Short days, central heating and cold wind all take their toll, and by mid-November many of us look in the mirror and see skin that seems flat, grey and tired. If you have been wondering how to get glowing skin again before the festive season, the good news is that winter dullness is usually a surface problem with simple fixes. This guide explains the most common dull skin causes and gives you an easy routine to bring back a healthy glow.<\/p>\n
Glow is really about light. Smooth, well-hydrated skin reflects light evenly, so it looks bright and fresh. When the surface becomes rough, dry or uneven, light scatters and the complexion looks matt and lifeless. Several winter habits make this more likely:<\/p>\n
If dullness comes with sudden changes such as patches, persistent redness, itching or a change in skin colour, see a doctor or pharmacist, as it may have a medical cause rather than a seasonal one.<\/p>\n
You don’t need a long list of products. A glow-focused routine has four jobs: cleanse gently, add hydration, protect with antioxidants and smooth the surface now and then. Here is how to put that together.<\/p>\n
In winter, swap squeaky-clean foams for something softer. A cream or milk texture such as our Gentle Cleansing Milk<\/a> lifts away the day without leaving skin tight. Use lukewarm water rather than hot.<\/p>\n Hydration is the quickest route to a brighter look, because plump, well-watered skin reflects light better. Start with a few drops of Hydrating Toner<\/a> pressed in with your palms, then follow with the Hydrating Serum<\/a>, which contains hyaluronic acid to help skin hold on to moisture. Apply both to slightly damp skin for the best effect.<\/p>\n An antioxidant serum helps defend skin against the daily stressors that leave it looking tired. Our Vitamin C Serum<\/a> combines vitamin C with ferulic acid and is a favourite for a brighter, more even-looking tone. If you prefer a lighter gel texture, the Antioxidant Ginkgo Gel Booster<\/a> is made with ginkgo and antioxidants and layers easily under moisturiser.<\/p>\n Removing that dull top layer is often what makes the biggest visible difference. A leave-on acid exfoliant such as the AHA Peeling Concentrate<\/a> loosens dead skin cells without scrubbing. Use it in the evening, start once a week and build up slowly. Don’t use it on the same night as other strong actives, and skip it if your skin feels sore or irritated. Our guide on how often to exfoliate your face<\/a> explains how to find the right rhythm for your skin type.<\/p>\n A few drops of face oil at night help soften the surface and lock in the hydration you have layered underneath. Warm two or three drops of Facial Oil 30 ml<\/a> between your palms and press them over your moisturiser. Skin looks smoother and more radiant by morning.<\/p>\n UV levels are lower in winter, but they don’t disappear, and reflected light from snow can be strong. A lightly tinted option such as our Sunscreen SPF30 with tint<\/a> protects your skin and evens out the look of your complexion at the same time, which makes it ideal for grey mornings.<\/p>\n2. Hydrate in layers<\/h3>\n
3. Add an antioxidant serum in the morning<\/h3>\n
4. Exfoliate gently, once or twice a week<\/h3>\n
5. Seal it in with a little oil<\/h3>\n
6. Don’t forget daytime protection<\/h3>\n
Your weekly glow plan at a glance<\/h2>\n
| When<\/th>\n | Steps<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|
| Every morning<\/td>\n | Gentle cleanse, hydrating toner, hydrating serum, vitamin C serum, moisturiser, SPF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Most evenings<\/td>\n | Gentle cleanse, hydrating toner, ginkgo gel booster, moisturiser, a few drops of face oil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| 1 to 2 evenings a week<\/td>\n | Gentle cleanse, AHA peeling concentrate, then a simple moisturiser and face oil (skip other actives)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nLifestyle habits that help your glow<\/h2>\nSkincare does a lot, but a few everyday habits make it work even better:<\/p>\n
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