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The secret to keeping your skin hydrated in winter months

<p dir="ltr">With the cold winter months well and truly settling in, it’s easy to feel like our healthy summer glow has been zapped and replaced with dry, dull, dreary skin. </p> <p dir="ltr">There are many environmental factors that can have our skin looking lacklustre in winter, with the main one being dryness and chill that results in dehydrated skin. </p> <p dir="ltr">While many people already have their trusted moisturiser well and truly implemented in their daily skincare routine, sometimes our skin needs a little extra help in colder months. </p> <p dir="ltr">One of the best ways to give our skin a much needed moisture surge is a face mask, whether it's a sheet mask, clay mask, gel mask, peel-off mask or cream mask. </p> <p dir="ltr">For instant hydration, you can’t go past an overnight mask that does all the hard work to revitalise your skin while you sleep. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, a lot of overnight masks can tend to be too thick and creamy, leaving your skin feeling oily and heavy when you get into bed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Enter: Dr LeWinn’s Ultra Collagen Surge Overnight Sleep Mask. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdu23fILiZv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdu23fILiZv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dr LeWinn's Skincare Australia (@drlewinns)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">This ground-breaking mask challenges the status quo with a serum-based mask, making it lightweight and comfortable to use. </p> <p dir="ltr">The two-serums-in-one formula combines a Collagen Plumping Serum and Peptide Energising Serum to maximise this dreamy mask's efficacy for an effortless refreshed look as soon as you open your eyes.</p> <p dir="ltr">As well as delivering a much needed moisture surge, Dr LeWinn’s Ultra Collagen Surge Overnight Sleep Mask also firms and plumps up the skin for a younger looking complexion.</p> <p dir="ltr">The glossy serums are ultra-smoothing, helping to reduce fatigue, the appearance of wrinkles, and under eye bags for a silky smooth complexion.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a clinical study of the overnight mask, all 25 participants reported a huge increase in their skin’s hydration over just one week, as well as a return of their radiant summer low. </p> <p dir="ltr">Adding this revolutionary mask to your skincare routine will see you beating the winter blues so you can wake up feeling refreshed and looking at the top of your game.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr LeWinn’s Ultra Collagen Surge Overnight Sleep Mask is available at <a href="https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/114287/dr-lewinn-s-ultra-r4-collagen-surge-overnight-sleep-mask-30ml">Chemist Warehouse</a>, <a href="https://www.priceline.com.au/dr-lewinn-s-ultra-r4-collagen-surge-overnight-sleep-mask-30-ml">Priceline</a> and Dr. LeWinn’s <a href="https://www.drlewinns.com.au/dr.-lewinn-s/shop-our-products/range/ultra-r4/p/ultra-r4-collagen-surge-overnight-sleep-mask-30ml/74478.html?lang=en_AU&amp;utm_source=google_search&amp;utm_medium=paid_search&amp;utm_campaign=drl_ur4_overnight_sleep_mask&amp;utm_term=2022">official site</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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How to have moist hands and use hand sanitiser

<p>One of the effects of the pandemic is the fact our hands are looking a bit worse for wear. We’re washing them more and using a lot of hand sanitiser but there are things you can do to minimise the negative effect on your hands.</p> <p>Obviously, in comparison to the Delta virus, lockdowns and economic anxiety, irritated hands could be seen as a minor issue. But we're using sanitiser which has to have an alcohol content greater than 60 percent to be efficient. But this high alcohol content can cause skin irritation and this in turn can make conditions like dermatitis or split nails even worse.</p> <p><strong>Hand sanitiser has a strong effect</strong></p> <p>When looking at hand sanitisers specifically, Dr Michele Squire says the alcohol destroys microbes and makes the sanitiser quick-drying so it’s effective.</p> <p>But according to Dr Squire, it also dissolves the lipids which are arranged between our skin cells and leads to a reduction in our skin's barrier function.</p> <p>"With excessive use, this alters the skin's ability to regulate water loss and hold onto water, in turn leading to dehydration and dry skin, although much less so than repeated washing with soap and water" adds Squire.</p> <p>So, it's no surprise that using a moisturiser as often as you can is the best way to ensure your hands and nails stay hydrated and irritation-free. But here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your moisturising.</p> <p><strong>Let your hand sanitiser dry off before moisturising</strong></p> <p>When you use hand sanitiser, let it dry completely before going in with your moisturiser. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gotoskincare/photos/a.275816065917974/1533674663465435/?type=3&amp;theater">Go-To Skincare</a> (the brainchild of Zoë Foster-Blake) recommends waiting 10 minutes.</p> <p>"Applying it straight after can neutralise the sanitiser's effectiveness," they state.</p> <p><strong>Don’t use moisturiser before you use sanitiser</strong></p> <p>Another tip is not to use moisturiser before you use sanitiser. If you apply sanitiser to recently moisturised hands, your protection is significantly reduced.</p> <p>As well, your sanitiser won't work if your hands are soiled or greasy, if you wipe it off before it's completely dry, if you don't apply it to your entire hand, and if you don't use enough.</p> <p>"You should be able to rub your hands together for about 20 seconds before it dries — and don't forget between your fingers and the back of hands!" says Dr Squire.</p> <p><strong>Fragrance-free moisturisers are best</strong></p> <p>Dr Squire suggests using a fragrance-free moisturiser after each wash to replace lipids and NMF (natural moisturising factor) components lost from dry skin.</p> <p>Talk to your local pharmacist if you're unsure of best options for your skin issues.</p> <p>Dr Squire recommends using a synthetic detergent-based soap to wash your hands. She says: "These use stearic acid to protect and moisturise skin and a mild surfactant."</p> <p>Another tip is to add a drop or two of your hydrating facial serums and oils to your hands before bed each night.</p> <p>If you combine these tips with a good moisturiser, you'll be helping your hands cope with this new regime.</p> <p><em>Photo: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

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Do you really need to moisturise your skin?

<p>Moisturisers are an essential step in everyone’s skincare routine, but are they really necessary? With so much misinformation out there, it’s important to listen to the experts, but even then, each industry professional has a different opinion.</p> <p>Some dermatologists say you should never skip it, while others say you can go without it. So, which one is it? Speaking to <span><em><a href="https://www.beautycrew.com.au/do-you-need-to-moisturise-your-skin">Beauty Crew</a></em></span>, Olay’s head scientist Dr David Khoo says that moisturiser will help make your skin look and feel healthier.</p> <p><strong>Why should we moisturise?</strong></p> <p>“Imagine a raisin,” says Dr Khoo. “The skin cells shrivel up like a raisin from lack of moisture, but when they’re full of moisture, they become plumper – and that improves the elasticity of your skin, the bounce of your skin and the overall radiance,” he told <em>Beauty Crew</em>.</p> <p>“We know that there are certain enzymes in your skin that are critical for renewal. You have all the skin cells on the surface of your skin, and those particular enzymes will help clear away dead skin cells. If those enzymes do not have water, they don’t work, and your skin accumulates dead cells. So, we know that water is absolutely critical for the healthy appearance and functioning of the skin.”</p> <p>According to Dr Khoo, any skin type can benefit from hydration including oily skin. So just because you aren’t dry, doesn’t mean you should skip out on the moisturiser.</p> <p><strong>What happens when you don’t moisturise?</strong></p> <p>Dr Khoo says skipping out on moisturiser can cause some serious long-term damage to the skin.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>Beauty Crew</em> he said, “If you don’t use a moisturiser, your skin can very quickly go into what we call the ‘dry skin cycle’.”</p> <p>And if your skin hydration levels reach dangerously low levels then, “your skin takes on this vicious cycle where it rapidly builds up dead skin cells on the surface. And because there are more layers of dead skin cells, it’s even more difficult to hydrate your skin. Any skin care products that you’re using will then just stay on the surface of your skin.”</p> <p>He adds, “The other thing that can happen is that if your skin doesn’t feel like it has the energy and nourishment it needs; skin renewal slows down. Therefore, your skin becomes less radiant and sometimes dark spots become more noticeable and a bit more prominent.</p> <p>“The converse is – it’s kind of like asking yourself, ‘Can I get by with just a piece of bread on a daily basis? Or a cup of water?’ when there’s all of these other great foods and nutrients available. Consequently, why wouldn’t you do things for your skin that would enhance your skin’s health? Moisturising your skin will make it look more radiant and give it a finer texture.”</p> <p><strong>What moisturisers should we be reaching for?</strong></p> <p>According to Dr Khoo, the best kind of moisturisers are ones that are packed full of vitamins. “You have the well-known ones, like vitamin A (delivered through retinol), vitamin C (both an antioxidant and a collagen stimulant), and vitamin E (also an antioxidant that helps to seal in moisture).</p> <p>“One of my favourite ingredients is niacinamide. Olay have actually been leaders in discovering the use of niacinamide – in fact, we’re one of the first to use niacinamide in a skin care product. It took decades for people to recognise its value.”</p> <p>“However, we’re not the only ones talking about it these days. You’ve got a lot of other universities – including the University of Sydney and their professors there – that have devoted their careers to understanding the impact of niacinamide in terms of protecting the skin from UV damage,” says Dr Khoo. “I <em>highly</em> recommend niacinamide in your skin care.”</p> <p>Do you ever ditch the moisturiser? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Why it is key to moisturise your skin in winter

<p>It can be a hard task to keep skin glowing in winter with the harsh weather conditions, especially for those who are prone to dry and irritable skin.</p> <p>Staying moisturised and hydrated is essential skincare practice during the cooler months to ensure your skin is looking dewy and healthy. Here are the benefits of keeping up on top of your <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/skincare/product-type_body-lotion?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-body-lotion&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=body-lotion" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>moisturising routine</strong></span></a> in winter.</p> <p><strong>1. Less prominent wrinkles</strong></p> <p>Leaving <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/skincare/product-type_body-lotion?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-body-lotion&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=body-lotion" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>moisturiser</strong></span></a> out of your daily routine can lead to deeper wrinkles. “When the skin barrier is compromised, which is what we see when it becomes dry, there's actually a low-grade chronic inflammation that occurs in the skin," warns dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe. "Low levels of ongoing inflammation ultimately lead to a breakdown of collagen and accelerated aging."</p> <p>Applying moisturiser will also make your wrinkles less prominent. Dr Bowe explains that dehydrated skin reveals all the lines on faces so make sure you apply that moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.</p> <p><strong>2. Gain a layer of protection</strong></p> <p>Many of the common skincare ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can dry out skin. Without following up your skincare regime with moisturiser, you won’t reap the full benefits of your beauty products.</p> <p><strong>3. Glowy skin</strong></p> <p>To avoid your complexion appearing dull and flaky during the cold weather, apply <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/skincare/product-type_body-balm?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-body-balm&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=body-balm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>moisturiser</strong> </span></a>to add a dewy substance to your skin. "In the winter, humidity levels plummet, and the dry air can dehydrate your skin and strip it of lipids, which are part of its protective outer layer — so irritants can enter more easily and cause redness and flaking," says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and author of <em>Skin Rules</em>.</p> <p><strong>4. Flawless makeup</strong></p> <p>To get your makeup looking flawless, apply your <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/skincare/products/brighten-repair-face-elixir-oil-30ml?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-repair-face-elixir-oil&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=repair-face-elixir-oil" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>moisturiser</strong> </span></a>and primer five minutes before you apply your cosmetics. "Makeup sticks to dry areas on the skin and even seeps into fine lines," warns Dr Bowe. It is also important to hydrate your lips by applying <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/skincare/products/south-beach-lip-balm-5g?utm_source=Over60&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-south-beach-lip-balm&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_content=south-beach-lip-balm" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>lip balm</strong></span></a> before lipstick.</p> <p>What is your winter skincare regime? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em><strong>To find your skincare essentials</strong></em> <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_campaign=Over60Shop&amp;utm_medium=in-article-link-o60shop&amp;utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings</strong></em></span></a>.</p>

Beauty & Style

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8 DIY natural moisturiser recipes to hydrate your skin

<p><em><strong>Amelia, from FixYourSkin.com, has a lot of experience with skin health and has written several articles on the topic. </strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://fixyourskin.com/" target="_blank">FixYourSkin</a></span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></strong><strong>has plenty of tips, health advice and DIY recipes which can give you great-looking skin without any side effects.</strong></em></p> <p>The main reason that wrinkles occur is due to a lack of hydration of the skin. As people get older they are unable to keep as much moisture in the skin, mainly because skin cells cannot produce enough coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a substance similar to a mineral found in every cell of the body. There is a correlation between aging and a decline in CoQ10. Key skin care nutrients are fatty acids, antioxidants, CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and beta carotene.</p> <p><strong>1. Oatmeal mask</strong></p> <p>Oats are very effective at healing skin damaged with acne and eczema. Combined with yogurt it can be very effective in offering a wholesome skincare recipe. It also helps with sunburn, redness, dry skin, and itchiness. The great thing about this is that the recipe for eating is as delicious as the recipe for topical application. Cook the oatmeal until the oats thicken and absorb the water. Add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of plain organic yogurt. If applying topically it would be best to blend thoroughly for maximum absorption.</p> <p><strong>2. Orange peel and honey</strong></p> <p>This can be used as a face mask to hydrate the skin. Oranges contain considerable quantities of vitamin C. To use this recipe, peel the orange, dry it out in the sun for a whole day, grind it up in a blender, add honey and use it as a face mask.</p> <p><strong>3. Avocado</strong></p> <p>Avocado has several key skin nutrients which are vital to skin health. As well as fatty acids and antioxidants, it has vitamin B6, vitamin K, fibre, vitamin C, and folate. It can be used as an oil or as a puree for vibrant skin. To use as a puree, slice the avocado open, use a mill to process it into a puree, and place it into the fridge to harden it. Use as a face mask to remove wrinkles.</p> <p><strong>4. Coconut oil</strong></p> <p>The benefits of coconut oil cannot be understated. Coconut oil has many benefits and is the best natural moisturiser for skin loss. The oil spreads well and is an excellent skin moisturiser. For oily skin, it can be left on for 10 to 15 minutes. This can reduce sebum secretion, the main cause of oily skin. After a week or so the skin should have a healthy, vibrant glow. Coconut oil also doubles as a makeup remover among many other things, including a food source and insect repellent. It also protects the skin from bacterial pathogens, prevents premature aging, offers protection from sunburn and boosts collagen production. For best results with coconut oil add topically to face. Get a high-quality brand, apply it and allow it to sink in. Alternatively use it instead of regular oils.</p> <p><strong>5. Olive oil</strong></p> <p>Olive oil has many fatty acids and is teeming with antioxidants. It is particularly effective for keeping moisture in the skin. It is also thought to be the secret to longevity within the Mediterranean diet. The only issue with olive oil is that it tends to take a while to dry into the skin as opposed to coconut oil. If applying this topically to the body is too messy simply use the oil instead of butter for bread and pour it raw over pasta, salads, and other dishes.</p> <p><strong>6. Jojoba oil</strong></p> <p>This oil has several benefits for the skin. It has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and has antimicrobial properties. The recipe is also quite simple. Combine a couple of drops of jojoba oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice. This can have astounding effects as it sinks into the skin naturally with no trace of oiliness.</p> <p><strong>7. Aloe vera combo</strong></p> <p>Aloe vera is the best substance available for moisture retention in the skin. This method may be a little more complex than the earlier remedies but the effects could be worth it. Put jojoba oil, beeswax, and almond oil in a double boiler. Heat all these ingredients until melted. Combine and move to a bowl. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for two hours. Meanwhile, mix your favourite essential oils and high-quality Aloe Vera. Pour this mixture in the beeswax mixture and blend it using a hand blender to make it consistently thick. Store it in an airtight container. While it takes a few hours to make the mixture lasts for quite a while and can have outstanding results.</p> <p><strong>8. Best BB cream</strong></p> <p>BB creams are a not exactly a “DIY” natural skin care remedies, but can be a practical alternative. They can save time and add more to the skin. A BB cream is a cross between a foundation and a tinted moisturiser. There is now a wide variety of BB creams available. The best BB creams will be completely organic. Always look for items that have fewer ingredients with no long chemical names. Look for the essential skin care ingredients and select plant-based formulas only. There are different BB creams to cater to specific skin needs and many are not that expensive. The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://fixyourskin.com/best-bb-cream-for-acne-prone-skin/" target="_blank">best BB cream</a></strong></span> is the one that caters to your needs and preferences. </p>

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