6 skin-saving beauty tweaks to adopt during this cold snap
With cold weather expected for much of this week, it will no doubt have a negative effect on the skin. But rather than overhauling your beauty cupboard and reaching for a rich, thick cream that could clog your pores, making a few small tweaks to your routine could help save your skin from head to toe.
1. SPF is still essential
Every skincare expert we speak to always stresses the importance of wearing SPF daily, even in the winter. A new study in the Dermatologic Surgery recently found that wearing sun cream not only protects skin, but it can even reverse the signs of ageing. The study found that wearing good quality, broad-spectrum SPF allows your skin to go into repair mode rather than having to defend itself against UV.
Cover FX Invisible Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 30, ￡36, lives up to its name and feels like a second skin. For those who want to top-up at lunch time without ruining their make-up, try Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF, ￡24.
2. Get that sun-kissed glow
Summer feels a long way away. Get back that fresh-faced glow by adding two drops of Tan Luxe Illuminating Facial Drops, ￡27.96 into your face serum or cream every other day. It's self-tan, but not as you know it - the finish is natural rather than obviously 'bronzed'. You might also find you need to wear less make-up, which will save you time in the morning.
3. Hydration salvation
It might be cold when you step out of the shower, but moisturising from head to toe is just as important in the winter to keep dry skin at bay. Opt for Vaseline Spray Moisturiser, ￡6.59, which takes seconds to apply or No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Moisturising Body Serum, ￡15, for a quick, but nourishing fix.
4. Show your feet some TLC
It's worth booking a medical pedicure to slough away any dead skin and give feet an MOT after a summer of wearing sandals. For those who would rather take care of their feet at home, try Scholl Pedi Velvet Smooth Electronic Pedicure Foot File, ￡39.99. It's quick and effective.
To keep your feet soft and smooth throughout winter it's worth investing in a pair of Illuminage Skin Rejuvenating Socks, ￡24. These might sound like a gimmick, but they genuinely do keep your heels smooth and because of the copper weaving they also boost your circulation and keep your feet warm too.
5. Invest in a multi-purpose balm
Every woman should own a multi-purpose balm. Whether it's the iconic Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, ￡26, or Espa 24-hour Skin Saviour, ￡33, these multi-tasking formulas soothe redness and rehydrate dry patches of skin on your face and body. Plus you can also use them on your lips if you've left your balm at home.
6. Switch your cleanser
Your skin is often much drier in the winter due to the cold, windy weather and central heating. While your moisturiser will help to rehydrate, it's worth rethinking your cleanser too, as the formula might be drying. A cream or balm formula can remove dirt and make-up without stripping your skin. Look to Clarins Extra Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream, ￡25, or Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, ￡40, for gentle but effective formulas.