Winter skincare saviours

Winter can play havoc with our skin. Long periods in centrally heated environments can strip the skin of its vital moisture and the harsh outside air conditions can add to this causing it to become dry and sensitive. We asked organic skincare expert Dr Pauline Hill, and founder of Battersea’s Nourish London, how to best look after our complexions…

1 Add a facial oil to your regime – this will provide the omega fatty acids the skin cannot make for itself and help stop excess water loss. It will also nourish the skin and keep it supple.

2 Use a serum containing Vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for producing healthy collagen and 30 times more effective when applied topically.

3 Exfoliate with an enzymatic, nonabrasive exfoliator daily. Removing particulate matter from the skin each day helps reduce long-term damaging effects of free radicals.

4 It seems counter intuitive to what you might want but turning down the temperature of your shower or bath a couple of degrees can really help reduce the drying effects on the skin. Long hot showers can remove the natural protective lipids and cause the skin to enter a dry cycle.

5 Consistently get enough quality sleep. Most of your skin renewal and repair happens at night time. 6 Avoid skin care products containing alcohol – these strip the skin and make it more likely to become dry.

7 Use a moisturising face mask regularly containing vital minerals such as zinc, magnesium and copper. These all play a crucial role in keeping our skin elastic and looking healthy.

8 A daily walk will keep mind and body healthy. But don’t rely on UK winter sun for Vitamin D – consider a supplement.

9 Use a hydrating mist containing hyaluronic acid regularly if in centrally heated environments for long periods. Use a humidifier to keep air moist.

10 Look for some mood enhancing ingredients in your skin care such as Griffonia. They will benefit the skin and help beat the winter blues

Our top 10 beauty buys for winter

ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy

This overnight mask works wonders with a shot of intense moisture reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, while essential oils are perfect for sending you off into a relaxing sleep. £29.60, www.espaskincare.com

Nourish London Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask

We love this nutrient-rich mask, designed to boost collagen, diminish wrinkles and restore firmness, whilst also dealing with inflammation. £23.50, nourishskinrange.com

La Mer, Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream

A rich rejuvenating day cream, which plumps up the skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles and minimising pores. £130, elyswimbledon.co.uk

Elizabeth Arden, Eight Hour, Cream Skin Protectant

This legendary cream, created in 1930, is a winter essential that can be smoothed on to any dry areas. Dot onto cuticles, hands, feet, elbows or even use it to shape your eye brows. £27. www.elizabetharden.co.uk

Mio, Golden Hour Illuminating Body Moisturiser

Add a subtle bronzed glow to your skin and a dose of hydration. The scent is gorgeous too, like sunshine in a bottle. 100% vegan. £26 www.mioskincare.co.uk

AMELIORATE Winter Skin Survival Kit

The ultimate kit for transforming dry, dull and dehydrated skin. Includes 7 full-sized products all with Ameliorate’s LaH6 complex, to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. £72 (worth £104.00) Available from 2nd November. www.ameliorate.com

Philip Kingsley, Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment

We love this dreamy product for restoring shine to badly damaged hair. The cult product was designed for Audrey Hepburn and has a legion of celeb fans. £19. www.philipkingsley.co.uk

This Works Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum

A plumping 2% Hyaluronic Acid complex with Vitamin C to help hydrate and give your skin a brightening boost. £37. www.thisworks.com

Clinique Moisture Surge

This best-seller promises to deliver 72 hours of non-stop hydration, even after washing your face. £46. www.clinique.co.uk

Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Oil

To combat the damaging effects of winter weather, turn to a hair mask to help restore moisture. £54. www.christopherobin.co.uk

 All the tips for getting through the winter in our Winter Wellbeing special.