As the colder weather sets in our bodies struggle to cope with the environmental changes. As we move between the cold, wet outside and our warm, cosy houses we can find that we develop dry, tight and sometimes red and sore skin. But don't let the cold winds of winter trouble you, keep your skin smooth, soft and supple with our essential winter skin care guide

1. Restrict your exfoliants.  Many people think dry skin is dead skin and try to remove it using their regular exfoliants. Unfortunately in doing so this can remove the skins protective barrier which it needs at this time of year.  Instead try gentle scrubbing with a soft facecloth, don't rub too hard or you will damage the cells you are trying to protect. After "scrubbing" apply a little cream cleanser onto damp skin then massage with your facecloth.
2. Enrich your life. Swap your normal cleanser for a luxurious cream cleanser. This will feel richer while nourishing and balancing the skin. 
3. Deep down moisturising. Using a hydrating serum under your moisturiser will penetrate deep into the skin's layers.  When choosing a moisturiser, even though it is winter, choose one with UV filters.
4. Keep it cool.  Resist the temptation to have a hot bath/shower, the steam will take the moisture out of your skin. Consider when you are washing up, to remove grease and oils from a saucepan you put it in hot water, you don't want to do the same to your skin.  Use a moisturising soap or showergel and make sure to moisturise within 3 minutes of getting out of the water, while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Use a moisturiser that contains petroleum jelly, glycerin or dimethicone to enhance the barrier function of the skin.
5. Watch your diet.  Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid fatty, fried and junk foods. Eat a balanced diet with 4-5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day, for best effect eat as many of these as possible raw. Include foods in your diet that are high in vitamins A and C such as carrots and oranges. Foods rich in Omega 3 are also excellent for keeping skin healthy, these include oily fish, flax seed, walnuts, kidney beans, tofu, fish and olive oil.