Which moisturiser is right for your skin type? Part 2 Written by Nicola Meir Holistic Therapies

Following on from my last blog – ‘Moisturisers – Your protective skincare shield Part 1’ here is Part 2 – ‘Which moisturiser is right for you?’ If you are looking for a new moisturiser or want to start using one for the first time read on. Here are my personal reviews of some of the moisturisers available at Perfumery & Company.

Wildsmith Skin

Active Repair Copper Peptide Cream

I would suggest for dry/mature skin/concerns about skin showing signs of ageing

I love every Wildsmith Skin product I’ve tried. They are really cleverly constructed and based on science. Copper is one of the body’s natural trace elements.  Copper Peptides are a copper element with three amino acids. These are proteins which help to moisturise, regenerate and stimulate cell renewal, basically working to produce changes in the skins appearance. They occur naturally within the skin but also feature in this cream.

You’ll also find amazing free radical fighters within the formula. These are so important in protecting skin against damage from external factors such as pollutants. These are unstable molecules in search of other atoms or molecules that they can hook onto in order to make them stable again. They can wreak havoc with our skin in their quest to find other atoms and electrons to steal. The best analogy I can think of to illustrate this is to envisage what happens when you leave a slice of avocado or apple out on your kitchen work top. It’s not long before they turn brown.  This is deterioration caused by free radicals in the atmosphere.  The deterioration or damage that we can experience with our skin from free radicals are decreased elasticity and collagen, a reduction in hyaluronic acid and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles.

So this cream contains a mixture of Peptides, free radical fighters (also called antioxidants) and amino acids to encourage an increase in skin cell metabolism, stimulating collagen production, neutralising free radicals, providing anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties.

This cream has a light but substantial texture meaning that it melts into the skin easily. It has a subtle unisex fragrance. Perfect for day and night time application after cleansing/serums/oils/post shave etc.

L’Occitane En Provence

Immortelle Divine Cream

I would suggest for dry/mature skin/concerns about fine lines, lack of firmness or radiance

This is part of L’Occitane’s ultimate skincare range designed to tackle signs of ageing. It’s based on the essential oil of Immortelle which is an amazing active ingredient. It’s a flower which grows wild on shrubland in Corsica. Interestingly it never fades or wilts, even after it has been picked. This cream is powered by two Immortelle extracts which are blended together. The first is an Immortelle Super Extract which is a gentle 100% natural alternative to Retinol. (Retinol is a really effective ingredient that works on signs of ageing). This Super Extract has the ability to increase the skin’s density and boost collagen to encourage firmer and plumper skin. The second extract is the Immortelle Essential Oil which is a natural antioxidant, as powerful as vitamin E, to protect the skin against those nasty free radical aggressors such as pollution.

It has a rich velvety texture which feels very luxurious. It will bring immediate comfort to the skin whilst feeding it with hydration and boosting radiance. The fragrance is indeed ‘Divine’ and instantly transports you to those sunny hillsides. It’s not an overly feminine fragrance so would appeal to most people. Apply morning and/or evening onto cleansed skin, after serums, oils, shaving etc. It’s a real pleasure to use.

Clarins

Hydra-Essentiel

I would suggest for normal, combination, oily, skin experiencing some sensitivity

This is a non-oily cooling gel which works on hydration. It’s possible to have oily or combination skin that is dehydrated. Sudden changes in temperature, central heating, air conditioning and pollution can contribute to dehydration. This might look like dry patches on the skin, fine lines or sensitivity.

What I love about this gel is that it seems really well suited to normal and combination skin types (that are perhaps normal on cheeks and more oily on forehead, nose and chin). It  would suit oily skin too as it’s a non-oily gel formula as opposed to a lotion or a cream. It has a fantastic cooling effect on the skin which soothes and leaves it looking matt whilst still keeping it hydrated. It has a light fragrance.

Use this in the morning on cleansed skin after applying serums/oils/post shave. It could also be used in the evening if your skin is oily or combination. If your skin is normal (not many people have normal skin with no issues) you may need something richer in the evening.

Nourish London

Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser

I would suggest for all skin types (including oily)/concerns with signs of ageing and dehydration

This moisturiser contains omega rich Argan oil, antioxidant Vitamin E and tripeptides. It  works to increase hydration levels, essential for healthy skin that looks and feels great, plus it smooths and firms.  The mix of essential oils of Frankincense, Myrrh, Borage and Rose of Jericho help to boost skin cell turnover, hydrate and strengthen the skin cells therefore reducing fine lines.

It has a rich lotion texture, so lighter than a cream but still quite substantial. Suitable for any skin type. This is a great all-rounder with a very light unisex fragrance. Apply morning and evening onto cleansed skin, after your oil, serum or after shaving.

Clarins

Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream

I would suggest for normal/combination/slightly dry/dehydrated skin

The main aim of this cream is to provide your skin with a hit of hydration which lasts all day. It has a powerful mix of ingredients to re-energise the skin which include fig extract, organic goji berry extract and shea butter. They not only boost the skins hydration levels but increase glow too.

It’s a cooling, lightweight gel/cream consistency which glides onto the skin easily. It has a light fresh fragrance and leaves the skin with a matt finish. Clarins suggest this for dry skin but I don’t think it is enough for a dryer skin type. It would be great as a morning moisturiser/following a morning shave to give glow to the skin due to its cooling effect and will help to soothe redness and irritations. But it won’t leave the skin dewy. Most moisturisers can be used morning and evening but I would say that this one is particularly suited to morning unless you have combination or oily skin when you could use it twice a day.

Neals Yard Remedies

Rejuvenating Frankincense Nourishing Cream

I would suggest for dry and very dry skin types

The ingredients within this moisturiser are perfect for nourishing and calming the skin. Frankincense is a wonderful rejuvenator encouraging the skin to look less tired, whilst Myrrh essential oil nourishes and feeds the skin with what it needs to feel hydrated.

This is a very rich thick cream which will help to bring comfort to dry and very dry skin types. It has a very light fragrance, great for soothing dry skin conditions and razer burn. This could be used morning and/or evening after cleansing, serums, oils, shaving. Depending on how dry your skin is, or perhaps just as a night cream.

L’Occitane en Provence

Immortelle Precious Cream

I would suggest for normal, dry and very dry skin types, concerned about the first signs of skin getting older

This is one of my personal favourites. It’s a great allrounder. Like the L’Occitane Divine Cream, this Precious Cream is made with the amazing oil from the Immortelle flower, known for its ability to fight visible signs of ageing. It also includes a Hyaluronic Acid complex (which is twice as powerful as standard hyaluronic Acid). This helps the skin cells to renew at a quicker rate, retain water, keep tissues well hydrated, moist and plump.  Free radical fighters (antioxidants) work against daily aggressors that try to attack skin cells causing damage.  It gives a lovely glow to the skin, a brighter complexion. L’Occitane say that the combination of Immortelle and their dynamic hyaluronic Acid complex powers up your skins natural renewal in just ten days (as opposed to around twenty eight days).

It’s a velvety cream texture. Really feels like it is feeding the skin with hydration to soften and plump it’s appearance. It has such a beautiful light floral fragrance. I would say that this cream is a wonderful option if you are concerned about the first signs of ageing or if you have normal or dry skin. You could opt for the Divine Cream if you have visible signs that your skin is getting older. Use in the morning and/or evening after cleansing/serums/oils/post shaving etc.

Clarins

Super Restorative Day Cream

I would suggest for dry and very dry skin types, those that have noticed hormonal changes in their skin

A vitamin C derivative encourages a brighter more even complexion. Whilst Hyaluronic acid, shea butter and mango butter provide a powerful hit of moisture and comfort. As we get older and as our hormones change, the many components within our skin change too. Clarins have included an organic extract of Harungana, which is known as the ‘healing tree’ in Madagascar. They have found that it has the ability to reactivate fibroblast cells within our skin which in turn stimulates collagen fibre production.

Clarins recommend this cream for women over fifty but I would say it can be used by anyone if you are experiencing pigmentation, fine lines, dehydration and they are causing concern. I personally really like this cream. It’s rich and substantial without sitting on the surface of the skin. It feels like it is nourishing the skin and leaves a lovely glow and sheen with a beautiful light fragrance. Use morning and/or evening on cleansed skin after serums, oils, post shave.

If you are lucky enough to live close to Perfumery & Company you can pop in and get some expert advice about the best products for you. Aside from anything else it’s the most inviting store and great to browse around and treat yourself. However, if you can’t just pop in as you live too far away, fear not! It’s super easy to order on their website and have your products delivered to your door. The blog is also a great point of reference if you want to learn more about your skin, skincare and some of the products which have been personally selected for a prestigious place on the shelves in store. Looking after our skin is part of looking after ourselves as a whole. Think of applying your moisturiser as a real act of self-care, take time to massage it into your skin, breathe in the beautiful fragrance and take time for yourself. A still point in your busy day.

N x