If there’s one thing we’ve gotten really good at over the past year and a half, it’s being outside. From wintery local walks to getting a breath of fresh air for mental clarity, long distance runs to huddling beneath heaters over drinks with friends; many of us have found solace in the great outdoors. 

There is a particularly inconvenient consequence, though. You may notice that alongside numb fingers, the cold weather is starting to leave your skin irritated, red and dry. Add central heating to that and your face can be left feeling tight and uncomfortable.

“Wind and cold temperatures affect skin in a significant way,” says Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder, director and doctor at Clinicbe. “The effects on the skin will depend on an individual’s sensitivity but generally, it dries the skin making it rough and uneven in texture.”

Alongside drier complexions, colder temperatures can cause more skin issues for some. Dr Kubicka adds: “The winter condition will affect capillaries making the skin more prone to redness, sometimes resulting in little broken capillaries, thread veins and spider veins as they are called by some.

“Also, as many of us have noticed, it makes the skin on our lips very dry, making them cracked and sore.”

Before you step outside, it’s important to prep and protect your skin against cold, harsh winds and damaging environmental factors.

“It’s much easier to protect your skin than to repair the damage done by winter conditions,” says Dr Kubicka. “Use a barrier cream on your face and a hydrating product on your lips.” 

She also recommends being more mindful of the ingredients you’re applying to your face. “I advise reducing the use of a water-based serums in the morning during this time.

“If your skin can handle more oily, heavier products use these instead. [Reducing the use of water-based serums] will protect your skin from perspiration that occurs due to elements such as an increase in central heating, which can cause further dryness.”

Additionally, Dr Kubicka recommends “face oils with vitamin E and a soothing, calming vitamin B complex, like panthenol. Also, niacinamide and zinc are key ingredients to look out for in your skincare.”

If you get in from a walk and your face feels still feel dry, tight or uncomfortable, Dr Kubicka says: “You can apply an extra layer of moisturiser with healing properties, such aloe vera or again, face oils with vitamin E.”

Here, we round up the products to keep your skin happy, healthy and hydrated.

Main image: Getty