Eight ways to look after your skin this winter

Keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy during winter can be a challenge. Follow these top tips to make your skin glow.

In the summer, you probably pay extra special attention to your skin, buffing and moisturising it to perfection. But, in the winter months it can be tempting to hide dull-looking skin under bundles of woolly layers and thick tights – and to hide your face behind a chunky scarf. Sound familiar? Follow these eight expert tips and tricks to help your skin survive the winter, and look and feel at its best.

1. Swap face wipes for a hydrating cleanser

Cold weather and central heating can take a lot of moisture out of the skin, so it’s important to incorporate some really hydrating products into your regime over the winter. A gentle, moisturising cleanser will not only keep the complexion looking fresh and healthy, but will also help the rest of your skincare work more effectively, while harsh products such as face wipes can strip the skin of its natural oils. “Opt for a micellar water instead,” advises Braun beauty expert, Nathalie Eleni. “They are just as quick and easy to use, but are far more effective and hydrating. Additionally, a creamy cleanser buffed in with the Braun FaceSpa will really clear out pores, and remove all the make-up and dirt from the day.”

2. Get more from your skincare with multi-tasking tools

Facial cleansing tools such as the Braun FaceSpa precision epilator and cleansing brush are an excellent way of getting more from your cleanser, and are six times more effective than manual cleansing. The Braun FaceSpa extra sensitive brush gets deep down into the pores while remaining gentle on the skin, and the interchangeable exfoliating attachment sweeps away dead skin cells. Your complexion should feel noticeably smoother and refined with regular use.

3. Replenish your skin overnight

During the night, your skin is at its most susceptible to the efficacy of skincare, so it’s a great opportunity to load it with nourishment. Ms Eleni advises using a face oil as this will help to lock in moisture without leaving the skin feeling greasy. “If you don’t want to spend lots of money, you can pick up a simple almond or coconut oil from the chemist which will work just as well,” she says. “I suggest applying it just before bed as this will allow the oil to nourish and replenish the skin as you sleep.”

4. Invest in a good moisturiser

A good moisturiser is one of the most vital parts of a winter skincare regime as it replenishes the skin with valuable lipids – essential components to healthy barrier function – therefore restoring hydration. When choosing a moisturiser, look for ingredients such as vitamin E as it’s rich in antioxidants, which help to defend the skin against harmful environmental aggressors such as pollution. Hyaluronic acid is also a powerful molecule used in moisturisers and serums that holds 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. Extremely hydrating yet ultra-lightweight – it’s a real game-changer.

5. Remove dullness with regular exfoliation

Adding exfoliation to your weekly regime will remove the dullness and flaking caused by dead skin cells. For the best results, use an in-shower tool such as Braun’s Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa for deep pore exfoliation that is six times more effective than a manual exfoliation scrub. This innovative tool can be used on wet or dry skin, and comes with two interchangeable exfoliating brushes: one for the whole body and one for more sensitive areas. Begin at the feet and work up the body to stimulate blood flow and help combat cellulite. This should help to improve skin tone and softness, revealing beautiful glowing skin.

6. Swap waxing appointments for an epilator

Party season is the perfect excuse for some extra pampering, and an opportunity to give the whole body a bit of TLC. For super-smooth pins, try the epilator function on the Braun Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa. Once you’ve exfoliated, simply switch to the epilator head to remove unwanted hair. It adapts to the contours of your body, and MicroGrip tweezer technology captures hairs four times shorter than waxing usually would. Your legs will be left silky smooth for up to four weeks – banishing that dreaded in-between wax appointment stubble.
7. Add a sun-kissed glow

Once your skin is thoroughly exfoliated and hydrated, you may want to add a little tan to your new-found glow. There are plenty of buildable tanning lotions available for the face and body that will give you that sun-kissed look even on the murkiest of days. Apply in natural light with a mitt or glove for an even, natural result.

8. Keep active to boost natural radiance

One of the reasons we look and feel better in the summer is because we tend to spend more time outdoors. While hibernating under a blanket is tempting on a cold day, staying active will help boost circulation, keep your pulse rate up and your glow intact. Try to commit to 30 minutes of walking three to four times a week for natural radiance.