Winter natural skin care: dos and don'ts
The days are getting shorter, your umbrella is now a permanent fixture in your handbag, and you've lifted out your jumpers and scarves with a heavy sigh – winter is officially on its way.
As the cold sets in and the clocks go back, most women's thoughts turn to how to stay warm and look fabulous throughout the cold, dark months.
You've probably already picked out a good coat, stylish gloves and sophisticated scarf, but have you thought about your winter natural skin care routine? If you haven't, now is the time to do it.
While everyone is well-versed on the importance of summer skin care, people tend to think that the cold is less likely to cause troublesome complexion issues.
However, windy walks to work, permanently central-heated offices and freezing cold evenings can play havoc with your skin's health.
Leading skin care expert Nancy Glass told Access Hollywood that re-evaluating your natural skin care needs is essential as the year draws to a close.
She said: "In the winter, your skin becomes dry and dull due to the cold, dry air that can suck the moisture out of your skin. The wind also dehydrates the skin and can cause it to chafe and crack.
"It's important to conduct a customised daily beauty regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising based on your skin type to avoid having dry and dull skin all winter long."
If you're looking for a quick fix for skin that's showing signs of weather exhaustion, try A'kin Skin Care Pure Rose Hydrating Mist to revitalise your complexion and top up your moisture levels throughout the day without having to take off your makeup.
You can also swap your skin lotion for a thicker cream, which will help to build a protective barrier against the elements. Try Living Nature's Rich Day Cream or A'kin Skin Care Mini Rosehip & Shea Facial Moisturiser.
Use a product such as A'kin Body Care Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment under your gloves to keep your hands soft and smooth. The best bit? All of these products are available as special bonuses if you spend over £100.
Another important thing to remember is that the sun still shines, even in the dead of winter. Don't forget: you can burn even in poor weather.
Dr Hunter from Radiant MedSpa, Seattle, urged Seattle PI readers to invest in a natural sunblock product that can be used all year round, to keep your skin protected.
By embracing a thorough winter skin care regime, you can make sure your complexion remains smoother, soft and visibly glowing – which always cheers up a dreary day.
Staying on top of the season's cosmetic trends will brighten up your dark mornings as well.
Makeup artist Jill McKay advised that anyone can inject some glamour with a statement natural lipstick colour, by choosing a dramatic shade which suits your skin tone.
A slick of moisturising lipbalm combined with cool hues for porcelain complexions or gold-based colours for warmer skin shades will leave you ready to take on the weather this winter.
Posted by Claire Thomson

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