"Battling Dry Skin This Winter? Discover These Essential Moisturisers Under £20!"

FOR me, trench coats, festive coffee cups or falling leaves aren’t the first signs that cold weather is on its way.

Instead, it’s my skin that’s always the first to react – shifting from moisturised and comfortable to dry, itchy and tight, almost as soon as the middle of October rolls around.

Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon’s winter-proof moisturisers

While plenty of things can cause skin to kick up a fuss – including hormones, humidity and diet – any slight change in temperature definitely makes my skin throw its toys out of the pram.

And I’m not alone, as weather is considered as one of the biggest external aggressors that play havoc with our skin, leading to a number of skincare complaints if not addressed.

“Climate and weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity variations, can cause dehydration, oily skin, and irritation in the short term,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, founder and medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic.

“This can also lead to a compromised skin barrier, chronic dryness or oiliness, and increased sensitivity in the long-term.”

In my experience, cooler weather, rain, and stronger winds leave my skin feeling dry and tight, so keeping it hydrated during this time of year requires some heavy lifting.

So, with the upcoming weather forecast looking wintry, I’ve been making some additions to my skincare routine – starting with my moisturiser.

During the chilly months, I swap lightweight creams for hydrating, barrier-boosting formulas that’ll keep my skin moisturised and protected from the elements.

These are the products that have impressed me the most, and help keep skin comfortable and protected – come rain or shine!

The Long-lasting One

You need this hard-working moisturiser on your radar for chilly weatherCredit: Supplied

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48

Many formulas promise to ‘flood your skin with moisture’ but so many fall short – leaving skin tight and uncomfortable come lunchtime.

Fortunately, Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream isn’t one of them, and instead leaves my skin soothed and hydrated, whether or not I’m wearing make-up.

The formula promises skin 100 hours of moisturisation, and while I can’t say whether that’s true IRL (I use it twice daily, so never go more than about 15 hours between reapplication!), it does act like a protective blanket on my complexion all day long.

Formulated with prebiotic peptides, it penetrates deeply into skin, leaving it looking plumper – plus I’m a fan of its lightweight, unscented formula.

The Satisfying One

This K-beauty brand has a loyal followingCredit: Supplied

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, £32

There’s something very satisfying about the lightweight, cooling formulas of gel moisturisers.

K-Beauty brand Belif is relatively new to the UK, but has already clocked up a loyal following, thanks to its playful, skin-perfecting products.

This quickly sinks into the skin, without leaving a sticky or shiny residue behind, meaning it’s great for prepping skin for make-up – which can’t be said about some gel moisturisers

While its scented formula will be polarising (give it a swerve if your skin’s feeling sensitive), the refreshing, plumping results are such a treat – especially when the product’s been kept in the fridge.

The Protective One

This is great at protecting against the cold weatherCredit: Supplied

CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, £11.50

When it’s really lashing it down or we’re in the middle of a cold snap, this balm is like reaching for a dense wool jacket.

While its thick, stiff formula initially might feel intimidating if you’re used to a lightweight day cream, it can be quickly applied and tapped into skin, creating an instant barrier against the elements.

Designed for very dry complexions, it helps lock in moisture and instantly resurrect chapped skin, thanks to ceramides, which help support the skin’s barrier.

I also like to use it on my lips, hands, and elbows – just ensure it’s fully worked into your skin before heading out of the door.

The Uncomplicated One

This is a saviour for eczema-prone skinCredit: Supplied

Cetraben Moisturising Cream, £16.80

While it’s definitely not the sexiest moisturiser on the market, this has become one of my ride-or-die products.

Its uncomplicated formula alleviates itchiness – which is a life-saver when my eczema flares-up – without feeling overly heavy on the skin.

While I tend to reach for this moisturiser all year around, it really comes into its own during the winter months, as it can be applied directly to areas of eczema and dryness.

This cream also sits well under make-up and doesn’t leave skin looking or feeling greasy, which is so often the case with moisturisers aimed at dry skin – plus its humble price tag (the 475ml pump will last you ages!) is a bonus!

The Priming One

The skin benefits of this cream will last for hoursCredit: Supplied

Vichy 72 Hour Moisture Boosting Cream, £24.50

This cream counts the viral sensation Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum as a close relative – and it’s arguably just as impressive.

Available in two formats, the 100h Moisture Boosting Rich Cream and 72 Hour Moisture Boosting Cream , it offers long-lasting hydration that keeps your complexion refreshed and comfortable throughout the day.

My favourite of the two formulas is the 72 Hour Moisture Boosting Cream , which has a lightweight, gel-like texture that quickly sinks into the skin and sits well under make-up.

Formulated with hydrating squalane, it provides skin with an instant burst of hydration (which the brand claims is up to 60%), ideal for reviving skin after a battering from the wind!