Hotel Chocolat : Skin care tips to keep your complexion soft throughout winter

The winter might mean the start of shorter nights and colder temperatures, but it shouldn't mean the beginning of dry skin

Winter brings with it crisp mornings, Christmas festivities, cosy fires and sumptuous mugs of hot chocolate. Unfortunately, for many, it also brings colder temperatures that can be harsh on the complexion. Dry skin and cracked lips can take the charm off this wonderful time of year.

Luckily, there's a way to ward off the winter bite and protect susceptible skin. By following a good skincare routine, tailored especially for those frosty months, you can help keep your complexion hydrated and glowing. Our skin care tips for winter will help lock in moisture, seeing you safely through to the warmer days of Spring.

Good skincare products offer more than just functionality, however. Luxurious lotions, lip balms, and body butters are a lovely way to pamper yourself.

[Link] How weather changes can affect your skin

As the temperatures start to drop, you might notice that your skin feels slightly tighter and dryer. This is partly due to a reduction in humidity levels: the less humid the air, the less moisture our skin retains.

Blustering winds can also strip away moisture. The skin's natural barrier keeps irritants out and moisture in. But biting winds can whittle down its defence, causing your skin to lose hydration. If you notice your skin has become dry, red, or irritated, it's probably your skin cells letting you know that it's seriously unhappy with the latest climate development.

Crisp, sunny winter mornings might feel refreshing and invigorating but they can be tough on the complexion. And while a bright snowy day looks beautiful, snow and ice can actually reflect the sun's rays, increasing the risk of damaging effects.

What about cosying up inside? Unfortunately, those toasty nights, with the fire roaring and the heating on full blast, can soak up all that moisture from our skin. Fluctuating temperatures can make your skin feel especially sensitive. You may notice changes to your complexion if you go outside in the cold and come back to a very warm home.

Skin care tips to keep your complexion soft in winter

It almost goes without saying, but making sure your skin remains moisturised is one of the best skin care tips for winter. One of the ways to do this is by layering up, just as you would with your clothes.

Incorporating hydrating products into every element of your skincare routine helps to pack in the moisture.

Our Aloe Vera Shower Gel gently cleanses the skin without removing any of the body's natural oils, ensuring none of that vital moisture is lost.

Protecting yourself against the sun's UVB rays is equally important. If the sun does decide to make an appearance then remember to put SPF on your face.

But what about protection against central heating? You could turn the thermostat down. But if that's not an ideal option, consider upping your water intake to pack that moisture in. If it's too chilly for chilled water then opt for a hot lemon water, or sip on your favourite herbal tea.

Our lips and hands can sometimes be overlooked when it comes to a winter skincare routine. Yet neglecting them can result in a rather uncomfortable experience. Lip balms and hand creams are therefore a must for those freezing months. Our

Wonder Balm lip balm keeps those lips plump, and also doubles up as a highlighter and brow styler, making this the perfect little moisture boost for when you're on the go.

[Link] Top botanical ingredients for winter skin care

Now you know the types of skincare products to go for during the winter, let's explore what's in them. Getting the ingredients right is one of the most valuable skin care tips for winter.

Avoid washes, scrubs, and lotions that contain high alcohol levels, as these can make your skin feel tighter and more sensitive. Instead, look for products that will lock in moisture, whether it's a night-time face cream or body wash for your morning shower.

At Hotel Chocolat, we're big believers in the benefits of Nature's bounty. We love using natural ingredients in our chocolates and our beauty products. Here are a few of our favourite botanical ingredients for keeping your skin soft, supple and glowing, no matter what the weather is like.

Shea butter

Shea butter is a fantastic emollient thanks to its rich, fatty acids. When you apply shea butter your skin instantly absorbs these acids, triggering a process in which your lipids are restored, generating further moisture for your skin. Essentially, shea butter acts as a medicine for your skin; the acids help to restore the barrier between your skin and the outside environment, helping to reduce the risk of dryness.

Shea butter is also great for those who suffer from oily skin. Linoleic and oleic acids found in shea butter balance each other out, enabling your skin to absorb the shea butter without leaving it feeling greasy.

Jojoba oil

Extracted from the seeds of the jojoba bush, jojoba oil might be a little less well-known than other botanical moisturisers. However, this doesn't mean it should be overlooked. Jojoba oil can be great for those who suffer from acne or extremely dry skin.

Jojoba oil is a humectant ingredient, which means it works by attracting water to the top layer of the skin, keeping your skin ultra-hydrated.

Cocoa butter

Like shea butter, cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, locking in moisture whilst forming a protective barrier over the skin. Because cocoa butter is rich in natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, it can improve blood flow to the skin, protecting your skin from sun damage. Just remember to wear it alongside sun cream, as a high SPF is the best way to protect your skin.

Our Chocolate Almond Lip Balm contains cocoa seed butter and is high in antioxidants. This helps soothe and reduce any redness from those chapped lips, meaning you can carry on smiling, all year round.

Argan oil

Argan oil is rich in Vitamin E, the vitamin we need for healthy hair, skin and eyes. When used as a body cream it has antioxidant properties, helping to fight inflammation and redness. Our

Argan & Cacao Body Butter gives the ultimate hydration booster. Enrich your skin with the perfect amount of moisture.

[Link] Winter skin care from Hotel Chocolat

Now you've read our top skin care tips for winter, you can start the fun bit - finding the soothing, aromatic beauty products that make your skin feel soft, supple, and glowing. Protect and pamper all at once, with soaps, lip balms, hand creams and more, all brimming with botanical goodness.