We chat with Tracey Beeby, global education technical training manager for Ultraceuticals, about one of skincare’s big non-negotiables: the day cream.
Day creams are an essential component of a comprehensive skincare regimen. One of the primary benefits of using a day cream is its ability to provide long-lasting hydration. Moisturising ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and alpha hydroxy acids, help to lock in your skin’s natural moisture, reducing the risk of dehydration throughout the day. This hydration boost can help keep common skin issues at bay, such as dryness, dullness and tightness.
As a bonus, day creams often contain ingredients that protect the skin against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and harmful UV rays. This extra layer of defence, in addition to a separate sunscreen as the last step in your skincare regimen, helps to protect against skin cancer and maintain your skin’s elasticity and firmness, helping to ward off the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Q&A with Tracey Beeby
Global education technical training manager, Ultraceuticals
What should we be looking for when choosing a day cream?
A day cream’s primary function is to support and restore the skin’s barrier function. Ingredients should infuse the skin with moisture, nourish it with the appropriate lipids and help to retain the moisture levels in the skin. It is also beneficial for your day cream to contain supplementary ingredients targeted to address skin concerns such as uneven tone and redness.
Choosing the right day cream for your particular skin type and condition is important. A day cream too harsh can strip and imbalance your skin’s microbiome, which can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity. Similarly, a product too rich can cause breakouts. A product not rich enough can lead to dryness. Get advice from your clinician because when you use the right day product your skin really shows the benefit.
Should you use a serum under your day cream in the morning?
Yes, serums should be used under your day cream and after applying your eye cream for greatest skin benefits.
Is it important that your day cream contains SPF?
Broad-spectrum sunblock 50+ is essential for use every day. If your day skincare contains one then it is an extra bonus. A separate sunscreen should be applied over the top of your moisturiser and serum.
What ultraceuticals products do you suggest for use during the day?
It will vary from person to person, but generally a cleanser is the first step. Ultraceuticals has six to choose from, offering benefits for each skin type and concern. Next, an eye cream should be applied, followed by a corrector such as a Vitamin C product. Vitamin C products have a double duty as they also support your sunscreen and make it more effective. Follow this with a moisturiser / day cream– for oily skin, opt for a moisturising lotion over a cream. The final steps are to apply a skin protector, such as Ultraceuticals Protective Antioxidant Complex, and broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50.
Should you change your day cream according to the seasons?
Most skins change with varying weather conditions so it is important to adjust your skincare according to the changing needs of your skin. Generally, in the cooler weather you need to step up the hydration levels of your moisturiser, perhaps a product that contains more lipids to support the lipid bio-layer of your skin. You may also need a moisture booster during this time to help ensure you retain optimum skin moisture. Ultraceuticals B2 Hydrating Mask is a favourite hydration booster.
At what age is it time to start using a day cream?
This may vary but generally when one becomes a teenager is a good time to regularly use a good day cream. Of course, even tiny tots should use sunscreen as part of daily skincare. CBM
