Winter Skincare Tips

With freezing cold temperatures, long dark days, gale force winds and drying central heating winter can take its toll on our skin. In winter our skin needs a little more care and attention. During the long cold months, it’s important to keep skin nourished and hydrated. Luckily giving your skin that extra TLC it needs is a pampering experience. And also happens to be the perfect way to spend a winter’s evening. Here are my top 5 tips for looking after winter skin and ensuring it’s ready for spring, the moment it arrives.

1. Luxurious Cleansing

In the warmer months I like a lighter gel cleanser, however, in winter it’s all about those luxurious oils, creams and balms. I recommend spending an extra minute or two and really working the cleanser into your skin. Even better if you do a double cleanse. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish is my favourite winter cleanser. It feels luxurious on the skin but not too heavy and removes every trace of makeup. For an even more luxury experience try Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Balm or Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm both feel amazing on the skin and are so pampering.

2. Layer, Layer, Layer

We all know that dressing well in winter means lots of layers to trap the warm air. Well the same is true with our skincare. Use lots of light layers of product to lock in the moisture and keep skin hydrated all day. Start with cleansed skin and use a hydrating toner, my favourite is Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. Then add a thin layer of serum, I’m currently using Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum which protects skin from environmental damage. I also love Hydraluron for dehydrated skin. Then for another layer of moisture apply a little oil. I love Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate as it is designed for daytime use and sits well under make-up. Then it’s time for moisturiser. I’m currently using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream but also love Clarins Hydraquench Cream for dry winter skin.

3. Create a Pampering Experience

Winter skincare is all about nourishing the skin with hydrating products. You may as well make it an indulgent pampering experience. Lock the bathroom door during your evening skincare routine and take an extra few minutes to enjoy the experience. If you have a little more time to spare add a face mask to your routine. My current favourite is The Body Shop’s Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask which leaves the skin glowing. Run yourself a relaxing bath with some beautiful bath oils or add a few bubbles. Aromatherapy Associates sell beautiful bath oils which will help you relax. Light a candle to add to the relaxing experience I absolutely love The White Company Lime & Bay candle.

4. Nourish Your Whole Body

Often we focus on facial skincare but important not to forget about the rest of your body. After your long relaxing bath, spend another few minutes in the bathroom moisturising your body. It’s so easy to ignore your skin but trust me taking the time to look after it will make a big difference come spring. I’m not a fan of body butter’s but some people swear by them. If you prefer a thick body butter try The Body Shop’s Shea Nourishing Body Butter. If you’re like me and prefer a lighter lotion my favourite is Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion which is super hydrating and sinks in quickly.

5. Don’t Forget Hands, Feet and Lips

If you’re anything like me then your feet have spent the last few months in socks and boots. It’s so easy to forget to look after them when there not on show. But keeping them moisturised just now will make a big difference the first time you put on your summer sandals. I don’t do much to my feet over winter, I just focus on keeping them moisturised. I’m currently using Margaret Dabbs Foot Lotion which is a non-greasy lotion that soaks in quickly (helpful when you want to put socks back on).

For my hands I put a hand cream close by at all times and top up the moisture when needed. I also make sure to use a hand cream every time I wash my hands to avoid them drying out. I’m currently loving Hand Chemistry’s Intense Youth Complex Hand Cream but pretty much any hand cream will do.

To avoid the dreaded cracked winter lips I’ve been keeping them covered in lip balm. I’ve recently rediscovered my love for Nuxe Reve De Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm which has been keeping my lips soft and hydrated all winter.

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