.
