Protect your skin as the seasons change

It’s almost time for the heating to come on and the sweaters to come out of hiding, which also means that dehydration is going to be needed to be combatted for our skin as well as the other problems winter brings.

Fear not, though, our favourites have some skincare saviours for dry patchy skin for all ages.

I have included some of the best pharmacy finds in this piece to keep your face and body beautiful!

For years salicylic acid has been the go-to ingredient for anyone suffering from congested skin, it works well after the gym. What’s less well known is that it’s also an excellent exfoliator, helping to slough off dead cells from the skin’s surface. Usually it’s only the water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that are hailed as heroes on this front, but beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are just as valuable if you want a glowing, smooth complexion, without the need for gritty, grainy scrubs.

Some people, however, find salicylic acid drying, and that is where CeraVe’s new salicylic acid-based SA Smoothing range is different. CeraVe products contain other moisturising ingredients including urea, which both gently exfoliates dead skin while also improving hydration, and hyaluronic acid, which helps bind moisture to the skin.

The SA Smoothing range not only offers all the benefits of salicylic acid but is also clinically proven to hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier at the same time.

The SA Smoothing Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser that gives the same effective cleansing without tightness that fans of CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser and Foaming Cleanser will recognise.

The difference is that this one also offers skin-brightening exfoliation, without damaging the skin’s natural barrier so it’s safe to use every day whether you’re trying to clear congested skin, or just want smoother, more glowing complexion.

Designed for use on the face, it can also be used on the body and is free of physical exfoliants. The SA Smoothing Cream, a deeply hydrating body formulation that contains lactic acid (an AHA) as well as salicylic acid (a BHA) and is specifically designed to soften and remove rough and bumpy skin. While it will work wonders on all skin types, it’s particularly effective on dry, scaly skin and on areas of keratosis pilaris (KP).

The combination of AHA and BHA helps to break down the keratin, while the non-sticky, non-greasy formula hydrates and moisturises. The SA Smoothing Cream is available in a tube or a tub, the tube is €12.50 while the tub is €20 so they won’t break the bank either.

Skin experts Uriage is launching the three latest additions to the Uriage Water range - products specially formulated to provide the skin with the ideal amount of water it needs to restore its natural balance. The formula is enriched with Uriage Thermal Water, offering immediate soothing and intense hydration. The result is a complexion that is fresh and radiant, with skin protected and glowing with health. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive.

Uriage Water Jelly (€18) is an ultra-fresh gel texture that delightfully melts upon contact with the skin, infusing it with its unique moisturising complex. The complexion looks fresh and the skin's texture is refined. The jelly is specially adapted for normal to combination skin.

It helps the skin to regain an optimal level of hydration for 24 hours. This water jelly is enriched with Uriage Thermal Water which helps rebuild the cutaneous barrier to maintain an optimum level of hydration.

Uriage Beautifier Water Cream (€18) acts as a genuine illuminating base, it visibly smoothes the features for an anti-fatigue effect.

For the first time, the mineral power of Uriage Thermal Water has been concentrated in powder form and incorporated into a melt-in cream compact, which enhances the skin, protects against UV rays and infuses it with its unique moisturising complex for perfectly moisturised and protected skin.

Its second-skin texture delivers a natural result with a non-caking finish. It helps to recreate a film on the surface and gradually releases the moisturising agents that it contains.