Winter Skin Savers - Effective Tips and Products

Winter Skin Savers - the most effective winter skin care tips products

You swap your t-shirts for jumpers and your sun cream for lip balm.

So why, when it comes to skin care, do we expect the same old routine that worked for summer to carry us through the winter months?

We asked the experts for the most effective skin-savers to keep us soft, supple and glowing till spring....

Your Daily Shower

Yes, it may be colder in our bathrooms these winter mornings, but don't be tempted just to turn up the heat in the shower.

Dermatologists warn that hot water followed by cool, dry air is a key culprit when it comes to creating rough, itchy, dried out skin.

So keep showers short and lukewarm. To lock in moisture after your shower pat — don't rub — yourself dry, and immediately apply a rich body lotion.

Cleansing and Toning

Foaming face washes, alcohol-based toners, and astringents are all designed to remove oil.  The problem is that in winter, there's less oil to remove. 
Swap  foaming or liquid cleansers for a luxurious cream version, which will feel richer while nourishing and balancing the skin.

Out With the Old

Exfoliation will buff away the dead cells that might otherwise dull our complexions.  However, although any skin will benefit from gentle weekly exfoliation, take care as over-enthusiastic scrubbing can undermine your skin's barrier function.

Try a soft facecloth or flannel as a DIY alternative to a facial scrub, although avoid using one with a harsh,scratchy surface. After cleansing, massage gently to loosen any dead cells on the skin's surface. If skin is especially dry, massage a little cream cleanser onto damp skin, then massage with your face cloth.

Make it Rich

Skin generally benefits from a richer moisturiser during the winter months but you need to choose the right one for you. Just because a product is creamier or more expensive, doesn't necessarily mean that it's more effective. 

A hydrating serum used underneath your moisturiser will penetrate deep into the skin, nourishing the bottom layer of cells so when they come to the surface they will be hydrated, plumper and brighter.

Luxuriate Your Lips

Even the most luxurious lip gloss can't salvage already-chapped lips. Time to gently exfoliate dry lips.  First massage with a generous amount of petroleum jelly. Allow to sink in for a couple of minutes, then gently rub lips with a warm, damp facecloth. As the jelly is removed, flakes of skin will come with it. Slick on a good lip balm morning and night.  Look for a lip balm containing pomegranate or shea butter, as both of these ingredients will give maximum moisturisation.

Winter Sun Can Damage Too

Sun protection isn't just for the beach – the UV rays that can cause lines and wrinkles are in the atmosphere 365 days of the year. So if you're concerned about premature ageing, invest in a moisturiser that contains sunscreens or UV filters.

Moisturise From the Inside

Remember to lubricate your skin through your diet, too, by loading up on foods rich in essential fatty acids, like flaxseed, hemp, and olive oil. Throughout the day, wash it all down with at least six big glasses of water.

Beat the Heating

Save the planet as well as your skin by turning the central heating down a degree or two. Central heating creates a low humidity environment that literally strips skin of its natural moisture, while low outdoor temperatures provide a harsh contrast, meaning skin can become more sensitive.