by Loaded Grooming Editors

Mind the Cracks

It’s winter and your skin looks worse than your driveway. The facia...
Mind the Cracks

It’s winter and your skin looks worse than your driveway. The facial hair probably has bits of flesh clinging to it and your pillow resembles a flour mill.

You don’t have to be Beckham to get the old face cream right. It’s not rocket science either. Whack one on from the Loaded guide to combatting the cracks and you’ll be good to go in no time. 

Dr Simon Ourian, Co-Founder of Simon Ourian MD and celebrity cosmetic dermatology doctor says:

Hydrate in layers 

“Apply a humectant-rich serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid) on damp skin, followed by an emollient-rich moisturiser. Seal in moisture with an occlusive barrier as the final step at night.

Protect skin during the day 

“Hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial in winter, as it helps retain moisture, making it a valuable ally in colder, drier environments. Beyond the cold, winter’s windy and wet conditions can disrupt the skin barrier. Wind tends to dehydrate, leaving the skin chapped and inflamed, while dampness can also affect the skin's natural resilience. On these days, it’s even more important to keep the skin protected and adequately moisturised.

Step 1: Serum

Simon Ourian M.D Filler Booster Serum (£89). 

Simon Ourian M.D. Calming Serum (£89) Enriched with Panthenol and aloe vera, provides deep hydration and soothing benefits, while antioxidant-rich Alaria Esculenta Extract (an algae extract) fortifies the skin barrier, leaving it calm and smooth.

Glow By Nature Serum (£27.95) Anti-fatigue effect that reduces signs of tired skin, for a smooth and radiant complexion.


Step 2: Moisturise

Simon Ourian M.D. Hyaluronic Acid 24H Moisturiser (from £84) Like a shot of water for the face and works to seal in hydration and shield the skin against the elements.

Glow By Nature Day Cream (£25.90) Provides a natural boost of energy for a radiant complexion. Reduces signs of fine lines and tired skin, and moisturises for a smooth and radiant complexion.

Skinsense FOR HIM Daily Longwear Moisturiser £32) Super-hydrating. Immediately comforts and plumps dry, lacklustre skin and has a delicate, yet energising marine fresh scent of aromatic sea salt and black pepper extract. This gentle formula is kind to all skin types including sensitive skin, as it acts as a lightweight barrier to lock in moisture and comfort the skin all day. Skin is left hydrated and smoothed for a visibly improved complexion. 


Overnight It

To further enhance the appearance of dried out skin, an overnight mask is the answer. 

Skinsense Advanced Overnight Mask (£38) is unisex, so make sure she keeps her hands off! 

Super hydrating, best-selling formula loved for its no-nonsense application and immediate results. 

Packed with anti-wrinkle complex Linefill™and Lactic Acid for gentle exfoliation and brightness, plus the powerhouse ingredient - the PH4 Lifting Complex. Derived from Sequoia tree bark, this pro-biotic ingredient provides a visible lifting effect which stimulates the body’s own skin collagen and elastin production. 

This advanced gel formula floods the skin throughout the night with nutrients, vitamins, essential amino acids and enzymes which help to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Wake to brighter, younger-looking skin that appears lifted, plumped and firmed.

Don’t Forget The Bod

It’s not just the face that cracks up in winter, the skin on your body dries out too.  

SBC Hyaluronic Gel Concentrate (£36) is formulated with a 20% blend of Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and fruit fruit acids from Papaya, Apple, Pineapple and Sweet Orange help to remove tired cells, brighten and smooth skin texture