Seasonal survival
As humidity falls, it is vital to ensure skin gets the moisture it needs, writes Karen Fong
During the coming dry months, it's more important than ever to make sure your skin is getting the moisture it needs. In addition to your regular skincare routine, adding a moisture-rich, strengthening mask is the best way to give your skin the added boost it needs.
The Organic Pharmacy's Honey and Jasmine Mask packs a moisturising punch. Honey soothes and hydrates dry skin, while jasmine works as a "skin aphrodisiac" to reduce the effects of stress or exhaustion. Shea butter improves circulation and reduces puffiness while evening primrose, useful in treating eczema and psoriasis, moisturises dry skin.
Rich ingredients are well suited to this season and the nourishing orchid butter in Guerlain's Orchidée Impériale Mask is perfect to fight the cold. The mask contains active ingredients, such as sugar ribose, to promote cellular respiration, delivering instant energy to the cells.
Equally rich and luxurious, Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask uses the plumping ingredient of black rose combined with plant extracts of red vine leaf to enhance skin tone and radiance. Chlorella, a marine micro-algae rich in vitamins and amino acids and oil of geranium also help to moisturise and soften the skin.
Created for normal to oily skin, the Gotu Kola and Indian Asparagus Mask, from Ayurvedic-inspired Sundari, help to reduce the signs of ageing, visibly tightening the skin and nourishing it in just two weeks. A rich gel infused with herbal extracts and oils, the anti-oxidant booster helps amplify the actions of the mask. Together, the ingredients detoxify and remineralise the skin while improving firmness and elasticity.
Overnight masks are another easy way to get additional moisture into your skin. Formulated using Korean herbal medicine, Sulwhasoo's Overnight Vitalizing Mask creates an essential layer of moisture on the skin, improving the absorption of nourishing ingredients while you sleep. Key ingredients include pomegranate to brighten the skin, and walnut and white mulberry to boost vitality.
Clinique's new Moisture Surge Overnight Mask also works through the night to deliver intense moisture thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid, trehalose and sorbitol sugars, and a specially charged water. Wheat brand and olive extract repair and strengthen the skin's barrier, while shea and mango butter improve long-term moisture. Caffeine and an anti-oxidant blend also work to combat free radicals and damage caused by pollution.