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.

'It is estimated that at optimum saturation our skin requires a minimum of 10 per cent water in the uppermost layers,' says Sally Penfold of The International Dermal Institute.

'Should the relative humidity of our environment drop below 60 per cent, our skin will start to become dehydrated. To put this into perspective, the average office building has a relative humidity of 40 per cent and an aircraft cabin has 10-20 per cent relative humidity. Central heating is renowned for drying the atmosphere and altering humidity.'

You can counteract the drying effects of your home or office central heating by placing a bowl of water near the radiator to put more moisture back into the air.

Love your lips

It's not just skin that suffers when it's chilly, lips also need looking after to ensure they stay super-smooth. To de-flake dry lips, 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, and switch to a nourishing lip colour to prevent that unattractive parched look during the day.

'Look for a lip balm containing pomegranate or shea butter, as both of these ingredients will give maximum moisturisation,' suggests Hannah Cowell.

And according to the experts...

'During the winter months you may need to give your skin a little extra TLC to combat the combined damaging and drying effects of the cold weather and central heating.

Look for natural, organic face and body products containing oils rich in essential fatty acids to help replace lost moisture. Regular facial massage brings much-needed nutrients to the skin: try gently massaging seven drops of rosehip seed oil, and one drop of Frankincense essential oil into the skin morning and evening to restore smoothness and radiance.
Emma Thomson, Head of Natural Beauty and Aromatherapy, Neal's Yard Remedies

'The cause of Acne Rosacea is not known. However it has been recognised that it is mostly found on fair skin types which have a natural sensitivity to changes in temperature, causing redness and flushing, which in turn weakens the capillary walls. Keeping the skin at a regular temperature will help and can be achieved by reducing hot drinks, hot spicy food, excessive sun exposure, alcohol, strenuous exercise and stressful situations. The use of tepid water when cleansing will also help maintain a regular temperature. Organic rose oil has an anti- inflammatory effect.'
Susan Harmsworth, founder and CEO, ESPA

'Most of us identify a change in suppleness and moisture during winter, which leaves our skins feeling uncomfortably tight. This is due to our skins normal protective barrier becoming affected. We have studied the impact of various ingredients on dehydrated and dry skin, and have found that the first step would be to restore the components of the natural barrier layer. To replace lost lipids, ingredients such as shea butter and evening primrose oil will relieve the driest of skins. The use of humectants or water binding agents is equally important; hyaluronic acid is the most beneficial humectant for the skin as it can hold a thousand times its weight in water.'
Sally Penford, education manager, International Dermal Institute

Brought to you by Johnson's® Dreamy Skin™ - a range for your body and face. Get more tips and information on how to completely relax with your evening beauty routine and awaken to beautiful, radiant skin

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Winter-proof your skin

Beat the heating

Love your lips

And according to the experts...