It seems counterintuitive that damp winter conditions could be dehydrating for the skin. And yet exposure to wind causes an increase in moisture evaporation and chapped skin, while the constant oscillation between the wild outdoors and our centrally heated homes can stress the skin’s moisture barrier and cause dryness and sensitivity. Put all the elements together and skin can feel parched, cracked and dull.

The remedy? Now is the time to look for skincare that is going to cushion and hydrate skin, protecting and strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier and nourishing it back to supple, smooth, cashmere-softness.

These are the five ingredients to add to your skincare shopping list, plus a dozen skin-soothing products to try.