Studies at the International Dermal Institute have shown that 59 per cent of women over the age of 18 rank dry, dehydrated skin as their main concern during winter. So if your skin starts to misbehave when the weather turns, our essential tips will ensure you are prepared for the onslaught
Surface matters
'Exfoliation will buff away the dead cells that might otherwise dull our complexion,' explains skincare guru Bharti Vyas. 'The very act of removing this redundant top layer appears to stimulate cell production lower down in the epidermis.
'However, although any skin will benefit from gentle weekly exfoliation, take care as over-enthusiastic scrubbing can undermine the skin's barrier function.'
Try a soft facecloth or flannel as a DIY alternative to a facial scrub, although avoid using one with a harsh, scratchy surface. After cleansing, massage gently to loosen any dead cells on the skin's surface. If skin is especially dry, massage a little cream cleanser onto damp skin, then massage with your facecloth.
Become richer
A few adjustments to your skincare regime will pay dividends when its cold.
Hannah Cowell, skincare manager at U.R Beautiful, Kingston-upon-Thames, says: 'Swap your foaming or liquid cleanser for a luxurious cream version, which will feel richer while nourishing and balancing the skin.
'Most peoples' skin demands a richer moisturiser during the winter months but you need to choose the right one for you – just because a product is creamier or more expensive, doesn't necessarily mean that it's more effective (see our expert tips below for ingredients to look out for).
Hannah Cowell says: 'A hydrating serum used underneath your moisturiser will penetrate deep into the skin, nourishing the bottom layer of cells so when they come to the surface they will be hydrated, plumper and brighter.'
Sun protection is not just for the beach – the UV rays that can cause lines and wrinkles are in the atmosphere 365 days of the year. So if you are concerned about premature ageing, invest in a moisturiser that contains sunscreens or UV filters.
Beat the heating
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