Spirits may be high this winter, but the temperatures are undoubtedly dropping. And though the snow is flaky and the ice is cracking, your skin doesn’t need to be. 

Here are my top tips and affordable product recommendations for happy, radiant and glowy skin, yes, it’s possible, even in winter. 

1. Hydration: Water, Water, and More Water!
I cannot stress how important water is for your skin. You’ve probably heard it all before, but it wouldn’t be so enforced if it wasn’t that important. 
After all, our bodies are made up of about 60% water and our skin largely dictated by hydration levels. The point being, it’s not always about piling on an abundance of elixirs, essences and potions and expecting them to work miracles, but drinking an adequate amount of water to flush out your toxins. Aim for approximately 1-2 litres a day, it will be the single best thing you do for your skin and body overall. 

2. SPF Protection
You’re probably wondering why on earth you would need to wear sun protection with not a glimmer of sun in sight. 
This is the most common misconception about skincare so let me break it down for you. 
UV lights are always present, come rain or shine- if not protected, this will cause irreversible damage to your skin.  Elect an SPF with both UVA and UVB light protection, and ideally nothing lower than SPF30- the higher the SPF, the better it can protect against pigmentation and ageing.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50: £16.50, Boots

People Facial Sun Cream Scent Free SPF 30: £16.50, Naturisimo  

3.Avoid Hot Water- Opt for Lukewarm   
Although the thought of getting in a hot shower, after being exposed to harsh winds, is a heavenly dream, it is not the best for your skin and can cause it to become even more parched. 
Hot water can in fact strip away the natural protective oils which moisturise your skin, and can leave it even more dehydrated. If you dial the temperature down, particularly on your face as this is much more sensitive, you can effectively minimise these negative effects. 

4. Moisturising Matters
This may seem a simple answer, but you would be surprised as to how many people undermine this step. I mean who wouldn’t want plump and hydrated skin in the winter months? 
If you don’t want to add extra skincare steps- which can be rather lengthy- I suggest a good moisturiser is priority, if not anything else. Moisturising immediately after you bathe will replenish any lost moisture as a result of the washing process, and will be absorbed better by your skin. 
Invest in some pure coconut oil or almond oil- a natural all- purpose staple for your skincare stash, and can be easily found in most Asian supermarkets. Add a layer of moisture before you sleep and find your skin replenishing itself while you slumber. 

Simple Kind to Skin Rich Moisturiser Replenishing: £4.29, Boots

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Skin Protectant Fragrance Free: £26, Debenhams
5. Banish Dull Skin with Exfoliation
There is nothing more frustrating than the dead skin that gathers on top of the skin blocking it from absorbing any moisture. If we don’t slough of the dead skin, we make no room for fresh, regenerated skin.
I recommend exfoliating at least twice a week, which can aid in blood circulation to uncover healthy, glowing skin. Be careful not to over-exfoliate as this can leave your skin even more dry and irritated. 

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Brighten & Refine Facial Scrub: £5, Boots

Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub: £6.63, Boots


6. Enrich Your Skin with a Hydrating Mask

A rich mask can be an excellent pick me up for when your skin needs that excellent TLC, which I agree is much needed in the cold winter months! 
Pamper yourself with a nourishing mask to help hydrate skin and improve its all overall appearance. Opt for a homemade mask using accessible household items: 
Mix equal parts of honey, yoghurt, oatmeal with a dash of your trustee coconut oil for an ultra-moisturising mask at your fingertips!

Asian Image:

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask: £14, The Body Shop

Boots Ingredients sheet face mask: £2.50, Boots 

7. Let’s Not Forget Those Lips
During the winter months, our lips can be particularly prone to dryness and flakiness when exposed to the cold air. 
Since our lips have no sebaceous glands, they cannot use natural oils to self-moisturise which means they are in need of that extra care. Invest in an ultra-nourishing lip balm and as you keep reapplying you will notice your lips becoming smoother and healthier. 
The versatile Elizabeth Arden Balm (above) doubles as an intensely nourishing lip balm too! 

Vitamin E Lip Care SPF15: £5.50, The Body Shop

Burts Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter: £3.99, Holland and Barrett


So, there you have it, your top tips to effortlessly introduce an effective skincare regime. Follow these glow-boosting steps and wear your best canvas, all year around.