It’s been a dramatic and sudden shift to cold, wet weather this year! As autumn unfolds and winter approaches, the drop in temperature, chilly winds, and dry indoor heating can wreak havoc on our skin.

It’s common to experience dryness, flakiness, and a dull complexion, all signs that your skin is struggling to cope with the cooler season's harsh conditions. Fortunately, with a tweak to your skincare routine, you can protect your skin from the elements and keep it hydrated, healthy, and radiant.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through essential Autumn/Winter skincare tips and include a tutorial to help you tackle a common cold weather skin emergency: chapped, flaky, sensitised skin. I’ll also highlight some of my personal favourite products from Neal’s Yard Remedies that are absolutely perfect for the next two seasons.

Your Winter Skincare Survival Kit:

Switch to a Nourishing Cleanser: Autumn is the time to swap your foaming or gel cleansers for a more nourishing formula that won’t strip your skin of it’s natural oils. Cream, milk or balm cleansers help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, which is crucial during colder months.

Exfoliate Gently: Although exfoliation is important year-round, it’s essential to be gentle now. Use a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells to avoid causing irritation. This will help your other skincare products penetrate and work more effectively. Keep an eye out for my next blog that simplifies the different types of exfoliators and which one is best for you.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: One of the most important steps in your skincare routine is hydration. Layer your products strategically, starting with a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturiser to lock in that moisture.

Don’t Forget the SPF: Even though it’s colder and darker outside, UV rays are still present and can damage and age your skin. To protect against sun exposure always use a broad-spectrum of at least factor 30. I personally use factor 30 in the colder, cloudier months and a factor 50 when skies are sunny and clear.

Target Dry Areas: Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as your cheeks, around the nose, and lips. These areas need more TLC during winter, so don’t hesitate to layer on more product where needed. A balm that adds a protective barrier against harsh winds and temperatures is a great choice. I use Neal’s Yards Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm on myself and my kiddies, great protection from the odd snowball in the face! It also smells divine while nourishing and soothing the skin.

Winter Skin Saving Tutorial

Dry, chapped, flaky or wind scalded skin is a common winter skincare issue that can feel very uncomfortable and affect your overall look. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to resolve this issue quickly and effectively:

What You’ll Need:

A milky soft cleanser (Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Triple Action Melting Cleanser is the most luxurious and comforting cleanser I’ve ever had the pleasure of using)
A gentle exfoliating scrub (try Neal’s Yard Remedies Honey & Orange Face Scrub, it’s so gentle and smells wonderful)
A hydrating mask (like Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm, a best selling multi purpose savior)
A rich moisturizer (Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Nourishing Cream proven to hydrate for 24 hours) A soothing facial oil (Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil a light, dry oil blend that effortlessly sinks in).

Step 1: Warm a small amount of cleansing melt in the palm of your hand. Close your eyes and inhale the therapeutic aroma for a few moments. Massage into dry skin using an upwards and outwards circular motion, taking care around the delicate eye area. Continue to massage until the rich cleansing gel melts into a skin-conditioning oil. Apply warm water and massage into the oil cleanser to transform the oil into a creamy milk emulsion. Rinse with warm water until skin is clean and pat dry. Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation. Begin by gently exfoliating flaky areas using Neal’s Yard Remedies Honey & Orange Facial Scrub. This natural exfoliator is enriched with honey to hydrate and orange oil to brighten, making it perfect for lifting away dead skin without irritation. Apply a small amount to damp skin, massage with light pressure in circular motions, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 3: A Hydrating Mask. After exfoliating, apply Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm as a hydrating mask. This versatile balm is packed with antioxidant-rich wild rosehip oil, shea butter, and other nourishing botanicals. Spread a generous layer over your face and leave it on for about 10 minutes. This balm helps to deeply nourish and repair your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. You can also leave this on overnight for an extra intensive treat.
Step 4: Moisturise. Follow up with Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Nourishing Cream. This ultra-hydrating cream is designed to plump, smooth and rejuvenate the skin while providing a rich dose of moisture. Apply it generously to your face, focusing on any particularly dry areas.
Step 5: Seal with Oil. Lock in all that hydration with a few drops of Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Glow Facial Oil. This luxurious oil provides an extra barrier against moisture loss, perfect for winter’s harsh conditions. Warm a few drops between your palms and press into your skin, paying special attention to areas prone to dryness.
Extra Tip: Lip Care. Don’t forget your lips! Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Lip Formula is perfect for soothing chapped lips with a blend of organic beeswax, shea butter, rosehip and essential oils.

Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, uncomfortable skin. By adjusting your skincare routine and using products designed to nourish and protect, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long. Neal’s Yard Remedies offers a range of natural, effective products that are perfect for winter skincare, helping you to maintain your skin’s vitality no matter the weather.

You can fill your welly boots with all the above recommended products above right now, by clicking the link below. If you need any further skincare advice just text me on 07786 088344.

SHOP YOUR WINTER SURVIVAL KIT HERE