Don't let the winter take its toll on your skin

WHILE cranking the thermostat up and hibernating in the warmth sounds all too appealing, whether we stay indoors or brave the unforgiving elements, the cold weather will still take its toll.

WHILE cranking the thermostat up and hibernating in the warmth sounds all too appealing, whether we stay indoors or brave the unforgiving elements, the cold weather will still take its toll.

Skin is vulnerable during the winter, mainly due to the extreme changes in temperature from the indoors to the outdoors. Skin can become dry, dull and dehydrated. But it doesn't have to be that way for, just as we change our wardrobes in winter, skin also needs to wear products that are more suitable for the elements.

Firstly, it's crucial to ensure skin is in top condition so slough away dead skin cells to boost hydration and circulation. Try Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturising Microdermabrasion (£38, Jenners), Kiehl's Overnight Biological Peel (£37, Jenners), Benefit Honey Snap Out Of It Scrub (£18, Jenners) or Dr LeWinn's Private Formula Skin Renewal (£35, Dollyleo).

Then, hydrate. Start with a serum. Working much deeper within the epidermis, they hydrate and deliver much-needed nutrients to the skin. They also work in conjunction with a moisturiser to provide plumped-up, youthful-looking skin. Try No7 Protect & Perfect (Boots, £16.75), L'Occitane Immortale Brightening Serum (£30), and Origins Mega-mushroom face serum (John Lewis, £40). Then follow with a good moisturising cream.

For dry skins, Origins A Perfect World (£28) or Mega-Mushroom Face Cream, left, (£45) will quench thirst, while L'Occitane's best-selling Shea Butter face cream (£24) is perfect for extra parched skins. Also try Eve Lom, Clarins, Lancome and Zelens, available in Space NK.

Go light-weight for oily and combination skins, such as Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturiser (£15, Jenners) or Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer (£24), No7 Intelligent Balance Day Fluid (£8.75), or Estee Lauder's DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion (£28).

If your face needs extra protection, there's a plethora of balms out there which repair dry, damaged skin. Try Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream (£20) or Rodial's Glam Balm, (£60, Dollyleo).

Finally, up that water intake.

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Butter London is the cult nail care product worn by every celeb worth their salt. Now it's available in Edinburgh too. Check out their iconic colours from Stockbridge apothocary Dollyleo and snap up the best-selling Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator (£17).

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