Change your skincare routine for winter

If you keep the same skincare routine year round, now's the time to stop! Moving between the chilly outdoors and warm homes and offices this time of year stresses the skin, and is particularly bad news for dry skin. It's a fact that people who live in a consistently dry environment don't necessarily have dry skin, because their skin is able to adapt and produce better protection. By contrast people who live in a more changeable environment may not have the chance to adapt and the skin can suffer as a result.

What effect will winter weather have on my skin?

If the skin's natural barrier is weakened, moisture is lost and the surface layers of the skin crack easily. Potential irritants are also able to penetrate the barrier, which can cause redness and sensitivity. Over the longer term, this is thought to damage collagen production, contributing to skin ageing.

So what should you do - we asked the experts

Moisturising regularly should be a key part of your winter skincare routine. ‘The trick is to do it frequently - twice to three times per day,' says dermatologist Dr Tony Bewley, expert advisor to Eau Thermale Avene.‘Rub cream in the direction of fine hairs, never in the opposite direction as this can clog the pores and cause spots,' he explains. ‘Also, apply moisturiser all over your body, as well as on your face - it is very important to get into the habit of doing this, especially after a bath or shower. Make it part of your daily routine.'

He recommends using an intensive moisturising product such as a moisturiser from the new Hydrance Optimale range from Eau Thermale Avène, with its unique active ingredient based on the eye's hydration system.

And remember! Moisture works from the inside out as well as the outside in, so in addition to nourishing your skin externally with creams and lotions, drink plenty of water as well which will hydrate from within.

Pay special attention to sensitive areas

Lieve DeClercq, Executive Manager of European Biological Research for Origins, stresses the importance of protecting extra sensitive areas like hands and lips. When we are outside, the exposure to cold and wind can easily damage the skin's protective barrier. ‘Keeping your skin supple, using a protective barrier cream and lip balm that will restore the damage and help prevent excessive water loss is key,' she says.

What to do about rosacea?

You also need to protect skin capillaries against temperature change and wind - this is particularly important if you suffer from rosacea, or skin reddening. Sufferers may notice that exposure to temperature fluctuations inside and outside makes this worse.

To combat this, look out for skincare products containing Vitamin C, Arnica and Rutin advises skincare expert Agnieszka Pakula, owner of Enzo Beauty salon in London. She recommends using a hydrating product like Neo Glis's Aqua Balance during the winter months, which will help to maintain long-lasting skin hydration, leaving skin feeling firm and fresh. It works by protecting the epidermis against aggressive atmospheric agents like pollution, sun and temperature changes.

Winter sun care

We're all (hopefully!) well educated about the problems posed by sun on our skin and we reach instantly for the sun cream in the warm summer months. But don't let your cream gather dust in the darker winter days - it is just as important to protect skin from the harmful rays of the sun in winter as well as summer.  However, a low factor cream is perfectly adequate says Dr Bewley -‘factor 6 to 10 is plenty for this time of year'.

Changes to your lifestyle

Of course it's not all about the products you use - living a healthy lifestyle will also have an extremely positive effect on your skin and the results can't be faked! ‘A good diet is essential,' says Dr Bewley, ‘as is getting plenty of sleep. If you have dry skin it's vital to get eight hours sleep every night as your skin uses that period to repair itself. Smoking is totally out if you want to have good skin; it causes premature ageing and leads to wrinkles and a lacklustre appearance.'

Secret tip

And finally, Agnieszka Pakula has a crafty tip for winter skin protection. ‘Actually wearing foundation can help keep skin safe,' she reveals. ‘It acts as a cushion for the skin during the winter months.'

Read our winter skincare Q&A by SHE Beauty Director Eve Cameron

Help and advice for winter months

The cost-wise guide to younger-looking skin

Winter health - what you should know

10 warming soup recipes