As we see the seasons transition, our skin too undergoes it’s own changes. This is largely as a result of the winter weather drying out the skin at a rate faster than our sebaceous glands are able to restore our natural oils. And so, for some of us the skincare routine that serves us so well throughout the Summer months could do with a little tweaking to target our specific needs at this time of year. Fortunately, we’ve narrowed things down to 4 incredible, natural ingredients, that can really bring out the best in your skin, so you aren’t left bewildered in an aisle full of skincare products which might not serve the purpose you’re looking for.
- Oat Extract
Known for it’s skin moisturising, conditioning and healing properties, Oat Extract has become a skincare staple in recent years – and for good reason! The actives found in Oats are known to work effectively to cleanse and exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, whilst still being gentle enough to not disrupt the skins protective barrier, which explains why you may notice it in the ingredients lists of products ranging from cleansers to nappy rash creams. It has also long been hailed as a skincare saviour for those with acne, as research has found the Oats have a binding property which enables it to bind with the oils that would otherwise clog the pores and create acne. In order to reap the benefits of Oat Active throughout these winter months, opt for a serum that utilises the benefits of Oat, whilst also maximising skin renewal and repairative properties of other sling living ingredients. The Vemel Active Radiance Serum does just that. Full of skin loving vitamins and antioxidants, this serum will do the most to lock moisture and goodness back into the skin, whilst also protecting it from external irritants.
As well as Oat Extract, Oats can also be included in your routine in the form of Colloidal Oats. Made by grinding the oat grain, otherwise known as Avena Sativa, into a powder, it has been used to hydrate and heal skin for centuries. It’s benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and non irritating properties means it can work on pretty much every skin type – particularly those suffering with dry, inflamed skin. Colloidal oats are known mostly for their ability to help the skin retain moisture, protecting it from external stressors – key in these colder months. Which is why including it in your skincare routine in the form of a face mask is so effective. For many of us, using harsh stripping face masks, especially on a regular basis can leave our skin stripped of hydration and with a compromised moisture barrier. The Vemel Super Fruit Powered Clay Mask includes skin rejuvenating ingredients like Cherry and Mango Powder as well as Natural Pink Clay for the gentle exfoliating effects, and yet the inclusion of Colloidal Oats means the skin is left supple and nourished and all its natural oils still in tact. Which gives us the perfect foundation to fight off the effects of the harsh winter breeze.
- Jojoba Oil
Derived from the crushed bean of the Jojoba shrub, otherwise known as the Simmondsia Chinensis plant, Jojoba Oil has been used for centuries for its healing and moisturising properties. Whilst it’s impressive list of benefits can work wonders for the skin all year round, Jojoba Oil really packs a punch when it comes to the dry, chilly air. This is because it is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, which targets and soothes flare ups of irritation and dryness. Its waxy texture means it works wonderfully with our skin as it holds a very similar consistency to our own sebum, and works wonders to achieve healthy skin and hair. Include this in your winter routine with the simple addition of a body and hair oil to really maximise the benefits of this step. The Vemel Marigold Nectar Hair and Body Oil utilises the hydrating properties of Jojoba Oil with a host of other nutrient rich ingredients from Marigold Extract to Cranberry Seed Oil. This multipurpose product can be used as a body oil, pre-wash scalp treatment and a hair oil – injecting a little life back into your skin and hair this winter.
The many benefits of Jojoba Oil means it can work in more steps of your skincare routine than you think. It’s deeply nourishing and skin refining nature meant it was a must for the Vemel Daily Moisturising Face Butter, where it is combined with other nutrient dense ingredients such as Mango Butter and Argan Oil to offer a moisturiser full of all the antioxidants and fatty acids needed to give you the healthy, glowing complexion you’re looking for. Or, to enjoy the benefits of Jojoba Oil in a serum, the Vemel Active Radiance Serum combines a blend of oils and extracts from Grape and Camellia Seed Oil to Raspberry Extract – working together to lock in moisture and reduce the signs of aging to unveil a refined and nourished complexion. So whichever way you choose to include a little Jojoba Oil in your routine, it’s many benefits mean dull and lifeless skin can remain a thing of the past.
- Shea Butter
Extracted from the nut of the African Shea Tree, this ingredient is rich in fatty acids and vitamins which help to soften and soothe dry, parched skin. As well as being a wonderful emollient to moisturise the skin, Shea Butter is rich in antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties, enabling the ingredient to form a protective barrier on the skin to fight off the negative symptoms of environmental irritants like the cold winter air, or the dry indoor heating. Which explains perfectly why Shea Butter is popular amongst those suffering conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis – the combination of moisturising and healing properties helps to soothe irritated skin. The most common product to find Shea Butter in is a moisturiser, the Vemel Daily Moisturising Butter being a perfect example of a nutrient dense, ultra nourishing moisturiser which helps restore balance in the skin. But including Shea Butter in the skin doesn’t only have to be in the form of a moisturiser, our winter skin can largely benefit from a soothing yet effective cleanser too. Which is why we were sure to include the incredible benefits of Shea Butter in Our Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm, a buttery balm perfectly orchestrated to break down and remove grime, make up and sunscreen, without irritating the skin, instead leaving it feel soft, supple and ready for the next step.
Giving our skin a little extra care and attention in the winter to treat and prevent damage and dehydration doesn’t have to be difficult. All it truly takes is to know which ingredients to seek out for our daily routine, or better yet, leave it to the experts, and you focus on reaping the rewards with that healthy, nourished glow all year around.