Expert reveals how you can weather-proof your skin from winter’s most common issues – from chapped lips to clogged pores

SUMMER is now just a distant memory.

With stormy weather set to batter Britain over the next few days, how can you protect your skin from the harsh winds, rain and cranked-up central heating? While it might be tempting to warm up in a hot bath, research shows you could be doing more harm than good to sensitive skin.

But don’t panic. Here, skin expert Dr David Jack tells GEORGETTE CULLEY his simple steps to keep your skin beautiful even when the weather is not.

Sunburn

YOU can get sunburn in the winter too. Sun damage is incredibly dangerous for your skin, both immediately and in the long-term. Protect yourself by wearing ideally factor 30 or above, to combat weather damage.

Lots of make-up now also contains SPF, from foundations to tinted moisturisers and powders.

Dr David says: “Swap your base layers to ones that include this to make it easier to incorporate into your daily routine. Your skin will thank you for it.”

Chapped lips

MOST people moisturise their face at least once, if not twice, daily. But to storm-proof yourself this winter, take care of the thin skin on the lips.
Dr David says: “This area is first to become dry and cracked, causing pain, unsightly appearance and leave you open to infections.

“Basic things like Vaseline can temporarily help, but investing in a good hydrating lip balm with an in-built SPF can repair cracking. Try super-hydrating lip-specific products and wear them every day.”

Weathered hands

OUR hands are often neglected. In harsh winter conditions they can become very dry, leaving them tight, sore and unsightly.

It is important to exfoliate the hands to remove flaky skin using an exfoliating hand wash. Make sure you follow this with a hydrating serum or oil on the palms to soothe.

Dr David says: “I also advise using a cuticle cream around the fingernails as this area is prone to dryness, especially if you are a nail biter.”

Dry skin

JUST like in summer months, good hydration and diet is key to feeling and looking your best.

It is vital to drink lots of water to help the skin stay hydrated.

Dr David says: “Eat plenty of green veg with lots of iron to repair the skin from central heating.”

Moisture surge

THERE is no better feeling than slipping into a hot bath when it’s cold but try to resist the urge as hot water can dissolve the top layer of skin and dry it out further.
Dr David says: “Have lukewarm baths and showers to reduce this risk and add in a moisturising oil.

“Pop a few drops into bath water or rub over your body after a shower. This will prevent you from getting that itchy feeling when you dry out.”

Clogged pores

COLD weather can cause the skin to dry out and this build-up of dead skin clogs pores.

Saunas are great for increasing blood flow to the skin and unclogging pores, as well as repairing skin cells.

Dr David says: “Make sure you protect the skin afterwards by using a good primer and moisturise the whole body with a hydrating body cream to keep the moisture locked in.”

Broken skin

THE nose is affected by harsh or cold weather more than other features. Runny noses because of cold and wind can result in redness and broken skin.

Dr David says: “Using a very small amount of petroleum jelly or Vaseline around the nostrils can help prevent this before you leave home.

“And covering up with a big scarf makes sure that the area doesn’t get too cold either.”

Foundation

MAKE-UP can come off in cold weather just as easily as it does when it is warm and sunny outside.

Dr David says: “You need a good foundation that will protect the skin but still allow it to breathe, Oxygenating your  at times where it is most needed.”