Soho House’s expert tips for beating the January skin blues

As January plods along and the idea of a sun-kissed glow feels further from reach than ever, your skin might be looking a little worse for wear. Cold weather and moisture-zapping central heating can make it feel dry, red and irritated, plus the lack of sunlight leaves it looking dull, and the havoc of the festive season may finally be catching up with you. 

But there are a few easy steps you can follow to relieve yourself of the January skin blues. Soho House member, beauty journalist and skincare expert Annie Vischer shares her advice on how to give it a new lease of life.

There’s no such thing as too much moisture

‘A lack of hydration can lead to a weakened skin barrier, meaning irritation and redness are more common, and eczema, rosacea and psoriasis – if you’re prone to any of them – can be exacerbated.

‘Make a play for hyaluronic acid and incorporate it into your daily skincare routine by way of a serum or cream. Hyaluronic acid particles can retain up to 1,000 times their weight in water. Apply to your face and it acts like a moisture magnet, holding it fast to the surface to plump, smooth and hydrate. Look for a formula that’s silicone-free, as the texture of silicone can fool you into thinking your skin is properly hydrated even if it isn’t.’

To flood parched skin with moisture as you sleep, try Soho Skin’s Overnight Cream. It’s formulated with lavandula extract to help accelerate the repair and recovery process, as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and oat kernel oil to improve hydration and elasticity.

Find ingredients that work for you

‘If your skin is prone to irritation, cica is a great, soothing ingredient choice. It’s derived from tiger grass, a botanical so called because it’s thought that tigers intentionally roll in it to heal their wounds after a fight. I like to use it in a face mask a couple of times a week to reset my skin after a long day in an air conditioned and heated office. 

‘If dullness is your biggest concern, apply a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten skin. You’ll notice the effects within just a few weeks of constant use. It’s a potent antioxidant that studies show can ward off the dulling effects of pollution and strengthen your skin barrier over time.’

Lifestyle changes really can make a difference

‘Whether you’re sick of hearing this or not, there’s no denying that regulating your water intake on a daily basis pays dividends when it comes to getting your skin back on track in January. I aim for three litres a day – a mix of plain water and herbal teas. Virtuous I know, but I find it helps to make me feel more alert and combats new year brain fog in the process.’

Invest a little, get a lot back in return

‘If you’re just beginning to dip your toe into the world of skincare, I recommend booking an appointment with a dermatologist. It only needs to be one appointment. It’s not inexpensive, but you earn that payout back in the months that follow – gone are your days of costly, often fruitless product experimentation. Instead, your chosen pro will hone in on what your skin needs (and what it needs less of) to rejig your routine accordingly. Doing this was a game-changer in my own skincare journey. I’m using exactly the same routine that my dermatologist recommended two years ago and my complexion has never been better.’

Is your skin in need of a little pick-me-up? Use our Mind, Body & Soho offer to get 25% off your bedroom rate on a Soho House spa break