‘Skin is subjected to varying temperatures in the winter,’ explains TONIC15 founder Jin. ‘We go from the balmy – but drying – central heating of our homes out into biting temperatures and back again.’

‘This can affect the skin barrier and you might experience symptoms such as redness, dry skin and flakiness as it struggles to find balance,’ she explains.

‘Add isolation skin to the mix – and all of the symptoms associated with lockdown such as dullness, blemishes and breakouts – and it’s little wonder that our skin needs more care and attention in the winter months,’ says Jin.

Cleansing is always the cornerstone of any good winter skincare routine, but what skin needs when the wind bites is a little different to when the sun is out to play.

Instead of reaching for a foaming face wash that you’d use to cleanse and refresh skin in summer, use something a little gentler in the winter months – yes, even if you have oily or combination skin.

‘It’s important to not strip skin in the winter months as it already has its defences down,’ explains Jin. ‘Foaming cleansers can remove the surface layer of natural oils, and yes, this makes skin feel ‘squeaky clean’ but it’s not great for the skin barrier.’

‘It also means your skin will fire up its sebum production and skin will end up feeling and looking slick.’ This can lead to breakouts, which is not ideal when we’re already dealing with the side effects of winter skin and mask-wearing such as acne and blemishes.

Instead, carry on with your commitment double cleansing – this is crucial to keep skin barrier healthy and ensure the efficacy of the other products in your regime – but choose your cleanser carefully.

Add a gentle cream or balm formula to your winter skincare routine. They’ll effectively whisk away dirt, help support the skin barrier function and keep some natural surface oils intact to help combat dry skin.

If skin is already looking and feeling dry, your instinct might be to ditch your exfoliator for fear that it might be removing even more moisture from skin and leave it feeling taut and sensitive.

But actually, the secret to getting skin glowing again in the winter months lies with whisking away dead, surface skin cells to unveil the healthier ones beneath.

‘The mixture of cold outdoor air and dry, indoor heating causes cells to dehydrate and die more quickly,’ explains Jin. ‘Not exfoliating can block healthier cells from coming to the surface and lead to flaky, dry skin.’

While you might think that you don’t need to exfoliate as part of your winter skincare – as your focus is on adding moisture, moisture and more moisture to your complexion –

exfoliating actually helps to smooth the skin, ready it for the rest of the actives in your regime and will make your moisturiser much more effective,’ explains Jin.

You don’t need to have an SPF in your winter skincare routine, right? Not so fast. It’s only UVB that is lessened by the clouds in winter, but UVA – the ageing rays – are ever-present and can damage skin, even in the winter months.

‘Thinking that you don’t need SPF in winter is a cardinal skin sin. Even just small levels of UV exposure can have a cumulative effect that can lead to find lines and pigmentation,’ explains Jin.

‘And you’re not safe just because you’re working from home,’ she adds’ ‘Recent data shows that skin can also be stimulated by the light emitted by our laptops, phones and lamps. You also need sun protection on your lunchtime walks as UVA rays can travel through clouds, even on dull days.’

If you’ve been using the same serum without much thought, it’s worth trying a new texture.

‘Skin in the winter is thirstier and more dehydrated, so it can handle richer textures and formulas, even if you have oily skin,’ explains Jin.

‘Whilst you’ll still reap benefits from your water light summer staples, it’s worth switching to something that boasts actives but with more unctuous delivery, allowing you to layer moisture on skin.’

‘The winter months are also the perfect time to swap your serum for a facial oil – as skin is dryer, it is more receptive to moisture so will drink up rich, indulgent textures. Think of the cold months as an opportunity to ‘feed’ and nourish skin.’

We get it, if you have oily, shine-prone skin, the temptation to skip moisturiser in favour of a matte complexion looms large.

But just like dry and dehydrated skin types, your complexion is calling out for more moisture in the winters months.

‘In fact, moisturising properly can actually help slow sebum production to get winter skin looking and feeling healthier. Just pick your potion properly,’ says Jin.

‘Start off with an essence to really lace skin with moisture. If you’re shine-prone, add one or two layers but if you’re seriously dehydrated, consider applying the 7 skin method to your winter skincare routine.’

Allow each layer of essence to sink in before applying another one. Either use a cotton pad or pat it into skin using fingertips. Once done, it’s time to lock all of that lovely moisture in.

You probably prefer a lightweight face lotion in the summer, but in winter rich, cosseting textures and ingredients like oils and ceramides can help to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

‘Look out for barrier-boosting and soothing ingredients like Cica and Hyaluronic Acid in your moisturiser and don’t be afraid to use something that would feel rich in the summer. Your winter skin is likely dehydrated and dry and will drink it up quickly,’ says Jin.