Revitalise your winter skincare routine with the power of serums.

As the weather gets colder and your skin becomes drier, adding a serum to your skincare regime is a definite must. The only problem is that when it comes to choosing the correct serum for your skin, which one do you choose? Each serum has a different purpose, contains different ingredients, and delivers different results. So instead of layering your skin in every serum you can find this winter, rather find out which serum ingredients will better protect your skin in the cold weather.

Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director and Co-Founder of Lamelle Research Laboratories, confirms that using a serum containing Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your daily regime during the winter is important as it delivers a concentrated amount of active ingredients to your skin while locking in moisture. These ingredients penetrate the surface of the skin ensuring their effectiveness and by adding a serum to your skincare routine, you are fast-tracking the results you are wanting to see.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the health and function of the skin, however in its pure form, Vitamin C is water soluble, and therefore can’t be absorbed by the skin. For absorption to occur Vitamin C needs to be converted into ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, some skin types can be very sensitive to this ingredient.

Lamelle Research Laboratories has developed Correctives Vita C Lipid Serum as a new form of ascorbic acid so that it can deliver the health benefits of Vitamin C topically, without causing any discomfort to sensitive skin – making Vitamin C accessible for everyone. It has also been enhanced with nourishing Jojoba and Ginger root to soothe and nourish the skin. “Although ascorbic acid is the undeniable ‘king of C’, the lipid versions are extremely useful for people who can’t tolerate its acidity. Lamelle has chosen to use maximal concentrations of this gentle version of Vitamin C so that consumers can confidently enjoy the anti-ageing benefits yet never worry about tolerability,” comments Dr Wagemaker.

The health benefits of using Vitamin C in your skincare routine are numerous. Dr Wagemaker explains that Vitamin C:

• provides protection against environmental elements, such as the cold, wind and indoor heating and can help to neutralise free radicals which can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process. These can be generated from UV radiation and pollution.

• is a key factor in the production of collagen which gives the skin its strength, elasticity and resilience.

• inhibits the production of melanin which is responsible for pigmentation and dark spots. This vitamin helps to brighten the skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration caused by sun damage or ageing.

• strengthens the skin’s natural barrier function which is important for the prevention of moisture loss and the penetration of harmful substances and pollutants.

• reduces inflammation and protects the skin against infection.

• enhances the effectiveness of sunscreen by reducing the damage caused by UV rays and protecting against oxidative stress.

Dr Wagemaker warns that products containing Vitamin C should not be used in conjunction with products that contain retinoic acid in the same application. This can increase sensitivity. One can be used at night, and the other in the morning.

When applying a serum to your skin it needs to be done in a certain way to ensure maximum effectiveness:

• Make sure to cleanse your skin well. Instead of penetrating your clean skin, the serum will attach itself to dead skin cells.

• Start from the thinner skin areas on your face and move out. Add two or three drops to your skin and PAT it into your face. Do not rub. You don’t’ need to use a lot of your serum as it is concentrated and a little is enough.

• After you have applied the serum to your face, wait a few moments to allow your skin to absorb it before continuing with the rest of your products.

Every product you use in your skin care routine plays a role, and when the weather changes it is important to switch and swap to ensure that you are using what will benefit your skin the best. A serum containing Vitamin C during winter will provide you with the protection, moisture, and care that you need, giving you skin that you deserve.

For more information on Lamelle please go to www.lamelle.co.za