THE harsh winds, lower temperatures and lack of sun can cause havoc not just on the streets but also for our skin.
As the weather gets colder and we slowly approach the chillier winter months, a beauty expert has revealed how to tackle dry skin to ensure you're glowing all year round.
Chatting exclusively to Fabulous, Faye Purcell, Head of Research and Development at Q+A, a skincare company, explained that the most common skin concerns for many include dullness, dryness, redness and increased sensitivity.
Here are some of her favourite tips for banishing pesky dry skin and keeping it velvety soft this season from top to toe…
Buff your way to beautiful skin… but in moderation
Winter often results in lacklustre skin – and to tackle it you might be tempted to exfoliate with a scrub.
But although this is essential for a radiant glow and soft skin, Faye advised to do it in moderation, as going overboard could cause quite the opposite.
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The beauty pro said: ''Twice a week face and body exfoliation is adequate and can help to boost brightness and decongest pores, preventing spots and blackheads whilst helping your moisturiser sink into skin more effectively.
''Done correctly and using the right formula, it can also stimulate collagen to give that plump, radiant and youthful finish.''
One of her favourite affordable buys forQ+A’s AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub, £8, which blends AHAs (lactic and glycolic acids) with upcycled corn to polish away rough and bumpy skin.
Switch up your skincare
Dry, winter skin needs more hydration and protection than it does during the warmer summer period.
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Faye said: ''Use thicker moisturisers that contain emollients, humectants and occlusive ingredients like vitamin E, squalane, pro-vitamin B, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and calendula.''
Just as key, she reminded, is looking after your body and moisturising it from top to toe.
''Hands, feet, elbows, and knees can all be prone to dryness. And if you think they need some extra TLC, pop on some cotton gloves and socks after massaging in your body cream.
''Leave overnight and you’ll wake up with baby soft skin by morning.''
Don’t leave home without a multi-balm
As well as your favourite lippy and perhaps some make-up, another must-have to chuck in your bag before heading out is multi-balm.
Multi-balms, such as the Q+A Grapefruit Multi-Balm (£6.50), can be used on parched lips, scaly elbows, ragged cuticles, and any pesky dry patches that appear throughout the day.
Plus, they add a lovely pretty glow to the skin – use as a highlighter on the cupids bow and along the cheekbones, Faye added.
Clever cleansers and superstar serums
Foaming washes – great for summer but can leave your delicate winter skin feeling parched and dry.
Instead, try opting for a rich and creamy cleanser that will help to lock in much-needed moisture and won’t strip the skin of its natural oils, the whizz said.
''Go for something like Q+A’s Oat Milk Cream Cleanser, £7.50.
''It’s perfect for all skin types but especially benefits those on the drier side due to its blend of triple oats.''
The cheap yet effective breakfast staple is known for its calming, comforting and anti-inflammatory properties and oats are also prefect for targeting any redness, sensitivity, and dehydration.
Meanwhile, if you feel like your skin is prone to redness, Faye said to look for a serum that contains azelaic acid.
''Although it is an acid, it’s a gentle ingredient that can help to calm redness and can even target hyperpigmentation with consistent use."
Turn down the temperature
What's better than hoping in a hot, relaxing shower or bath after a cold winter's day?
You might feel toasty and all cosy for the evening, however, your skin certainly won't be thankful, Faye warned.
She explained: ''The hot water and higher temperatures can strip away natural oils leaving it tight and dry on both your face and body!
''So, dial down the temperature and keep shower’s short and sweet to protect your delicate skin barrier.''
To lock in the moisture, the guru recommended applying body cream or lotion immediately afterwards to damp skin for maximum absorption.
The rich formula boasts hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and hazelnut oil to keep skin flake free and velvety soft.
Invest in a humidifier
One of the best things you can do to help your skin retain moisture is invest in a humidifier, said the skincare pro.
These help add moisture back into the air. Keep one in your bedroom to rescue and restore skin while you sleep.
Humidifiers are available at most homeware stores, as well as Amazon where prices start from £10.
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Look for winter proofing ingredients
When bagging new skincare products for the cold months ahead, Faye advised to look out for certain ingredients, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and AHAs.
Faye’s top ingredients
Ceramides act like a barrier to lock in moisture, and support and protect skin from external pollutants.
Hyaluronic acid is brilliant at quenching thirsty skin and helps keep skin plump, soft, and looking fresh and healthy. Known as the “moisture molecule” it holds 1,000 times its weight in water and acts like a sponge retaining all the hydration in the skin.
Niacinamide helps soothe winter ravaged skin and can boost a dull complexion and is a great ingredient for those who experience breakouts.
Vitamin C isn’t just a great immunity booster, it can help restore the skin, protect from daily damage, and promote radiance and glow.
AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) come in many forms, with the most common being glycolic acid and is fantastic for gently buffing away the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal brighter, fresh, and more even toned skin.
Q+A is available from: qandaskin.com, sephora.co.uk, Sainsbury’s and Holland & Barrett in-store and online.
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