Unlike the summer months, when sunlight provides essential vitamin D and a beautiful tan, in winter our skin looks as gray and dull as the clouds in the sky.
But it shouldn't be like that. You can combat the effects of cold, dry air, and lack of sunlight with nutritious skincare and beauty products to "fake it till it works," say experts.
Here, the pros share their top six tips for achieving a year-round glow…
1. Excessive exfoliation
Charlotte Fotz, organic beauty expert and founder of Green People (greenpeople.co.uk), says: "Dull skin can strike at any time, but is probably most common in the fall and winter."
"This is when cold weather and central heating systems leave skin looking pale, pale and vulnerable to a damaged dry skin barrier that struggles to retain moisture and nutrients."
Experts recommend exfoliating once or twice a week with chemical (as opposed to physical) exfoliants that contain alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
"By removing old and dead cells, we give our skin a chance to regenerate and grow new, healthy cells," says dermatologist Salome Dharamshi, co-founder of Sky Clinic (skyclinic.co.uk).
"In addition, exfoliation can correct skin imperfections, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and increase skin hydration levels."
Cha Vøhtz Age Defy+ AHA Radiance Peel Mask, £36, Green People
2. With a difference
"For a glow, apply a little vitamin C to your skin, it will brighten with or without makeup and give you a real glow," says Abby Clive, founder of Skinsense (skinsense.co.uk).
Fetz is also a big fan of hers: "It helps stimulate collagen production and regulates the sebaceous glands to prevent dry skin, so it's perfect for brightening dull skin."
While it used to be difficult to do because of its volatile nature, these days you can get an effective vitamin C serum at any price.
"Make sure the product formula contains these resources, maintain their potency so they last longer," added Cleave. "A sheet formula product will do this by dropping ingredients and absorbing them directly beneath the skin's surface."
SkinSense Fortifying Vitamin Complex, £28
3. Add oil
It's understandable to be wary of adding oils to your daily skincare routine, especially if you have oily skin, but they're actually good for all skin types.
"Face oils can give you a beautiful glow," says Faye Purcell, skincare chemist and product development at Q+A (qandaskin.com). "Strengthens the skin's natural moisture barrier, nourishes and locks in moisture."
If you want to avoid shiny skin during the day, apply a few drops of the oil on your face before going to bed.
Purcell says, “You can use it alone or mix it with your moisturizer a few times a week. For best results, spend a few minutes massaging your face and don't forget your neck."
Q+A Super Green Face Oil 8 lbs
4. Highlight your tanned skin
You don't have to fly to Dubai to get a natural tan this time of year.
"The best way to achieve a subtle winter glow is to combine your tanning routine with your skincare routine," says Nicola Matthews, founder of Sienna X (sienna-x.co.uk).
"Tanning drops are perfect for this — you can add them to your morning and evening moisturizer for flawless skin without worrying about a head-to-toe fake tan." "Add two to three drops to determine the color you want, add more or less for darker or lighter results."
Do not forget to smooth the neck so that the surface is even, and wash your hands thoroughly so that there are no stains on your palms in the morning, because the color is visible all night.
Sienna X Concentrated Self Tanning Drops 20 lbs Next
5. Wet foundation
Want to get dewy skin in no time? Make a cocktail of makeup and skin care products.
"For perfectly radiant skin this season, I recommend using a balm texture," says Jamie Coombs, Dior International Professional Team Artist (dior.com).
“Start by adding a small amount of serum to your Dior Forever foundation. Creates a transparent result and a nourishing effect."
Dior Forever Matte Foundation, £45.
6. A little bronzer
If you go overboard with bronzer in the winter, you can look like a turkey that's been in the oven too long.
"To add warmth to your skin, use a lighter color than summer," says Coombs.
"I like to brush it along my hairline, contour [cheekbones] and chin to create a halo effect, then lightly highlight the tops of my cheeks and cupid's bow for volume."
Dior Forever Natural Bronze €41