How to keep comfortable in your skin

Winter can be very cruel to your complexion, so we asked experts to share their top skincare secrets

WINTER can wreak havoc on our body’s biggest organ.

Our skin feels the effects of the drop in temperatures and the biting wind and snow. So we asked skincare experts for their top tips to keep your skin in great condition as the chill bites.

Restart your actives in the autumn

Skincare formulator Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz said: “If you have normal to dry skin, you can start on your retinol serum and alternate that with either a glycolic or lactic acid serum (so one-night retinol, one-night acid, one -night rest). On top of that go for a rich, buttery moisturiser with a shea or mango butter base.

“For combination and oily skin, you can introduce any retinoid serum product and alternate with a mandelic acid serum. On top of your serums go for a lighter moisturiser with plenty of humectants such as urea, panthenol, glycerin, and light emollient oils and esters.

“Avoid shea butter, mango butter, etc, in your moisturiser if you have oily skin. Ingredients like dimethicone and poly- silicone 11 are good in autumn and winter for dry and even oily skin as they protect the skin against dehydration by creating a breathable barrier over the skin.”

● BeautyPro Retinol 1% Overnight Serum, £8.95, The Fragrance Shop.

Slap on the SPF

Founder of SOS Serum Skincare range Bruce Green said: “Wearing SPF all year round will reduce and can prevent cumulative sun exposure damage which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and even skin cancer. I recommend products with SPF 20/30 during winter.”

● SOS H20 Day Cream with SPF 30, £16 sosserum.co.uk

Keep skin barrier healthy

Skincare educator for SBC Lyndsey Flannery said: “Your skin will become drier and more sensitive with colder weather and central heating.

“If your skin feels tight after washing it is likely the cleanser you are using has disrupted your skin barrier. Skin should feel calm and hydrated after washing, so if you are reaching immediately for your moisturiser you may want to consider a gentler cleanser.”

●SBC Skincare Propolis & White Willow Gentle Milk Cleanser, from £6.50, sbcskincare.co.uk

Protect lips from ‘lick eczema’

Bruce Green said: “In winter particularly, lips can become dry. Drink lots of water and avoid licking them. Licking sore lips will only exacerbate dryness and can cause what is referred to as ‘lick eczema’. Lips need just as much protection as your face from UVA/UVB. It is vital to use a lip formulation with a sun block – SPF 15 being the minimum.”

● SOS Lip, £16 sosserum. co.uk

Facial mists

Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz says, “Facial mists or essences typically play a role in providing hydration to the skin before applying serums and moisturisers. Find a facial mist/essence with serum properties, which will allow you to elevate the results of your serum.”

● The Jojoba Company Jojoba Water Toning Mist, £13.95, thejojobacompany.co.uk

Exfoliation is key

Rachael Robertson said: “While you may think exfoliation should be avoided if your skin is feeling a little dry, the opposite is true. Gentle exfoliation shifts sluggish skin cells to reveal fresh skin and promote a healthy glow.”

● Bedew Skin Instant Enzyme Peel, £19.99 bedewskin.co.uk