Winter is coming, there is definitely a chill in the air and as temperatures drop the cold often ushers in a different set of lifestyle patterns and daily habits. The winter pyjamas are coming out and so are the blankets. The cold will obviously have an effect on our winter beauty and health schedules. Winter health and beauty products adjust from one season to the next, category managers and buyers are fully aware that it’s crucial to maintain a varied array of products on the shelves. Collecting data and utilising analytics is vital in recognising how South Africans adapt their shopping patterns throughout the year, to implement successful marketing and communication strategies in the competition to attract and retain customers. This can be done directly through sales transactions, website interactions like online shopping and loyalty programs. Information canalso be gathered through indirect sources like social media engagement, third-party analytics tools, and market research.

Amp up the vitamins
The colder environment boosts the survival and longevity of infectious cold and flu viruses, and our closer contact in indoor settings can create an easier spread of respiratory viruses. Spending less time outdoors in the sunshine, may also cause a drop in vitamin D levels which is essential to optimal immune system functioning. As we adapt to the changing season (and very often lack of exercise) we need to bear in mind the impact on our lifestyles and accordingly adjust our nutritional needs to face the colder months.

While a healthy diet should provide most of the necessary vitamins and minerals to support our immune system, there are times when we may experience deficiencies or require additional nutrients beyond what our diet can offer.

With winter comes cold weather which can affect the appearance of your skin, hair, makeup, and even your mood. There are a wide range of things you could be doing to keep you looking and feeling as good as ever.

Sometimes it is just faster and easier to take a few supplements to add to a diet. For example, an immunity boosting powder or capsules contain a blend of essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium and vitamin C, which help fight free radical damage and support immune cells are freely available on the shelves at almost any store.

In South Africa, labelling laws for vitamins, like all food products, are governed by the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act No. 54 of 1972) and its associated regulations. These laws mandate that all food products, including vitamins, must have labels in English and include specific information like nutritional tables, ingredient lists, and any relevant claims. It is a wise choice to stock a wide variety of winter remedies, as consumers are becoming more proactive in addressing their winter health. Products with clean labelling that clearly show ingredients are more likely to sell better. Vitamins like Vitamin C, enhancing iron absorption, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, important for respiratory health, Omega-3 Fatty Acids with anti-inflammatory properties, Probiotics and Prebiotics, supporting gut health and overall immunity and Zinc, supporting immune cell function and respiratory health.

Skincare delights
When it comes to winter, skin is the first thing that feels the change. Fortunately, winter dryness can be combated with a few simple changes to skincare routine. Switch to richer, oil-based moisturisers like hyaluronic acid serums, and don’t forget the sunscreen, even though it is cooler weather, sunscreen is still needed daily. 

South African founder of Plaiin organic skincare formulation, Megan Cozens sums up skincare well, “Ultimately, you want a product with as few ingredients as possible. Simple, yet effective. She says the more we care about what we put onto our bodies, the more it will be possible to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment and our bodies. It is important for retailers to supply a range of products to suit each skin type, The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognises five primary types of skin: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive.

• Hydration – take care of your skin from the inside first. Drink plenty of water and maintain your electrolytes.
• Exfoliate – The winter months dry out our skin terribly and we’re always feeling a little dull after the lack of sunshine for so long.
• Exfoliating with a dry brush will get rid of all the dead skin cells and make way for fresh, bright skin.

Read the full article here: WINTER HEALTH: Winter health journey

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