I spent years not listening to my skin, and forging ahead with a new moisturiser that I thought would work if I ‘gave it time’. And although I still believe you need to try new products for a little while to see benefits, if your skin doesn’t like something, it will tell you immediately.

This winter, I have several moisturisers on hand, and I am waiting for my skin to tell me which one I need and when. It communicates with me by breaking out, feeling tight, flaking, looking dull, ageing ten years overnight… you get the picture. Here’s what I do to shut it up.

Zelens Z Matrix Energy & Moisture (£85) is my new go-to moisturiser when my complexion is looking tired out. It’s a super-light, deliciously peachy cream-gel and has such a boosting and refreshing effect on worn-out faces. Hydrating with no heaviness, this is great under makeup after a late night.

When my skin is saying ‘plump me up’, maybe before an evening out when I want to pretend I am well-rested, I reach for Thalgo Collagen Cream (£48). This feels comfortingly rich and old-fashioned, although the marine collagen technology in it is far from retro. Youthfullness in a (very cool) jar.

Something my face has been whispering a lot to me recently is ‘turn the thermostat down’. But my feet disagree, so instead I’ve been dealing with the dehydrating effects of central heating with Astalift Replenishing Day Cream (£44). I love the background to this brand: Astalift is part of Fujifilm, who have applied their technology to skincare. This cream contains plant squalane to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent dehydration.

Sometimes my skin gets imbalanced by hormones and likes to have a little break out to let me know. That’s when I get out my Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream (£24), which hydrates while blitzing spots with natural antibacterial ingredients.

Finally, a bit of Crème De La Mer. If you’ve tried it, you might not have been enamoured with the thick, balmy texture. Thankfully, The Moisturizing Soft Cream (£100) launched in the summer has a more ‘familiar’ texture and goes on like velvet. It’s what I reach for when my skin says, “Spoil me”.

For a roundup of the best winter skin saviours visit the Best of Beauty page here.