How to: Care for your skin during winter

During winter, fluctuations in temperature, hot showers and central heating can play havoc with one’s skin, leaving it feeling dry and tight. While a complete overhaul of any skincare routine is not required, it’s worth tweaking a few of the products to increase hydration and really nurture the skin during the winter months. Bin harsh, chemical formulations that strip oils from the skin, and embrace more natural products containing essential oils and plant ingredients, to restore hydration and bring a soothing equilibrium to the whole body.

Using the power of organic herbs, botanicals and essential oils, Neal’s Yard products are gentle and soothing. This facial oil infuses damask rose essence and hundred-petalled rose extract into nourishing organic oils to balance the skin’s natural moisture levels, nourishing and replenishing dehydrated skin. It can also be used in summer for sun parched skin.

Also employing the power of plant derived ingredients, local skincare brand ANI skincare has formulated a soothing, enriching moisturiser, with its Rose and Geranium Face Moisturiser. Rose Absolute oil rejuvenates, Geranium uplifts and renews and Lavender calms and soothes in this gentle yet effective moisturiser.

Producing less oil than the rest of the face, lips are particularly susceptible to drying out during winter. Protect and nourish with a lip balm or a multi balm, like this one from Meraki, for ultimate versatility. Containing nourishing oils, vitamin E, and shea butter, this certified organic, multipurpose balm brings an intense boost of moisture and nourishment to dry or damaged skin.

Frequent washing, harsh detergents and changes in temperature can dry out hands very quickly. Take time to choose gentle cleansers and rich creams to keep hands soft and supple.

This handwash from C. Atherley contains rose water to hydrate, and organic aloe vera and lavender hydrolat to help soothe the skin. It has the rich lather we expect when washing, and the eight essential oils and the scent of the Radens geranium ensure hands are left soft and scented.

After hand washing, it makes even more sense, particularly during the colder months, to smother hands in a rich cream to help restore oils and protect the skin. This hand cream comes from the Portuguese artisanal soap and skincare brand Claus Porto, who has become a name synonymous with quality and style. What makes this hand cream so appealing is that it is absorbed almost instantly into the skin. 100% paraben free, it carries the scent of crisp citrus and green leaves with tender white flowers, and comes in a neat tube, perfect to carry on the go.

Enriched with moisturising shea butter and vegetable oils, this body soap not only lathers well but also leaves skin soft and fragranced. Made using traditional soap making techniques, it’s a gentle formulation, perfect for use in the bath or shower. Similarly, the liquid soap contains olive and coconut oils to counteract dryness and is gentle enough for frequent use.

While most of us may not have the time (or inclination) to pamper our bodies throughout the year, it’s well worth spending an extra few minutes moisturising the skin with an oil or lotion after a warm bath or shower

Incredibly popular, this award-winning dry oil is super light and fast absorbing, featuring a unique combination of over 30 sustainably sourced botanical extracts and essential oils to help maintain the skin’s moisture, softness and elasticity. It can be sprayed on both hair and skin, leaving skin firm, smooth and supple.

Richer than a body lotion yet lighter than a body butter, this velvety whipped soufflé from Lola's Apothecary has been designed to melt into the skin, with the nourishing goodness of shea butter, coconut oil, and rosehip oil relieving dry skin.

Finally, don’t forget to hydrate from inside out so do ensure that your water intake is retained, and reduce any time spent in a hot shower or bath. If you can bear to, turn your thermostat down a touch so that there will be less dry air depleting your skin, but that may be easier said than done!