Fashion

‘I’m a skincare expert – 4 cold weather mistakes are secretly ageing you’

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2025

When the temperature drops, skincare routines often take a back seat. Sunscreen gets left in the cupboard, showers get hotter, and that refreshing summer moisturiser stays forgotten on the bathroom shelf. But experts are warning that these everyday habits could be quietly speeding up the skin’s ageing process during the colder months.

“Colder weather puts your skin under more pressure than most people realise,” explains Joseph Cann, co-founder of retailer Branded Makeup. “And often it’s the everyday stuff you don’t think twice about that does the real damage.” From skipping SPF to turning up the hot water, here are the key mistakes Cann says most people make – and why they matter more in autumn and winter than at any other time of year.

Forgetting SPF when the sun disappears

It’s easy to assume you can stop wearing sunscreen once summer ends. But according to Cann, UV rays don’t disappear just because the temperature drops.

“Even through clouds, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin,” he says. “That means invisible damage is happening every day, quietly building into wrinkles and dark spots years down the line.”

The NHS advises wearing SPF 30 or higher with good UVA protection all year round, including on overcast days. UVA rays are present at relatively constant levels during daylight hours year-round, and they penetrate clouds and glass. This makes them a major contributor to premature skin ageing, even in autumn and winter.

Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth – not something reserved for sunny holidays.

Scalding hot showers

There’s nothing better than a hot shower on a freezing morning, but your skin isn’t enjoying it quite as much as you are.

“Hot water washes away the oils your skin actually needs to stay healthy,” Cann says. “Keep it up long enough and you’ll notice more dryness, irritation and a barrier that just doesn’t do its job.”

When the skin’s barrier is compromised, it loses moisture more quickly – a problem made worse by dry indoor heating. The result is tightness, flaking, increased sensitivity and, over time, a faster breakdown of the skin’s structure.

Dermatologists typically recommend lukewarm water and shorter showers, ideally under 10 minutes, to minimise disruption. If you want that spa feeling, adding a little bath oil is a gentler way to keep skin soft without stripping it.

Over-exfoliating to ‘fix’ winter flakiness

As soon as flakes appear, many people reach for harsh scrubs – but Cann warns this does more harm than good. “Over-exfoliating strips off too much of the protective layer,” he says. “That leaves skin red, sensitive, and more likely to age faster.”

Experts usually recommend exfoliating no more than once or twice a week in colder months, and switching to gentler options like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids. This keeps skin smooth without damaging its barrier – and actually helps moisturiser absorb more effectively.

Using the wrong moisturiser for the season

That lightweight gel cream that worked in July won’t cut it in November. Cold air outside and central heating inside both draw moisture out of the skin, making richer formulations essential.

“Light summer lotions just don’t cut it when the heating’s on full blast and the air is cold and dry,” Cann explains. “Your skin needs something heavier – look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid. They don’t just coat the surface, they strengthen the barrier and trap water in.”

Dermatologists also advise applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp, to seal in hydration effectively.

As well as those season-specific habits, a few measures should be taken year-round to make sure your skin is properly protected. For example, many toners and cleansers use alcohol for that ‘fresh’ sting, but Cann says this is one of the biggest culprits for skin issues.

“Products high in alcohol give you the illusion of clean, but they’re stripping your skin dry,” he warns. “Your oil glands overreact, breakouts follow, and collagen starts breaking down – so lines appear earlier.” If alcohol is listed in the top five ingredients on a product, experts suggest switching to something gentler and more hydrating.

Sleeping in makeup is also a classic mistake, as “your skin does most of its repair work overnight,” he explains. “Makeup clogs pores and blocks that process. And with central heating drying the air, the makeup actually sucks more moisture out of your skin while you sleep.”

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Fashion

Dog owners snap up ‘waterproof and cosy’ £60 coat

Published

1 hour ago

November 9, 2025

Desk Report

For anyone dreading colder mornings out with a pooch, we’ve found an ideal dog-walking coat that doubles as an option to wear for any cold-weather activities – and it’s significantly cheaper than other similar styles.

The Regatta changing robe is currently listed at £60 on the brand’s website. At the time of writing, shoppers can receive an additional 11% off using the code SINGLE11 and can choose from 13 colours and patterns. The coat is also available at M&S in navy and black.

“Changing robes” like this one were originally designed for quickly warming up after the likes of outdoor swimming or surfing, but they have become popular for everyday use. Similar styles like this one from Dryrobe – perhaps the most well-known competitor – cost over £100 more.

With a waterproof outer and a soft borg fleece lining, the Regatta robe is designed to keep wearers dry and warm, and is roomy, too. As a dog owner, I can vouch that this style of coat is ideal for chucking on and covering up the majority of an outfit to nip off for a dog walk. I could definitely see myself wearing this first thing in the morning so my four-legged friend could do his buisness.

It’s unisex and available in sizes XS/S, S/M and L. The brand advises shoppers 5″ to 5’6″ to opt for the S/M, while anyone taller should plump for the L–XL. Meanwhile, ot recommends XS/S for those under 5″. Any mud or dirt can be easily wiped off and it is machine washable.

The coat has garnered over 80 reviews on M&S’s website. One person wrote: “Waterproof, cosy and comfortable, exactly as described.”

Another added: “Purchased for the colder weather and for mainly walking the dog. I am between a 12/14 normally and the S/M size is very generous and comfortable. Good-quality coat which will have a lot of use.”

A number of reviewers do note that the hood isn’t as large as they would like and comes up a little short. Also, some aren’t keen on the large logo on the back, with one writing that it’s “why my partner isn’t buying one, but it’s for walking my two big dogs so it doesn’t bother me. I’m dry and warm and any dirt wipes off easily. I’d definitely recommend.”

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Fashion

20% off ‘Hair thickening’ fibres ‘great at concealing bald spots’

Published

14 hours ago

November 8, 2025

Desk Report

Hair loss and balding can cause a lot of hassle and heartache for men and women alike. When hair starts to thin, it can often feel like nothing can be done save for trying expensive treatments, but this product from Boots is being hailed as ‘really great at concealing bald spots’.

The Nanogen Hair Thickening Keratin Fibres cost £24 for a two-month supply, down £6 from the orignal price of £30. The clever product works by the user shaking some fibres evenly over the thinning area before blending them into place with the fingertips, and when matched with the user’s natural hair colour they are said to blend seamlessly and make hair look fuller.

The fibres are made of 100% natural keratin, which is a fibrous protein found in hair strands. Available in 10 different shades, the fibres can be used on their own or mixed with another colour to mimic highlights.

If this product isn’t calling out to shoppers, they could try the Watermans Hair Fibres Hair Loss Concealer for £15 from Superdrug. These work in a similar way to the Nanogen product, and helps to conceal bald spots and disguise thinning hair.

Alternatively, Boots has the Toppik Hair Building Fibres Powder for £22.95, which uses keratin fibres made from natural wool sources and is said to be able to withstand sweat, rain and wind. This one is only available in three shades on boots.com, so there’s less choice than with the Nanogen version.

The Nanogen fibres also have plenty of fans at Boots. One buyer said: “Definitely would recommend this product, it’s excellent. So easy to use and has given back my confidence.”

Another said: “Really good and covers everything up really well. Lasts long.”

A third shopper added: “Best hair coverage I have ever bought. Worth every penny.”

However, one shopper noted: “Really great at concealing bald spots. Have been using it for years which is why I think the high price is a tad too much. Overall it has really restored my confidence. Try this if you see some thinning on your crown and can also help a receding hairline. Just don’t put too much on or it will get noticed.”

Another said they struggled to get a perfect match to their hair colour. They wrote as part of a longer review: “I like this Nanogen Black hair fibres but they are not truly black but grey.”

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Fashion

Shoppers bag £935 worth of award-winning skincare in £89 calendar

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2025

Desk Report

Beauty enthusiasts are snapping up a luxury advent calendar that has sold out three years in a row. The Avant Skincare Wonders Advent Calendar returns for 2025, offering £935 worth of award-winning skincare for just £99.

Readers can also enjoy 10% off with the code WONDERS, bringing the price down to £89.10. Containing 12 of Avant’s high-performance formulas, this limited-edition release has been hailed by customers as “the best calendar” they’ve ever bought for its stunning presentation and premium products. Designed to celebrate nature and self-care, it features 12 skincare essentials crafted from sustainably sourced natural ingredients — from rejuvenating serums to deeply moisturising creams.

Also included is the Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face and Eye Night Cream 50ml, a third award-winning product infused with Hyaluronic Acid. This is a key ingredient in anti-ageing products and helps smooth fine lines.

This year’s edition also introduces a brand new augmented reality experience, as shoppers can simply scan the front of the calendar with a phone to bring the wonders of nature to life. Bees, butterflies and an animated fairy harvesting ingredients appear in detail, creating an immersive festive moment.

Avant has also hidden Golden Tickets inside selected calendars, giving winners the chance to claim up to £1,000 worth of Avant Skincare products.

Complete list of items in the Avant Skincare Wonders Advent Calendar.

Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream 50ml
Damascan Rose Petals Revitalising Facial Serum 30ml
Blue Volcanic Stone Purifying & Antioxidising Cleansing Gel 50ml
R.N.A Radical Anti-Ageing & Lifting Duo Moisturiser 50ml
Hyaluronic Acid Molecular Boost Eye Cream 10ml
Hyaluron-Filler Lip Plumping Treatment 8.5ml
Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water 100ml
Centifolia Rose Radiance Capturing Mask
Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face & Eye Night Cream 50ml
Gentle Rose Beautifying Face Exfoliant 50ml
Brightening & De-Puffing Hyaluronic Overnight Eye Recovery Mask 15ml
Pro-Perfecting Collagen Primer Touche Éclat 30ml

As an alternative, shoppers could consider Boots’ 24 Days Of Skincare Advent Calendar, which costs £70 but contains £289 worth of products. Featuring ‘timeless classics’ from brands like Soap and Glory, Garnier, and Inkey List, 20 of the 24 products included are full sized.

Purchasers could also examine Amazon’s W7 Beauty Blast Advent Calendar 2025, currently priced at £19.95. It contains a variety of W7 products ranging from smaller, mini items to full-sized products packaged in individually numbered gift boxes, including bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadows, eyeliner, lip liners, lip glosses and more.

However, those who purchased Avant’s Wonders Advent Calendar 2025 were delighted to receive their ‘beautiful products’, with one buyer even acquiring a second. They said: “Beautifully boxed, amazing value for money, packed full of beautiful products. Couldn’t wait until December to start opening so unpacked it all then ordered a second!” One satisfied customer gushed: “Best calendar I’ve purchased, beautiful products. The calendar was so nice I had to get my partner to buy one for me! Cannot wait for me and my daughter to start using these products. Definitely million percent recommend.”

However, not all reviews were glowing. One buyer praised it as a ‘beautiful looking calendar’ but found the text size to be ‘too small’ for their liking.

Despite this, the majority of those who’ve sampled the Avant advent calendar are over the moon. Another shopper enthused: “The first advent calendar of its kind on the market, the best one. I recommend it, an amazing experience.”

The Wonders Advent Calendar 2025 is available at Avant.

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