It's that time of year again. Your social calendar has never been busier with festive gatherings of colleagues, family and friends. But your skin didn't get the memo and is refusing to play ball. As we enter the depths of winter and your wardrobe calls out for a few updates, so does your skincare routine.

The start of December means central heating is cranked up inside plus freezing cold temperatures outside prove a tough combination, pushing skin to its limit. Usually vibrant and glowing, your skin has been replaced with a dehydrated and dull complexion. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can deploy now to save your skin this winter.

Switch up your cleanser

Your skin acts as a barrier, the first line of defence from external environmental pollutants, naturally occurring oils in the skin help its regular function. A foaming cleanser can strip skin of these natural oils, so in winter months consider replacing your foaming cleanser with a more gentle balm, cream or milk.Dermaviduals DMS Cleansing Milk is formulated without any harmful emulsifiers, irritating perfumes or preservatives “ it can even be used on the most sensitive skins. The gentle milk can be used as a double cleanse, firstly to remove make up and debris and then to perfectly cleanse skin ready for the rest of your routine.

Avoid alcohol

The occasional festive tipple won't hurt “ it is Christmas after all! A toner with alcohol high up in the ingredients list, however, will strip skin of its natural protective barrier, making it ineffective at retaining moisture and therefore leaving skin exposed.

Mesoestetic Hydratonic Facial Tonic is alcohol-free, packed with cucumber extract and rose water to balance skins pH levels and helping to restore the acid mantle. Skin is hydrated and prepared for active ingredients in serums and creams throughout your continued routine.

Layer your products

Just like clothing, during the colder months your skin also requires extra layers to keep it functioning correctly. Following your updated winter cleanse and tone routine, the addition of a serum, oil or antioxidant helps to protect your skin against the (freezing cold!) elements. An antioxidant serum in the morning such as

Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum brings skin to an optimum state of hydration and balance, protecting skin from external environmental aggressors. A strengthening copper complex supports elastin and collagen production, as well as soothing organic Japanese green tea and Aloe Vera. In the evening, follow your regular exfoliating acid with a hydrating serum such as Beautycoll Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It's a lightweight serum that delivers hydration deep into the skins lower layers, helping to plump skin and smooth fine lines, providing important hydration during winter months.

Omega supplement

Omegas are an important daily addition to a healthy lifestyle, helping to protect your skin from the inside. A combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in Advanced Nutrition Programme Supersize Skin Omegas

helps to hydrate skin all year round. This extra hydration is even more important during the winter months when skin can be more easily dehydrated due to the harsh conditions.

Vitamin D supplement

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency can include fatigue, poor immunity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Taking a daily Vitamin D supplement such as Heliocare Ultra D Oral Supplement Capsules can help to combat these symptoms.

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