Winter-proof your skin

Scrub up

Exfoliation is a must for keeping skin on the body and face replenished, especially during winter. According to facial guru Eve Lom, 'Moisturisers can't penetrate through layers of dead skin, and when applied to non-exfoliated skin, they'll only lead to dry-looking patches and flaking make-up.' She recommends buffing skin with a muslin washcloth, which comes with her Cleanser, £39.50 (at Space NK, or call 020 8773 3990 for mail order). For a less expensive option, you can cut squares of muslin - available at fabric stores - into 50-cm squares, and use these to remove cleanser and make-up. 'That's actually all the exfoliation that facial skin needs,' Eve explains. Body skin is tougher, however, and is best buffed in the bath with a moisturising exfoliant cream or a salt scrub, in which salt crystals are suspended in skin-quenching oil. This is a timesaver, too, as you don't need to add moisturiser afterwards. Great choices include: Neal's Yard Remedies Seaweed Salt Scrub, £12.50 (call 0161 831 7875 for mail order), Boots Spa Sea Salt Scrub (£7.49) and Philosophy Guru, £25.50 (at Boots Pure Beauty or mail order on 020 7299 4999). And, because clothes rub against your skin and - like a sponge - strip away the skin's moisture, be sure you put your favourite body cream or rich lotion high on your list of beauty priorities during winter months.

Some other skin-saving tips for chilly weather:

• Bathe or shower in lukewarm water. Hot water, as appealing as it may sound, strips natural oil from the skin, making it dry and itchy.
• Cleanse your skin gently, pat it dry and apply moisturiser. Don't apply moisturiser to your damp face or body, as this will only dilute its richness.
• Wear rubber gloves when washing up to protect hands against hot, oil-stripping water and detergent.
• Indoor heat plays a big role in drying out skin, so keep your heating on the lowest possible setting. Humidifiers, pans of water, or plants placed next to the radiator can help boost the air's moisture level. In a pinch, drape a damp towel over a radiator.
• To minimise chapping, avoid licking your lips and use a lip balm regularly.