Product watch: winter skincare regime

As autumn turns to winter it’s time to break out the winter skincare regime.

The dry patch of skin above my eye is like my own personal weather vane. It reappears every year as autumn turns to winter.

It is back again, along with papery-dry hands and fly-away hair.

Time to break out the winter skincare regime. Winter weather really abuses skin, going from central heating temperatures to the cold wind and rain outside.

It’s all about moisturising and protecting. Of course, oils play a big part in this and I live by them. I was delighted to see Ziaja, the budget brand, recently launched three new Natural Oil moisturising ranges — Argan, Avocado and Grape Seed Oil.

The argan oil range is the hands-down winner for me (it’s the same oil that’s used in the lifesaver that is MoroccanOil). These are perfect for soothing skin against the shock of the colder winter weather, boosting lipid levels, improving the skin’s barrier function, which in turn keeps the skin moisturised. Argan oil’s main function here is to hydrate (it’s rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6).

The prices mean you can slather them on — the protective face cream is €6.99 and the protective body lotion is €5.99 (this is a great quickly-absorbed everyday winter moisturiser).

For extra-dry skin, try their body butter (€7.99). Best of all, this range contains no parabens, colourants or artificial fragrances.

Available from pharmacies nationwide or from www.originalbeauty.ie. Beauty Balms are a godsend this winter and Rimmel has just launched one, a 9-in-1 product, no less.

I think beauty balms come into their own in this kind of weather, giving long-lasting moisture that soothes and keeps skin feeling comforted throughout the day. And just because we rarely see a ray of sunshine in winter, doesn’t mean we’re not getting the ageing effects (the injustice!).

La Roche-Posay’s Hydraphase Intense UV Light (€23.50) is specially designed with winter skin challenges in mind, so is deeply hydrating whilst protecting against UVA and UVB rays. A winter hero product.

Keeping a few bits and pieces in your handbag or by your desk is worth the maintenance too. Again try Ziaja’s very affordable handcreams from the oil range (€3.99) or Mavala’s new Mava+ Extreme Care For Hands (€10.20).

For extra sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 RRP €12. Vichy’s Nutrilogie RRP €20.50 soothes and keeps skin hydrated for 24 hours. Available exclusively in pharmacies nationwide.