The Science Behind Winter Skin Conditions

Ever wondered why freezing temperatures wreak havoc on the skin? There are several factors that can contribute to this: low humidity levels leading to a lack of moisture in the air, indoor heating, notoriously known for parching the skin, and cold winds causing increased redness and sensitivity.

Good skincare is not about blindly using a product and crossing your fingers for results. Knowing what ingredients to look for goes a long way, making you more conscious of what you apply to your face and body, and ensuring they genuinely benefit your skin. Here are just some of our favourites:

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a timeless remedy that’s been used across civilisations. From the battlefields of Alexander the Great to the courts of Egypt and the healing traditions of India, it’s been a trusted medicinal ally for centuries.

Sure, aloe is famous for soothing burns and treating inflammatory skin conditions, but it’s also used topically in skincare products, with very similar effects. It calms razor burns, fights free radicals with its antioxidant properties, and stimulates your skin’s collagen and elastin production. Oh, and did we mention it’s a pro at keeping acne at bay, too?

No matter your skin type – oily, combination, or dry – aloe vera can be a real lifesaver in winter, keeping both your face and body hydrated and irritation-free.

Our top pick for this month: Protective Moisturiser with Aloe Vera & SPF 15.

Shop the rest of our product range with aloe vera here.

2. Shea Butter 

Shea Butter isn’t just another skincare ingredient – it’s a powerhouse known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Renowned for its multifaceted benefits, it conditions, tones, and soothes the skin. 

Packed with triglycerides, it offers a rich source of essential fatty acids, strengthening your skin’s natural barrier against environmental pollution. Plus, as a powerful emollient, it seals in moisture to hydrate even the most sensitive and dry skin types.

For those with oilier skin, subtle amounts of shea butter can help balance sebum production, though for optimal care, we recommend pairing it with an oil-control face wash, specifically designed for the oilier skin type.

Our top pick for this month: End of Day Collection Bundle (with shea butter).

Shop the rest of our product range with shea butter here. 

3. Vitamin C

With numerous benefits, Vitamin C stands tall as a staple in topical skincare. It can reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun spots and age spots, as well as tackle patches of melasma – a condition triggered by sun damage or the aftermath of acne.

Also, it facilitates the formation of prolyl hydroxylase, a crucial enzyme that stimulates the production of collagen. As an antioxidant, it combats free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the skin, which not only does damage to collagen, but can contribute to various skin conditions such as cancer.

Often found in serums, moisturisers, and SPF creams, Vitamin C is a true ally to the skin. Incorporating products rich in Vitamin C into your morning skincare routine ensures your face is protected throughout the day, guarding against environmental stressors.

Our top pick for this month: Anytime Daily Moisturiser with Vitamin C & SPF 30.

Shop the rest of our product range with Vitamin C here. 

 4. Quinoa Seed 

Believe it or not, quinoa isn’t just limited to the kitchen. Ever come across products with niacinamide? It’s just a form of Vitamin B3. And guess what? Quinoa seed is brimming with it. Often found in serums, exfoliants, and moisturisers, it helps fight acne, ease redness, and calm inflammation brought on by breakouts.

Plus, quinoa seed serves up a mix of essential amino acids such as lysine and methionine, which play an important role in collagen synthesis, helping keep your skin’s elasticity in top form.

Our sensitive face scrub with quinoa seed is formulated to repair damaged and irritated skin while exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells. It’s gentle enough for the winter months and it gets the job done.

 5. Marine Algae

Studies have shown that, as an active ingredient, marine algae can contribute both to improving skin barrier function and preventing signs of premature ageing.

They’re quite the multitasker if you ask us. Packed with a whole bunch of compounds – such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and fucosterols – they’ve shown to bring along moisturising effects, the ability to boost collagen, as well as antimicrobial and anticancer capabilities.

Being able to endure the wildest weather conditions, they owe their strength to their impressive survival skills – whether it’s scorching heat, icy cold temperatures, relentless UV rays, or salty waters, their resilience translates to some serious skincare benefits.

If you have mature skin, we know you’ll love our age defence bundle. This golden trio features a moisturiser, serum, and eye roll-on, all formulated with marine algae to tackle the early signs of ageing in the skin.

Our top pick this month: Age Defence Serum with Marine Algae.

Shop the rest of our product range with marine algae here.

Smart Ingredients, Healthier Skin

While having a solid skincare routine is particularly important in winter, looking out for the right ingredients applies to every season. We hope this guide helps you make a more informed decision on your next skincare purchase.