Winter Skin

Central heating leeches moisture from the air - and when the relative humidity of our environment drops below 60%, our skin starts to lose moisture and becomes dehydrated. To put moisture back, look for products that contain super-hydrating hyaluronic acid - a wonder ingredient that has the ability to hold 1000 times its own weight in moisture.

Neal's Yard Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask contains hyaluronic acid, along with baobab seed oil. It contains essential fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9 to help strengthen the skin and improve suppleness, plus calendula and aloe vera, which have calming properties.

Going from warm indoor environments to cold outdoor winds can cause blood capillaries to dilate and contract. "The capillary walls may eventually start to lose elasticity and the result is permanently dilated capillaries, increased redness and sensitivity," says Sally Penford of Dermalogica.

Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster contains soothing red raspberry extract, healing honey and calming flower extracts to reduce irritation and restore natural moisture levels. Pleasantly light and scent-free, it can be smoothed on before your normal moisturiser.

Winter skin can be more sensitive than usual and while you don't want to over-exfoliate or irritate the face, a gentle micro-exfoliant will help keep skin smooth and radiant. The Green People Brightening Exfoliator contains finely-ground cranberry and bambusa granules to gently ease away dead skin cells and brighten the complexion, while organic pomegranate and rosehip oils help nourish the skin.

Most of us need to switch to a heavier moisturiser in winter but if you have particularly dry skin, opt for a rich emollient such as shea butter, which acts to form an invisible barrier and helps prevent water loss.

Naked Skin Thirst Aid 12 Hour Moisturiser contains shea butter along with starflower, neroli and argan oil to help soften and smooth. You'll find a little goes a long way and, although it does require some massaging in, it can be used in the day time or applied more liberally as a nourishing night cream.