Combat dehydration and keep dryness at bay by looking for products that harness the hydrating powers of our five favourite ingredients

Winter isn’t always kind to skin.

Harsh weather, winter ills and frequent changes in temperature as we leave our cozy homes and venture outdoors can wreak havoc on your complexion.

This season, offer your skin a little extra TLC by bolstering your skincare regimen with products that promise to restore skin to its hydrated, glowing best.

But finding the right products to do so isn’t always easy, so to help you on your way we’ve compiled our five favourite moisturising skincare ingredients to look out for if hydration is the aim of your skincare game.

1. HYALURONIC ACID
When it comes to hydration, hyaluronic acid reigns supreme. Revered by skincare aficionados, dermatologists and estheticians alike, hyaluronic acid is able to retain up to one thousand times its own weight in water. Talk about heavy lifting! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs within the body, meaning it is highly unlikely to cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. When present in skincare, hyaluronic acid is derived from fermented wheat. Keep your eyes peeled for other forms of hyaluronic acid like sodium hyaluronate, which goes by a different name but posse

sses the same moisturising benefits.

Products to try: 
Aspect Dr Eye Lift, $140
Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum, $140
Aspect Dr Ultra Lightweight, $99
Aspect Dr Super Moisturising Complex, $93
Societe Peptide Gel Mask 5pk, $149

2. GLYCERIN

In skincare, humectants draw water to themselves, therefore helping preserve and retain moisture in the skin. One of the most popular of all humectants is glycerin, a water-soluble molecule that helps trap water deep within the skin’s epidermis. Using products containing glycerin means water is also drawn to the skin, leaving it feeling more hydrated and nourished. This colourless, odorless liquid is derived from plant sources, and is able to help protect the skin’s delicate barrier function, rendering it an ideal option for use in winter.

Products to try:
Aspect Dr Cleansing Micellar Water, $45
Aspect Dr Mild Cleanser, $59

3. LACTIC ACID
Typically, we consider acids like glycolic, lactic and polyhydroxy acids as exfoliants, but interestingly, they also possess humectant properties. Incorporating products containing lactic acid in your skincare regimen will help keep skin moisturised and feeling less dry. Hydration aside, lactic acid boasts a host of other skin-loving benefits, including combating the visible signs of ageing, stimulating collagen renewal, fading hyperpigmentation and sloughing away dead skin cells. It’s important to note that lactic acid should not be used as your only source of hydration, so layer up a product containing lactic acid with a super hydrator like hyaluronic acid to lock in all of that dewy goodness.
Products to try:
Aspect Dr Deep Clean, $59
Cosmedix Define, $144.90

4. SHEA BUTTER
Whether smoothed over limbs or massaged into your face, shea butter is an excellent option for restoring moisture to the skin. The yellow-hued fat originates from the nut of the African shea tree, and is commonly used in cosmetics as a moisturiser, lotion or cream. Shea butter contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins which helps to soften, condition and tone skin, while its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritation.
Products to try:
Cosmedix Humidify Moisture Cream, $145

Aspect Dr Hydrating Mask, $65
Cosmedix Emulsion, $145

5. VITAMIN E
What would this list be without including vitamin E! This fat-soluble antioxidant has been used in skincare for centuries for its hydrating and anti-ageing effects. Vitamin E is easily absorbed into the body, whether applied topically through skincare or internally via supplementation. But the myriad benefits of vitamin E extend far beyond healthy, glowing skin – it also helps promote a healthy immune system, supports cell renewal and combats the effects of free radicals.
Products to try:
Aspect Dr Redless, $140
Cosmedix Affirm, $159

Aspect Dr Resveretrol, $105

Cosmedix Eye Genius, $122.50

Mooi Skin’s Business and Marketing Advisor, Rachael, shares with us what her favourite product of the month is!

Your name is… Rachael Hedges

Your role is… Mooi Skin Business and Marketing Advisor & Recent Facial Addict

Your personal why is… I help businesses to add meaning in their marketing and business

Which is your favourite product for the month?
My product of the month is the Aspect Hydrating Mask

Why have you chosen this product?
This product is just amazing for people with dry winter skin. I don’t know about you, but come winter my skin is as dry as the Sahara. A combination of being exposed to heaters/aircon and the elements means my skin really needs some extra loving.

The Aspect hydrating mask is perfect for putting moisture back into my face. It is rehab for dry, stressed skin. The luxe mask contains a blend of hydrating ingredients and antioxidants to help combat the visible signs of aging.

• Hydrates
• Nourishes
• Antioxidant protection
• Calming
• Increases moisture content

How do you apply the product?
Usage AM or PM: Apply a large pearl-sized amount to clean skin and spread over face evenly. Leave for 10–15 mins. Remove with a damp cloth using a gentle, sweeping action. Follow with serums and moisturisers. Repeat 1-2 times a week or as required.

Tip: I like to leave mine on overnight to optimise hydration.

Key Ingredients:
Vitamin A, B, C & E | A powerhouse vitamin complex to help smooth skin texture and illuminate appearance.

Shea Butter | For intense hydration.

Sodium Hyaluronate | A form of hyaluronic acid that helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Are there any other products that go well with this one?
I am using this in combination with the Aspect Super Moisturising Complex which was recommended to me by the lovely Pyper at Mooi Skin to keep the hydration levels up in my skin during the day.

Did I mention my face is like the Sahara?!

Who would best suit this product?
Anyone with dehydrated, dry skin.

Mooi Skin’s Founder, Haley, shares with us what her favourite product of the month is! 

Your name is… Haley Asbridge

Your role is… Mooi Skin Founder

Your personal why is… To enhance confidence through healthy glowing skin.

Which is your favourite product for the month?
Cosmedix Pure Enzymes

Why have you chosen this product?
This product is a great exfoliant which removes surface cells and clogged pores while nourishing with Cranberry and lactic acid. It leaves the skin looking so bright and it feels so smooth afterwards.

It is great for all year round but I do love it in winter as it breaks down all of the dry dead skin that sits on the surface during winter and brings back the skin’s radiance and glow.

Usage tips
Apply a small amount onto clean skin in the evening one to two times a week. Leave on for 3-10 minutes. Start with 3 and then as the weeks go by you will be able to add a minute or 2 each week and build up to 10 mins for a deeper exfoliation.

Rinse with water and follow with serums and moisturizer. For an even better result use a hydrating mask for 20 minutes after such as the Restore mask.

Key Ingredients:
L-Lactic Acid and Cranberry Enzymes

Are there any other products that go well with this one?
Yes! Follow with a hydrating mask such as The Cosmedix Restore mask or Aspect Hydrating Mask.

Who would best suit this product?
Anyone who wants to get a good exfoliation and a healthy glow. It’s like a mini peel at home.

The newest addition to the Mooi Skin team brings with her a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting skin from the inside out.

Naturopathy and skincare go hand in hand, and no one understands this more than Nicola Wood, Mooi Skin’s new naturopathic skin therapist. 

Traditionally, naturopathic and herbal medicine looks at what’s out of alignment in the body, and ascertains the systems that need a helping hand, Nicola explains. Think of it like a chink in a railway track – you need to find the chink and push it back to restore alignment and balance in the body.

“I don’t treat symptoms, I try to find what is driving an issue,” Nicola says.

“This philosophy fits with skin health as most skin conditions are linked to an internal imbalance. By delving deeper and seeing what the body is telling us, and looking at nutritional deficiency signs, the body can work optimally again. A healthy and happy body = a healthy and happy skin.”

New to the Mooi Skin team but an old friend and colleague of founder Haley Asbridge, Nicola and Haley say they’re delighted to be working together once again.

MEET NICOLA:

The Auckland-based mother of two (well, four if you include her two fur babies) is an experienced skin therapist, qualified naturopath and herbalist.

When she’s not nose-first in her favourite book or hanging out with her children, Nicola is passionate about healing and loves to help those with chronic conditions find health again.

Nicola brings with her 18 years of experience taking clients on personalised skin journeys both here and across the ditch in Sydney. From facials to peels to IPL, Nicola is committed to helping her clients achieve their skin goals in a holistic way.

As Mooi Skin’s resident naturopathic skin therapist, Nicola will treat the skin externally with advanced products and treatments, and internally with supplements, herbs and lifestyle advice, as well as conduct comprehensive skin consultations (more on that below).

HOW TO GET YOUR GLOW ON THIS WINTER:

Here, Nicola shares her top tips for boosting your immunity and promoting skin health during the cooler winter months.

Let food be thy medicine.

Proper nutrition lays the foundation for immune function. “Food really is our first and best medicine, it literally makes us,” Nicola says. A healthy immune system is about so much more than boosting white blood cell count, it’s also about the basics: digestive function, gut health, reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being. What does our immune system love to eat to make it big and strong? Opt for a seasonal diet rich in fresh vegetables – think salads with lots of fresh herbs for a happy immune system. And what makes our immune system sad? The usual suspects – sugar, processed or refined foods.

Stay cool, calm and collected.

Stress depletes nutrients in the body that are essential for immune function, which reduces our ability to fight off pathogens. Discover a new hobby that aids relaxation – such as yoga, reading, meditation, exercise or dancing. If you do find yourself getting stressed (due to work pressures or lifestyle factors) boost your immunity by supplementing with vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and essential fatty acids.

Prioritise sleep.

A lack of sleep can affect immune function, so hit the hay early to get a restful nights’ sleep. If sleep doesn’t come easily to you, try supplementing with magnesium, reduce exposure to devices that emit blue light, drink relaxation teas like chamomile tea or try calming herbs for their sedative effect.

Get outside in nature.

Studies have shown that spending time in nature and breathing fresh air aids immune health. This is due to the body falling into a parasympathetic nervous state, as opposed to ‘fight or flight’ mode which shuts down many bodily systems including our digestive system and immune function. Our immunity functions best in ‘rest and digest’ mode.

Supplement with minerals

Minerals are the building blocks of health, and even a tiny imbalance can throw off the way our body and cells function. Key minerals for immune function are zinc and iron. Zinc is important for cell regeneration and repair (perfect for tissue healing after an active skin treatment) as well as combatting illnesses like infections. Iron is crucial to the immune system as those with an iron deficiency (or anaemia) are often more likely to all manner of infection. A simple blood test can detect this.

Supplement with vitamins Some vitamins may need a bit more of a boost than others during winter. Three immune-boosting vitamins include vitamins A, C and D. Vitamin A is important for the health of our mucous membranes – it aids tissues that line our gut, sinuses and lungs, as well as offers support for our immune response to viruses. Vitamin C is everyone’s go-to as soon as a tickly throat or runny nose appears, but it also boosts collagen production and the mobility of our white blood cells that fight off infection. Vitamin D (or the sunshine vitamin), is important for skin health, more so in winter when our skin looks less glowing and feels more dull or thick. This is due to a lack of vitamin D which impacts the keratinisation of skin and how well we slough away dead skin cells. It is safe to take up to 4000iu of vitamin D daily. A few minutes of sun exposure on bare skin each day will also help.

Supplement with probiotics

Our gut flora is an essential part of our body and health. Fun fact: one course of antibiotics can wipe out your gut flora, and take more than two years to replenish? Scary stuff. An imbalance in gut flora allows for pathogens, fungi,

and bad bacteria to proliferate – all of which negatively impact our liver, immunity and skin. Supplementing with a good probiotic supports gut flora by boosting beneficial bacteria to bring the gut back to a harmonious state. Incorporating fermented products into your diet such as kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha (the homemade version is lower in sugar) can also help restore balance to your gut flora. Start with small amounts and increase as your tolerance builds.

Take the next step and book your Comprehensive skin consultation with Nicola.

If you’ve all but given up dealing with skin conditions like acne, rosacea or pigmentation, or you want to take your Mooi Skin treatments to the next level, prepare to transform your skin by booking your 90-minute comprehensive skin consultation with Nicola.

Each consultation costs $120 and includes a deep dive into the internal and external causes for the skin condition, plus advice on supplementation. Mooi Skin proudly stocks practitioner-only supplements, as well as those from BePure, Advanced Skin Nutrition and Lypospheric Vitamin C.

Click here to book now.