Rachel Khoo’s Winter evening skincare routine

They say there’s no such thing as bad weather just bad clothes in Sweden – but I’m not always sure my skin would agree, which is why I’m sharing my 3 essential products for soothing winter skin.

Despite making sure I leave the house every day as a way to combat S.A.D. (if you don’t leave by 2pm you might not even see daylight where we are!) and walk the dog, all the cold wind outside and dry heated air inside does mean that my skin can take a bit of battering. So to combat the harsh realities of winter weather, these are the products I use every evening!

Neal’s Yard Wild Rose beauty balm

This balm is thick like brandy butter (it will set if hard if it gets too cold). It’s not something I would use in the morning as I prefer something lighter to wake me up but applying it in the evening feels like pure luxury.

Take a small amount and massage it into your face, then run the flannel (or muslin cloth – I always lose the one they give you) under some really hot water (the hot water really makes a difference) and use it to remove the balm. Your face is left squeaky clean, which is great when you’ve spent a day battling city traffic or working over a hot stove.

If my skin feels like it could do some extra TLC, I cleanse my face and then reapply and leave it on as a mask. The rose and other essential oils have soothing properties which come in handy with red noses and cheeks but are also great on chapped lips and cuticles!

Paula’s choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

I was never a fan of microbeads (long before they were banned) for exfoliating your skin, it always felt a bit like using a scouring pad to clean your face, so I started using a liquid exfoliant. It’s easy enough to use, with just a light soak of a cotton pad and wipe across your face to get the full effect. Unlike more traditional scrubs, the effect is more gradual but I’ve really noticed my skin feeling smoother and clearer since using it.

However, something to remember when you’re using salicylic acid exfoliators is that it’s extra important to always wear SPF 25 or greater – like you don’t wear that anyway?

Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Care*

Using a face oil on a combination skin seems a bit contradictory and to be honest, I was a bit apprehensive when I got sent this but it smelt too delicious to not try it!

Despite some kind people commenting on social media that my skin is flawless it certainly isn’t, I suffer from a regular monthly outbreak on my chin but then have dry patches on my forehead and cheeks. A relation to tea tree oil, niaouli oil is supposed to address the imbalance; while it has many of the similar properties, Niaouli is actually seen as the gentler of the two in the aromatherapy world. Two real benefits for combination skin are the antiseptic properties (also very good for colds) and diminishing acne scars.

The bottle is small but a little goes a long way and the application is a relaxing way to end your evening routine. I start by applying a couple of drops to the palm of my hands and rub them together to warm up the oil. I then take two deep inhalations with my hands over my nose and mouth and then press them on to my face. I like to finish with some sweeping hand strokes from chin to cheek, neck upwards and the centre of my forehead outwards. The oil absorbs quickly and the following day your face feels soft and hydrated  and not at all not greasy.

Do you change your skincare routine in winter? If so what products do you like to use?