The Skincare Secrets Your Friends Are Asking About
Have you ever noticed how skincare advice becomes the hot topic among friends as the seasons change? Well, you're not alone. Recently, HELLO!'s Contributing Head of Beauty, Cassie Steer, shared that she's been flooded with skincare queries from her circle. But what's driving this sudden interest? Is it the flood of misinformation on social media, the growing awareness of skincare ingredients, or simply the seasonal shift affecting our skin? And this is the part most people miss: the change in seasons often wreaks havoc on our skin, prompting us to seek expert advice.
To address this, we've gathered insights from our Beauty Collective on the seasonal skincare swaps they swear by. After all, if experts are making changes, it's worth paying attention.
Milky Toners: The Hydration Heroes
Vanese Maddix, HELLO! beauty contributor, swears by milky toners for a hydrating boost. She recommends The Ordinary's 'Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner' for its ability to smooth and hydrate. However, as autumn sets in, she switches to Bubble's 'Cosmic Silk Hydrating Milky Toner' for its thicker, more nourishing formula. But here's where it gets controversial: while some love the lightweight feel of The Ordinary's toner, others prefer the richer texture of Bubble's for colder months. Which side are you on?
Retinal: The Autumn Essential or Summer No-Go?
Glynis Barber, HELLO! wellness columnist, calls autumn the season for retinal. She avoids it in summer due to increased sun sensitivity but reintroduces it in winter for its anti-aging benefits. Her pick? DoSe's 'Granactive Retinoid 5% Serum'. But here's a thought-provoking question: With the rise of gentler retinoids, is it time to reconsider their year-round use? Share your thoughts in the comments.
To Swap or Not to Swap?
Cassie Steer admits she's hesitant to switch her skincare routine, even seasonally. Yet, she adds Weleda's 'Hyaluronic Moisture Serum Booster Drops' for extra hydration during perimenopause. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, small additions can make a big difference without overhauling your entire routine.
Nourishing Cleansers: A Winter Must-Have
Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor, swaps her summer gel cleanser for Nataliya Robinson's Quantum Botanika 'Cleansing Balm' in winter. Its lipid-based formula supports the skin barrier, perfect for colder weather. But here's a controversial take: Some argue that cleansing balms are too heavy for daily use. What's your take?
Hydration and Ceramides: The Ultimate Winter Duo
Sidra Imtiaz and Ateh Jewel emphasize the importance of hydration and ceramides in winter. Sidra relies on Bioderma's 'Atoderm Eye Cream' for dryness, while Ateh loves Neal's Yard Remedies' 'Oat and Ceramide Barrier Repair Cream' for its nourishing properties. But here's a question: With so many hydrating products available, how do you choose the right one for your skin?
Hydrating SPF: A Year-Round Essential
Donna Francis highlights the importance of SPF, even in cooler months. She swaps her summer sunscreen for Elemis' 'Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30' for added hydration. But here's a controversial point: Some believe that mineral sunscreens are better for sensitive skin. Do you agree?
Final Thoughts
As the seasons change, so do our skincare needs. Whether it's adding a milky toner, reintroducing retinal, or upping hydration, these expert tips can help you navigate the transition. But here's the real question: What's your go-to skincare swap for the colder months? Share your favorites and join the discussion below!
