Winter skin saviours: the commandments

Don’t think scales will suit you? Worried that skin flakes won’t go with your outfit? Yeah, you should be worried; only cobras get away with that look, don’t you know.

That’s why as winter starts to set in, and a combination of harsh heaters and drying air conditioning means your skin starts to feel a little taut and tight – it’s integral that you do all you can to deal with the sudden change in temperature. That is, moisturise, hydrate and nourish! (Did I say moisturise?)

Here are the cool weather commandments that you need to follow in order to score some supremely soft, winter-proof skin…

Commandment #1: Thou shalt always nourish thy body.

The underdog in the hydration stakes, your body often falls by the wayside when you contemplate moisturising. That’s because the fear of telltale flakes and wrinkles covering your complexion can make you concentrate only on your face in winter. But did you know that scaly legs and dull, flake-covered skin can actually make you appear less young and vibrant, too? Worse still, a crêpey, dry décolletage works against you when you’re seeking to look supple and healthy-looking. Ensure this doesn’t happen by investigating in a hard-working, body-moisturising duo that work together to keep your skin smooth and supple (and flake-free) for longer. 

We like Dove Triple Moisturising Deeply Nourishing Body Wash, for its ability to provide essential lipids to truly nourish your skin from within, teamed with Dove Essential Nourishment Body Milk for its Deep Care Complex that delivers long-lasting moisture, as well as nutrients and essential oils straight to your skin.

Commandment #2: Thou shalt always hydrate thy face.

A radiant complexion isn’t just about finding the right illuminator; it’s about banishing dull, dry winter skin and ensuring you use a moisturiser with nourishing ingredients to keep your face feeling supple and looking healthy. As you well know, dry skin isn’t your only worry when it comes to treating your face – fine lines and wrinkles are forever looming, so a product that can battle your ageing concerns and keep your skin soft and oh-so smooth is a real winner.

We like Bloom Organic Rosehip Oil because it’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help slow down the ageing process by improving skin elasticity. It also banishes dryness by pampering skin and leaving your face feeling super soft, plumped-up and hydrated.

Commandment #3: Thou shalt always pay special attention to thy hands and feet.

So you may think that because you’ve taken care of your arms and legs with a hard-working hydrator that you’re done for the day, right? Wrong, wrong wrong. There’s nothing more unsightly (or irritating, for that matter), than dry and scaly hands and feet. Not even a pretty cocktail ring can deter the stares.

The answer? Arm yourself with a balm - a super-moisturising product that specialises in treating hard-working hands and the tougher skin on your feet. 

We like The L’Occitane Aromachology Relaxing Hand Balm for its nourishing shea butter and its 100 per cent natural essential oils of lavender, tea tree and geranium. For your feet, try a product that can help to soften the tough stuff on your heels and balls of your feet. We like The Aromatherapy Company Feet Range Moisturising Foot Balm for its refreshing blend of peppermint, tea tree and lavender essential oils, as well as the addition of botanical extracts such as mamuku and kiwi to soothe and heal dry, cracked skin.

What's your dry skin horror story?