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12 Skincare Buys For Cashmere-Soft Winter Skin

Banish dry, chapped winter skin by knowing what skincare ingredients to look for and shopping these editor-approved products.

It seems counterintuitive that damp winter conditions could be dehydrating for the skin. And yet exposure to wind causes an increase in moisture evaporation and chapped skin, while the constant oscillation between the wild outdoors and our centrally heated homes can stress the skin’s moisture barrier and cause dryness and sensitivity. Put all the elements together and skin can feel parched, cracked and dull.

The remedy? Now is the time to look for skincare that is going to cushion and hydrate skin, protecting and strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier and nourishing it back to supple, smooth, cashmere-softness.

These are the five ingredients to add to your skincare shopping list, plus a dozen skin-soothing products to try.

12 Skin-Softening Skincare Buys To Try

Weleda

Weleda

Skin Food, £11

Alpha-H

Alpha-H

High Tide Water Cream, £45

Paula’s Choice

Paula’s Choice

Resist Intensive Repair Cream, £38

Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden

Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil, £28

La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay

Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Serum, £45

Avene

Avene

Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream Moisturiser, £19

Lancome

Lancome

Mousse Eclat Gentel Softening Cleansing Fluid, £21

Fresh

Fresh

Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, £31.50

Elemis

Elemis

Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator, £55

REN

REN

Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £31.50

Biossance

Biossance

Squalane and Omega Repair Cream, £48

LaNeige

LaNeige

Cream Skin Oil Milk Cleanser, £20

5 Skin-Softening Ingredients To Look Out For

Hyaluronic Acid: Hailed as the holy grail of hydration, hyaluronic acid is a skincare superstar. This moisture magnet attracts water molecules, plumping and hydrating the skin from within.

Shea Butter: Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, shea butter is a rich emollient that nourishes and soothes the skin. Packed with fatty acids and vitamins, it creates a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and leaving your skin feeling luxuriously soft.

Glycolic Acid: Unveil a smoother complexion with glycolic acid, a gentle exfoliant derived from sugarcane. This alpha hydroxy acid sweeps away dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing a fresh, velvety layer underneath. Say goodbye to rough patches and hello to silky smoothness.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it balances oil production, leaving your skin soft and supple. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it enhances your skin's texture with a radiant glow.

Collagen: As the key protein responsible for skin elasticity, collagen is a must for achieving a soft and youthful complexion. Incorporate collagen-boosting products into your routine to promote firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, resulting in skin that feels irresistibly smooth.

By Lydia Mansi
December 2023

Lydia Mansi

Lifestyle Editor

Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.

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