It’s a harsh reality of life; weather can be tough on skin. The chilly autumnal winds and plummeting temperatures suck moisture from the epidermis, leaving us with dry, flakey, dull skin. And don’t think that snuggling up inside will protect you; central heating dries out the skin in just the same way. Skincare, like our wardrobes, should be swapped out with every change of season, and thankfully there’s plenty of lovely luxe, creamy moisturisers around to keep the plague of winter skin at bay.
Soothe your parched skin with our top picks...
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, £24 for 50ml, at kiehls.co.uk
This wonder cream from Kiehl’s retains moisture and hydration for a full 24 hours without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. Put to the test in Greenland (where temperatures can reach lows of -43 degrees), polar explorer Doug Stoup claimed the extreme dryness he had previously experienced vanished. Thankfully, we’re not forecast to suffer such conditions in the UK, but you can be assured of one thing – this cream really works.
Nivea Crème, £1.55 for 50ml, at nivea.co.uk
Nivea Crème is a cult classic that soothes everything from dry patches to chapped lips. In fact, there’s no specific guidance as for where to use it, simply ‘for wherever skin needs care’. The thick, creamy formula will keep skin hydrated and plump whatever the weather. And it hasn’t changed for over 100 years, so they must be doing something right.
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Intense Night Cream, £42, at bobbibrown.co.uk
The mineral water blend in this Bobbi Brown moisturiser encourages skin to recharge and rehydrate while you’re sleeping, ensuring you’ll wake up to plump, healthier-looking skin. Enriched with Shea Butter, Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Apricot Oils, it’ll feel like a little luxurious treat at the end of the day – which is exactly what your winter skin needs.
Super Facialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream, £15.99, at boots.com
Using innovative probiotic technology, Una Brennan’s latest addition to the Super Facialist range helps skin to recover from the stresses of the day, rebalancing hydration levels and rejuvenating dull, tired skin at the same time. It’s fragrance free, so won’t irritate sensitive, and includes shea butter to soothe and comfort for soft, protected skin all day long.
Bioderma Hydrabio Riche Cream, £14, at boots.com
Skin loses radiance when faced with the elements of everyday life; not just cold weather, but stress and pollution too. But don’t despair - Bioderma’s Hydrabio Cream is like magic; the Aquagenium patent within the lotion stimulates the water channels within the skin, activating its natural moisturising abilities. Additionally, the rich creamy texture makes the perfect makeup base too – a true multi-tasking moisturiser.
