[Our pick: gentle cleanser]
Cleans without that tight, dry feeling, which matters more in a heated home.
Look after yourself, whatever the weather
UK water, central heating and grey skies are hard on skin and hair. Check which bottle is really the better deal, then see Marie's favourites, a few of mine, and the bits for the kids.
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Which one is really cheaper?
Big bottle, small bottle, multipack or "3 for 2"? Type in the price and size of each, and see what you pay per 100 ml (or 100 g).
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Our picks
Skincare
Marie's simple routine: gentle, hydrating and protected.
[Our pick: rich moisturiser]
Something richer for winter, when cold air outside and heating inside dry skin out.
[Our pick: daily SPF]
Yes, even in the UK. Daylight still reaches your skin on cloudy days.
[Our pick: lip balm]
Wind and cold crack lips fast. One in every coat pocket.
Our picks
Hair and hard water
Much of England has hard water, which can leave hair dull and dry. These help.
[Our pick: shower filter]
Fits most showers and softens the water on your hair and skin. Check it suits your shower type.
[Our pick: clarifying shampoo]
Once a week or so, to lift the build-up hard water leaves behind.
[Our pick: hair mask or conditioner]
Puts moisture back into dry ends.
[Our pick: hair dryer]
Damp hair and a cold walk to work don't mix. A good one is quicker and kinder to hair.
Our picks
Hands and body
For anyone who washes their hands fifty times a shift. Nurses, this one's for you.
[Our pick: intensive hand cream]
Use it on breaks and at the end of a shift, after all that handwashing.
[Our pick: body lotion]
Straight after a shower, while skin is still a little damp.
[Our pick: foot cream]
Twelve-hour shifts are hard on feet. Your future self says thank you.
[Our pick: nail care kit]
Short, clean nails for work, and everything for the kids' nails too.
Our picks
For him
A few of mine. Simple, quick, and good value.
[Our pick: hair clipper set]
Home haircuts for the family. Saves a lot over a year of barber visits.
[Our pick: beard trimmer or shaver]
Quick to tidy up before an early shift.
[Our pick: face moisturiser with SPF]
One step, done. Men's skin dries out in the cold too.
[Our pick: long-lasting deodorant]
For long days and busy shifts.
Our picks
For the kids
Gentle on little ones, and easy at bath time.
[Our pick: gentle baby wash]
Mild and fragrance-light for sensitive skin.
[Our pick: kids' sunscreen]
High protection for UK summers and trips home to the Philippine sun.
[Our pick: detangling brush]
Fewer tears on school mornings.
[Our pick: kids' electric toothbrush]
A built-in timer makes two minutes feel like a game.
Weather tips
Skin and hair in a UK climate
Winter
- Switch to a richer moisturiser when the heating goes on
- Shorter, warm (not hot) showers
- Gloves and lip balm for the walk to work
Indoors
- Central heating dries the air; a bowl of water near a radiator or a humidifier helps
- Drink water through the day, not just at meals
Hard water
- Check if your area has hard water on your water company's website
- A shower filter and a weekly clarifying wash help hair
- Rinse skin well so soap doesn't linger
Sun
- Daily SPF, even on grey days
- Higher SPF and a hat for trips home
- Reapply after swimming
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Personal favourites, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or a reaction, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Patch-test new products first.