GOOD SKINCARE STARTS with working out which ingredients suit your skin type. But your skin's needs change with the season. And the dry, cool conditions of winter require more hydration.
'It's important to change your skincare routine,' says Jennifer Ryan, manager of Ellespa in Repulse Bay. 'You need more moisture because skin tends to become more dehydrated because of heating and cool winds. Women need to use a heavier moisturiser, day and night.'
US-based dermatologist Audrey Kunin, the founder of dermadoctor.com, advises switching to a winter skin routine in the autumn, and says bathing once a day should be enough.
George Xynogalas, development director for Greek-based beauty care group Tact (visiting Hong Kong for the Cosmoprof beauty fair), says using mild soaps with natural moisturiser will help keep hands softer.
Xynogalas suggests olive oil-based soaps, in liquid or cake form, because the oil contains proteins, trace elements and vitamin E. 'The acidity of olive oil is suitable for most skins,' he says.
But there's a difference between moisture and hydration. For example, an oil-based product moisturises, water-based products hydrate. 'If you have oily skin, go for a hydrating cream,' Ryan says. 'If it's dry, try oil-based.' She suggests applying a layer under a night cream. This could be a serum containing vitamin C - for sun damage - or a booster with rosehip oil, which is 'moisturising and good for scarring'.
