INGE HAS ISSUES

And she likes to share…

I slap on Crème de la Mer like icing on a red velvet cake, but judging from my in-crate full of hydrating mists and gels, I’m the beauty dinosaur. Water-like is where it’s at for the modern moisturiser, and heavy, buttery creams are for your granny. Got that? Er, why? It makes sense. Most (even the oilyskinned) have environmentally induced dehydrated skin (thank stress, pollution, bad diet), not genetic dry skin. So most need moisture, not heavy oils. But my hyaluronic acid-serum isn’t hydrating enough! For this moisture-magnet to be any good, look for ‘low molecular weight’ HA. Or go one better: “For hydration that lasts all day, you also want to stimulate skin’s own production of HA,” says Marie-Hélène Lair of Clarins. The brand uses a succulent plant extract that “helps skin act more like a water-storing plant” itself. Meanwhile SkinCeuticals team an HA-boosting plant sugar with a molecule that prevents HA breakdown. Pseudo-science? Clinical proof is somewhat iffy, but I must say the resulting water-like serums really do keep my skin juicy all day. So you’re throwing out your La Mer? NO! And not just because I don’t have to pay for it. My skin is dry, so it loves face butters to help top up oils, especially in winter. But I now layer them over weightless dehydration-busters for a double dose of dewiness. Should I do the same? Unless your skin often feels tight or irritated (hallmarks of dry skin), a new-gen, weightless dehydrationbuster may be all you need to keep skin plump and translucent.