We can say we were lucky so far with a relatively warm winter – with the daffodils smiling and some trees in my garden blossoming already. But right now, I am freezing and got more than one pair of “The White company” cashmere socks for my ski holiday later this month - It’s definitely not spring quite yet.

It’s no wonder, then, that I am seeing a lot of clients with what I call “Winter skin”: dry, dehydrated, uncomfortably tight and often flaky, blotchy and red.

„The challenge in the winter is that everything conspires to suck moisture out of our skin“

Humidity is lower in the cold air or with the heating on, and the wind – which has been particularly harsh over the last few weeks – dries you out in no time.

So given that the skiing season is still full on and there are still at least a few weeks of winter left, how can you best take care of your skin, and ensure that when spring comes around – hopefully sooner rather than later – your skin has a healthy glow?

Here are my 6 simple recommendations.

1. Eat more healthy fats.

Make sure you fill up your shopping cart with foods full of healthy mono-unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flax, sardines, and avocados. Remember your skin covers more than just the face so nourish it from within.

2. Exfoliate regularly.

When your face feels dry and flaky, it might mean that you’re not getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Unfortunately, all the moisturizers in the world won’t do the job. Use a facial scrub at least a couple of times a week to keep the surface of your skin clear, and give you a healthier look

3. Use a richer moisturiser.

Just like you wear different clothes in summer and winter seoson, you need to change some of your skin care products too. With moisturiser, you need a more nourishing cream in winter. Apply it at least twice daily but don’t put on enormous amounts at any one go. Your skin can only absorb a limited amount of moisturiser and tempting as it is to slather on a little extra when your skin is particularly dry, you’ll end up with clogged pores and spots if you’re not careful. I like layering the products so If you need to add a little extra hydration, add a skin serum underneath your moisturiser.

4. Don’t overheat your house.

After suffering in the cold outside, we want to come in to a warm, comforting home. The problem is that not only does central heating not add any moisture to the air – it actually dries you out even further.
Make sure that your home is comfortable, but not excessively hot. And if necessary use a humidifier to put some moisture back into the air.

5. Take a warm shower – not a hot one.

When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to put up the heat in the shower but the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers of the skin which can lead to a loss of moisture particularly if you are under the shower for more than 5-10minutes.
When you get out of the shower, don’t rub the water off with a towel vigorously, as this can irritate the skin, but pat your skin dry gently. Applying a body lotion is a must for my skin and I love Yonka Lait Corps as it nourishes but goes into the skin quickly.

Tip: A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relive the skin that is so dry it’s become itchy. Adding warming black paper essential oil and precious Rosa Damascena will add comfort and nourishment.

6. Book a nourishing and indulgent facial

– your body and mind will be grateful and so would be your skin. Yonka Anti Ageing facial is a perfect choice with its AHA peel, warming massage and hydrating mask – it ticks all the boxes.