OUR TEN TOP TIPS FOR GOOD WINTER SKINCARE

In the winter, your skin can become dull, dry, a bit lifeless, or irritated, flushed from the weather conditions, and just a bit, well, meh!

It’s all very well covering up in your winter woollies, hat, gloves and scarf, but that won’t help what’s underneath. And who wants to emerge in spring with awful skin?!

You can help that not happen, with just a few beauty routine changes for the winter months. and it doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole load of new, expensive products.

Here are our top ten tips for good winter skincare, and on a budget too!

1. CHANGE YOUR MOISTURISER – AND DON’T FORGET TO APPLY AT  NIGHT.

If your skin seems a bit dehydrated thanks to the central heating, or you develop some patchy, dry areas, then look at the moisturiser you are using, and if you think it isn’t nourishing enough, change it. In the winter, my skin becomes patchy and dry so I would change to a richer moisturiser like Pond’s Institute Triple Action Moisturiser (£5.10, Superdrug) which is great for dry and delicate skin.  Or try a facial oil – they work for all skin types, and the Sanctuary Spa Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil (£17.35, sanctuary.com, Boots), is brilliant for nighttime application. Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss loves it. “I’ve used it on Kate Moss, Keira Knightley, Darcey Bussell, Elle Macpherson and Cate Blanchett. it gives them all a gorgeous healthy glow,” says Nichola.

2. USE A SERUM

Have a look at serums if you haven’t tried them before. There is no harm in adding a new serum into your skincare routine. In the winter, if your skin is dry, try L’Oréal Paris Dermo-Expertise Age Perfect Intensive Re-Nourish Day and Night Serum For Dry and De-Nourished Skin (£13.33, Boots) – does what it says on the tin!

3. DON’T FORGET FOUNDATION

This acts as a barrier of protection in the winter for your skin, from the elements. I’ve already raved about a great new foundation from L’Oreal Paris on here, Nude Magique Eau De Teint (£9.99, Boots). If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. It’s so light, but offers coverage, nourishment and protection.

4. FACIAL EXFOLIATION

Winter is the perfect time to weekly exfoliate and slough off those dead skin cells.  Find the right exfoliator for you. You might not need one with beads, you may need one with some sort of acid, which will gently exfoliate the skin. Try Pure Daily Skincare Instant Radiance Skin Exfoliator (£6, M&S) to brighten the skin.

 5. BODY EXFOLIATION

Same as your face, getting rid of dead skin cells is great winter party skin preparation. Try something from Soap & Glory – they have brilliant body scrubs, all around £8. The newest Scrub Actually with smoothing brown sugar, white sugar and natural apricot kernel oil, in an easy to use tube,  The Breakfast Scrub Body Exfoliator, with oats, shea and sugar, Flake Away Body Scrub with peach seed powder and sea salt, or the Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Body Buff with jojoba and mandarin oils.

 6. MOISTURISE YOUR BODY RELIGIOUSLY

Try Nivea’s In-Shower Body  Moisturiser (£3.40, Boots) if you haven’t – they’re like a conditioner for the body, you use them in the shower, rinse, and go, and there is a normal skin, or dry skin formula. Or I love Johnson’s Baby Oil (£2.75), applied to wet skin. Now comes in a Light Oil Spray (£2.99) formula as well – perfect for moisturising in a rush.

7. HAND-LE WTH CARE!

Don’t neglect those hands. Exposed so much in the winter to the cold, get some hand cream and don’t forget to apply it – helps nourish your nails too. Try Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Hand Cream (£9, Boots) with  5% Urea – the oil in water formula allows the skin to be absorbed easily, and the Glycerin in it helps provide long-lasting moisturisation.

8. TREAT YOUR LIPS

Chapped lips can be inevitable in the cold, cold winter months. But try and look after your lips with a good lip balm. I love Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm (£1.99, Boots)  – there are three fab flavours as well. – Dark Chocolate & Cherry, Dark Chocolate & Mint, and Original.

 9. TRY A FACE MASK ONCE A WEEK

Give your skin a wee treat in the winter, indulge it, give it a moisturising mask if it feels dry, or a boosting mask if it feels irritated. Did you know you can use good old Pond’s Cold Cream (£3.99, Boots) as a hydrating face mask? If it’s good enough for Kylie Minogue…!

10.VISIT THE SPA

There is nothing nicer than getting into a robe and having a wee moment of relaxation I the spa. And any face or body treatment you get in the winter can only help with your skincare routine. There are loads of deals on 5pm Health and Beauty so what are you waiting for?