Winter Skin Savers

By Aimee Kewley

The end of October signifies many things…the run up to Christmas is all of a sudden upon us, stores on the high street are crammed with lovely new winter stock, and of course, there is the changing of the clocks, which in turn signifies the seasons clicking over…summer is definitely gone and autumn is hot on its heels, being chased, as it is, by the nimble steps of winter.

What does this mean for our skin? The changing seasons can leave their telltale signs on our faces, as we have to adapt to the onslaught of central heating vs. icy wintry blasts, in-car dashboard heaters and knitted hats as we attempt to beat the chill.

There are a few key products to invest in to protect your visage when the temperature plummets. To help battle the elements, skin needs appropriate armour. Constant fluctuations in temperature can really play havoc with your face, and you may find it becomes oilier or drier in the winter as it struggles to find a balance. Keeping your skin hydrated through the day is the one thing that will keep it looking consistently fresh and glowing (and not just from the cold), and as such it is worth investing in a decent moisturiser.

Dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe has recently released his own range of products which I’ve been testing. The Supercharged Day Cream with SPF 15 (necessary, even in winter) is a lovely light cream which leaves skin soft and hydrated. Prep skin first using a cleansing foam or lotion and massage in for all day smoothness.

Another iconic product that no beauty bag should be without is Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream. A bestselling product, the cream is slightly oily, so only a tiny amount is needed, and you can use it to hydrate and protect skin on the face, as well as doubling up as a lip balm or hand cream.

Clarins classic Beauty Flash Balm is also a handbag must have. This moisturizing cream sinks into your skin leaves it brighter and refined. An essential product…use it to prep your skin before applying your makeup.

If you are a little strapped for cash over the winter months, pick up the one beauty product that I can’t live without: a pot of Blistex lip balm. It keeps your pucker looking perfectly smooth and smoochy, and fends off the horrid winter-chapped-lip attacks. And at less than a fiver a pot, it is super affordable too.

How to face up to the elements this winter? Set up your own beauty routine and treat your skin with respect. Our faces are at the front lines of exposure to winter battering, and, of course, the first thing that people notice when they see us. Fresh, dewy, glowing winter skin is what we all strive for…and with a little bit of love, a few supersonic products, and a teensy bit of cheating (reach for the blusher to give pasty skin a gorgeous glow) it is totally achievable.