As the seasons transition, and the days become longer and brighter (at long last), there’s also a change in temperature, humidity levels, and environmental factors.
In winter we lose moisture from our skin, it becomes drier and more sensitive - a process known as osmosis) - which means we need to adapt our skincare routines to prepare for Spring.
Here are my tips to help you maintain a radiant glow:
TIP #1: STAY HYDRATED
The change in seasons brings humidity. On Australia’s west coast where the air is drier, moving into Spring may result in seeking out a more hydrating, richer moisturiser, especially around the lips.
While, if you reside in east coast hubs such as Sydney or Brisbane where humidity is an issue, pairing back to a lighter lotion may feel more appealing.
Our Concentrated Moisturiser+ contains moisture-binding ingredients and 5% vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to restore balance to your skin, while it rehydrates after sun exposure.
You might assume humidity exacerbates skin’s oiliness, but technically that’s not true, though it does have an occlusive effect. This can contribute to breakouts if you’re an acne sufferer, salicylic acid helps minimise that.
TIP #2: WEAR SPF EVERYDAY (EVEN IF THE SUN ISN’T OUT)
Sun is THE single biggest culprit when it comes to damaging our skin cells. UVB hits the outer layers of the skin and creates dimers in your DNA increasing the risk of skin cancer.
UVA penetrates deeper, creating more age-related damage (eating up your collagen and elastin). It takes mere minutes for the Pac-Man-like enzymes activated by UV rays to destroy and digest your skin’s collagen and elastin levels, which can lead to saggy, wrinkled and sallow skin.
So sun avoidance and daily SPF every single day is essential with a broad-spectrum product that covers both UVA and UVB.
For a daily sun protector, our dr.NC Concentrated CC+ Cream SPF30 is super hydrating. It has physical UVA and UVB blockers, 5% vitamin B3 aka Niacinamide to protect and repair and a hint of tint to keep your skin glowing.
Don't forget to reapply throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
TIP #3: PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM EXTERNAL POLLUTANTS
Exhaust fumes, smog, smoke and the rise of pollen in Spring can introduce free radicals that attach themselves to our healthy skin cells – damaging the protective barrier and degrading collagen.
Topical products with antioxidants can improve the skin barrier function and prevent external pollution entering our skin.
Niacinamide (B3) is the best barrier-protecting product on the market - that’s why the entire dr.NC range is boosted by B3.
TIP #4: ANTIOXIDANTS & CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
On the antioxidant side, it’s time to add vitamin B3 aka Niacinamide (daily) and vitamin C (at night as it degrades in the sun) into your regimen, and if you’re wearing heavy sunscreens, double cleansing is a must.
B3 works like a mop that soaks up free radicals, stops oxidation and prevents them from wreaking havoc on your cells in your skin. It prevents DNA damage, protects the skin’s immune system from the sun, strengthens the barrier and assists with pigmentation prevention.
Both vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and vitamin C act as excellent antioxidants together.
Adding a prescriptive vitamin A to your regimen a few nights a week will also help maintain even skin tone throughout the hotter seasons.
Try our Discovery Kit
A great introduction to the dr.NC skincare range, all your dr.NC favourites - in mini size!