How to keep your skin looking great in the party season

Feeling tired but too busy with social engagements to catch up on sleep? 60% of us suffer from dehydrated skin during the winter months with face, body, lips and hands showing the ill-effects of moving between cosy central heating to the chillier outdoors. Here's what you can do to help look your best when the monthly cocktail quota's been reached.    
   

Cleanse

No matter how tired you are, whatever makeup you choose, and no matter how late you party, cleansing is key. Twice daily with mild cleansers is the rule, using a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that's non-irritating to the skin. Balms or cleansing oils are perfect make-up-melting winter-weather skin choices used with a muslin cloth, or washcloth. Buffing helps remove the dead layers of skin and are the main reason skin is less vibrant-looking at this time of year.     

Exfoliate

Remove dead cells that dull the complexion. But be careful! If you suffer from extremely dry skin, don't scrub too enthusiastically as it can undermine the skin's barrier function.

Moisturise

Lavish gently-cleansed skin with moisturiser. If possible, re-apply during the day too (even oily skins need extra moisture in winter). At night-time, add an extra layer of moisturiser, a facial oil under your night cream (the Winter Oil is being released in early December). Try using a rich face mask - many can be worn overnight for extra potency. For a fast-track to much-needed radiance, I love Aromatherapy Associates' Overnight Repair Mask.

Don't forget your bodies

Our bodies may be covered up during the day but they tend to come out during the party season, so remember that beneath neck level, skin needs plenty of TLC too! Invest in a moisturising shower wash (look for cream rather than gel versions) and exfoliate. Boost your flagging mood as well as your skin's moisture levels by choosing something creamily pampering, and don't skimp. Pat skin dry before massaging it in. Look for ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and natural oils.