Winter is on the approach, and the gloomier weather, dark evenings and brisk temperatures can make staying on top of self-care feel like more of a slog than usual. Which makes the current flurry of new books from some of British ’s favourite hair, beauty and wellbeing experts perfectly timed.
In , dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting draws on her 15 years of experience – she oversees her Harley Street clinic as well as her own range of products – to break down the best ways to boost skin health just as it might be threatening to get dry and dehydrated. Flaky scalp more your concern? In , trichologist Anabel Kingsley shares how to ward off dandruff. And if finding a perfect autumnal scent is your focus, award-winning fragrance journalist Alice du Parcq’s Philosophy of Perfume has got you covered.
Internal wellness is even more of a priority than usual at this time of year: nutritionist and British contributor Rose Ferguson’s offers up a four-week plan to recalibrate bodies feeling the effects of stress or poor nutrition.
Below, find key tips from the experts’ forthcoming books that will have you looking and feeling your best this autumn and beyond.
Finding your ideal skin feel
Skin is utterly individual; one person’s holy grail winter moisturiser could spell disaster for another. Bunting knows this, which is why she steers clear of recommending specific products. Instead, she offers up advice on how to build a solid skincare routine, and clarifies what the ingredients do. Her most helpful tip for this time of year? Purchase products that will help achieve your ideal skin feel. If a “silky” texture is what you seek, she suggests looking for products with two ingredients: moisturising squalane and smoothing dimethicone. Dr Bunting also sings the praises of emollients (think ceramides, which help support the skin barrier) and humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract water to the skin). Both work together to keep skin hydrated and moisturised as the weather turns.
Flawless: Your Ultimate Guide to Bright, Clear Skin by Dr Sam Bunting
Warding off a snowy scalp
“Winter tends to be a bad time for dandruff sufferers,” Kingsley notes in her book. Cold weather often means less frequent hair washing, increased stress (hello, family visiting for the holidays), wearing hats and eating more sugary, processed foods – all of which can add up to increased dandruff. It’s a common misconception that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that shampooing less in colder weather might help the situation. In fact, as Kingsley explains, it’s actually an oily scalp condition, which is why she recommends using anti-dandruff shampoo and shampooing as often as you can – even if you have coarse or coily hair.
Haircare: The Ultimate Guide by Anabel Rose Kingsley
Switching up your scent for a new season
The Philosophy of Perfume culminates in 13 tips on how to develop a “scent wardrobe”. Among du Parcq’s top suggestions? To have a concrete scent profile in mind when shopping, whether “an ‘energising citrus’ to wear in the office”, or “a ‘luscious solar floral’ to wear during a milestone celebration holiday.” For autumn especially, cosier, warmer and smokier scent profiles come to the fore. Think vanilla, clove and amber, which lend skin and clothes a rich, enveloping warmth. No profile is too out there – du Parcq recounts once directing someone seeking a roast potato-scented spritz to perfumer Sarah McCartney.
The Philosophy of Perfume by Alice du Parcq
Eating to boost energy
Rose Ferguson’s includes a range of nutritious recipes to try, if you’re not quite ready to commit to the full four-week challenge. With autumn and winter marked by plummeting vitamin D and iron levels, her green frittata – which includes eggs, broccoli florets, asparagus, kale, peas and thyme – is particularly good for chillier months. It’s fairly fast, too, with Ferguson recommending you whisk the eggs and veg in a bowl, toss the mixture in a frying pan over medium heat, and cook until almost set. Pop the pan into an oven preheated to 180C for 8 to 12 minutes, and enjoy!
The Reset: The 4 Week Plan to Feel Better Than Ever by Rose Ferguson
Keeping strong when it’s cold out
Who wants to exercise after a long day at work when it’s pitch black outside? Still, Dr Federica Amati stresses that mindful motion, adequate protein intake, and seven to nine hours of sleep are key ways to combat “fatigue, feeling weaker, poor recovery, aches, flat mood, and plateauing metabolism”. She recommends simple additions like walking daily, managing stress by taking a breather, and monitoring your strength, from grip to how easily you can get up from a chair.
