Beauty Boss: Cold weather? It’s time to face up to the winter skincare challenge

The days are darker and colder, which means it’s time for cosy jumpers, hot chocolate and a new winter skincare routine.

“The winter weather can take a toll on your face and body. As the temperatures drop, so do the moisture levels in your skin,” says Annemarie Hughes, lead trainer at skincare company Million Dollar Facial.

“The cold temperatures can cause your skin to dry out, losing its natural, healthy glow. Central heating also causes the air to dry out, leaving your skin dehydrated, dull and uneven.”

Here, Annemarie gives her guide to the best winter routine to prevent dry skin…

Change your cleanser

A mild cleanser is important during the winter months when your skin is already dehydrated. You don’t want to strip away the natural oils with a harsh cleanser.

Try an oil-based cleanser during the colder months. The cleanser dissolves dirt and make-up, won’t dry out the skin and keeps it balanced. Massage the cleanser into your skin and rinse away with warm water.

Exfoliate

You might think exfoliating should be avoided when the skin feels a little dry, but this is far from the truth.

In winter skin can become duller and flaky. Winter is the perfect time to pay close attention to exfoliating. Try an oil-based scrub – this exfoliates and hydrates.

Switch up your moisturiser

It’s time to set aside summer skin moisturisers and opt for something a little heavier in texture to give a hydration fix. Your skin tends to produce fewer oils in winter – but a heavier moisturiser can help keep oils locked in.

Top tip: opt for a moisturiser with spf to protect from those harmful UV rays.

Guard your lips

Winter can be a brutal time for lips. The harsh winds and cold weather alongside a lack of humidity in the air is known to cause chapped lips.

Keep your pout perfect by applying a lip balm or butter a few times a day.

Guard undereyes

Cold and dry winds aren’t great for your delicate eye area.

The skin around your eyes is thinner, making it vulnerable to the cold winds of winter. Incorporate an eye cream to your winter skincare routine – use day and night to give your eye area that little extra TLC.

Treat yourself with a facemask

Facemasks are a great way to treat skin to some at-home TLC.

Try to do a mask once or twice a week, focusing on moisturising and nourishing masks. Pop one on, snuggle up with a cup of tea, and relax while it does its magic!