Winter can be a real bitch to your skin. A killer combo of extreme temperatures – from icy cold winds to boiling hot central heating – can cause untold not-so-pretty scenarios, including redness, dryness, itchy bits and flaky patches. Nice, huh?
Luckily, there are some simple things you can do at home – even if that home is a freezing cold one with a knob as a landlord. Firstly, replace the moisture that central heating strips from the air by placing a bowl of water underneath each radiator. You can also place a damp flannel over the radiator with a drop or two of lavender oil on it. And hey presto, you’ve got yourself a spa-like scent wafting round, for cheaper than a scented candle.
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Next, dial down the heat in the shower and sink – hot water also strips our natural oils which are vital for keeping skin happy. The same goes for baths – not too hot, please – and put two tablespoons of olive oil (steal it from the kitchen and it's basically free!) in the water three times a week to gloss up your skin.
You can also drink your way to better skin. Hear me out, here. Most important is water – at least two litres a day. But a skin-saving smoothie could also help strengthen your defences. Blend up avocado to reduce inflammation, kale for skin-repairing vitamin C, blueberries for anti-ageing antioxidants, milled flaxseed rich in omega-3 fats to help skin retain moisture, and a banana, just because that’ll make it taste not just bearable but downright delicious.
Too much hassle? Well, OK then, just get your hands on these hero winter products…
**Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate, **£40, is perfect for tackling skin’s dehydration and the earliest signs of (gulp) ageing. Think of it as a much-needed moisture boost.
On that subject, Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly Glycerine, £24.99, should be your BFF during cold weather – this cool gel is packed full of moisturising stuff.
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If you have really dry skin Eau Thermale Avene Rich Compensating Cream, £17, is the richer barrier cream you need to protect you as well as addressing redness and sensitivity.
It might seem like a good idea to stop toning and exfoliating. WRONG! It won’t dry your skin out but it WILL get rid of any dead skin cells, allowing your moisturiser to sink in. Alpha H Instant Facial Tonic, £37, sprayed onto cotton wool is great for clarifying dull skin, especially on a hangover.
Ditch any foaming or alcohol-based cleansers as they can dry out your skin when what it really needs is a bit of TLC. Instead get Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm, £36. And NO, using a balm won’t give you spots.
Oils can create a protective layer on skin and help it retain moisture, but if the slippy-slidey texture is just too much to bear, try NEUTROGENA® Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Creamy Oil for Dry Skin, £4.99, an oil-based cream that will give you the same effect.
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Photographs: Agata Pec
**Set Design: Anna Jay **
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.