Dr Dave Reilly, senior scientist at Absolute Collagen, said: “Most people know the impact that the summer weather and UV rays can have on skin but not everyone is aware you need to take just as much care of your skin in colder winter months.
“With the humidity of summer gone and the dry winter air coming in, you may notice your skin feels less hydrated leading to drier, duller, and more sensitive skin prone to redness and cracking.
“To help keep your skin looking fresh and you feeling your best, it’s important to do your best to maintain your skin’s moisture.
“Drinking plenty of water and staying on top of SPF is important all year round, but it can also be beneficial to winter-proof your skincare routine with a more intense nighttime ritual, as well as investing in home products like humidifiers.”
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water in the summer can feel like second nature and it can be hard to remember to drink enough when it’s cold outside.
The expert said: “Our thirst response diminishes in winter as the cold weather means we are losing less body water through sweat. You can often find yourself coming to the end of the day without having drunk enough liquids.
“It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. So, if you do find you struggle to stay on top of this, you could pick up a time-marked water bottle to keep by your desk or on the go with you as a reminder to keep sipping to stay hydrated.”
2. Boost with supplements
Knowing which supplements work and which don’t can sometimes be an overwhelming task, but according to the pro, some on the market can help boost the brightness of your skin.
Dr Reilly explained: “The body naturally produces collagen to support healthy and firmer skin. By taking collagen supplements you can boost your natural glow.
“A recent study of 130 participants by Absolute Collagen found that 80 percent of people taking collagen supplements said that their skin felt brighter.”
It can also be beneficial to take vitamin D during the winter months as the shorter days mean there isn’t enough sunlight for the body to make its own.
3. Don’t forget the SPF
The skincare pro continued: “While SPF creams and lotions are typically associated with summer and sun, it is just as important to keep on top of your SPF application in winter as well.
“While it is true that the sun and UV rays are both more intense in summer than in the colder months, there is still a considerable amount of UV radiation during the winter that can cause damage.
“No SPF can block out all the harmful UV rays, but an SPF factor 30 will block out the vast majority at 97 percent.
“While factor 30 is the standard recommended protection, don’t forget to check that your sunscreen will offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.”
4. Keep your skin moisturised
Drinking enough water is not the only way to retain your skin’s moisture during winter either, keeping it moisturised is crucial.
The expert recommended making your own face masks using ingredients like honey, yoghurt and even bananas to add moisture to the skin.
