As temperatures cool across the UK, the air gets drier and, as a consequence, so does your skin.

Plenty of work is in order to keep that complexion glowing!

THE winter wind can take its toll on complexions, leaving them parched and dry. As the temperature drops you'll notice lips crack more easily and certain areas on your face, particularly the sides of your nose and cheeks, will become flakier as they bear the brunt of the cold. Add central heating to the equation and it's no wonder that skin becomes irritated as it's hit by the extreme temperatures. Keeping a glowing complexion needs more work than slathering on moisturiser - you should exfoliate regularly and may need to change your cleansing regime.

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and toner before bed to allow fresh skin to breathe and repair itself overnight. Ultra-gentle cleansers that won't irritate the skin include Clinique's new Liquid Facial Wash, £12, Champneys Radiance Boosting Foamy Facial Wash, £6.50 (far left).

Regular exfoliation will boost circulation and reveal glowing skin during the winter months. St Ives' three new exfoliating cleansers (left), £3.99, consist of jojoba microbeads, so they'll cleanse deeply without being too drying. Others to try include The Sanctuary's Sugar Face Polish, £7 at Boots or, for a treat, Stila Petal Infusions Retexturising Scrub, £18 (0870 034 2566), which contains finely milled marble, sweet orange oil, lemon oil and mint essence.

For complexions that need some extra care during winter, a mask will replenish lost nutrients and give your face some much-needed hydration.

Pick a rich creamy mask rather than a clay one, and your face will thank you for it. Indulge yourself once or twice a week, and you'll soon notice the difference. Whatever your skin type, you'll need a nourishing and more protective moisturiser.