This skincare expert shares her beauty advice with us

The founder of Smoothe Boutique Beauty, Cathy Gee, is well known in the industry and has worked in New York and London for some of the world's top beauty houses. She has also appeared as a skin expert on BBC and has advised many famous celebrities, such as Liv Tyler and Claudia Schiffer. She shares her expert advice with us on some dry skin issues we face during the colder months.

What is the best way to hydrate itchy, dry skin?
Genetically-true dry skins should use thick barrier creams filled with omega fatty acids or simply use a good grade olive oil from the kitchen as a body balm or bath soak. Olive oil and grape seed oils are fantastic and can be mixed with a small amount of Dylacort cream to stop the itchiness. Once itchy skin is relieved, continue using the oil on its own. Face balms and facial oils are also perfect in winter to maintain a healthy skin. Continued use, throughout the year, of a facial oil/ balm or serum is extremely beneficial to a classic dry skin.

What is a great DIY remedy for dry, flaky skin?
The old tried and tested mix of brown sugar, olive oil with a pinch of lemon zest, gently scrubbed over the body will work wonders. Simply wash off and pat dry, the olive oil makes for an excellent body cream. The facial area is far more difficult and would not respond well to a brown sugar scrub. Mix 30ml of olive/grape seed oil with two drops of lemon essence/zest or essential oil. Rub onto the flaky skin and massage the area until skin is soft. Most of the time the flakiness will be removed with the gentle massage. If stubborn, use tweezers to remover flaky skin. Continue to use the oil as a night cream.

How can one treat dry and cracked lips?
Avoid any lip balm that contains mineral oil / petroleum. This inert substance works for a little while, but eventually the lips become drier and drier. A dependant circle is established and one has to use lip balms more frequently. Mineral oil causes rapid skin dehydration. Rather opt for lip balms that are filled with shea butter or organic silicones.

What advice can you offer someone with very dry, chapped hands?
Water and mineral-based hand creams will rapidly dehydrate skin. Scrub hands with a good old kitchen-remedy of brown sugar and olive oil. Massage oil into hands as a hand cream. Use oils high in omega fatty acids rather than creams.

What are your top 5 tips to keep skin hydrated during winter months?
1. Pop into your local skincare centre and ask for a BT hydration reading. This will give you precise hydration readings and allow you to further customise your already existing skincare products. This takes about 10 minutes.
2. Use natural oils in your bath rather than foaming bubble bath.
3. Protect skin against harsh elements with SPFs. A very good barrier protector as well as youthful skin maintainer.
4. Invest in a pH correct face wash ( 4.5-5.5ph). Get yours tested with a simple litmus paper test from your local pharmacy.
5. Invest in a good hydrating serum or organic silicone balm.

For more information about Smoothe Boutique Beauty, visit: www.smoothebeauty.com or call 021 554 9631.