The €30 exfoliating mask that completely sorted out my dry and irritated winter skin

Most of the time, I cannot complain about my skin at all.

It never breaks out – even in my teens, I think I might have had pimples in total. And even now, I never really wear anything apart from my day cream on my skin, as I hate the feeling of makeup (apart from some mascara). However, in the winter-time, my skin always goes super-dry. Obviously, having interviewed so many dermatologists and skincare experts over the years, I know that this is probably down to a combination of the cold air outside, and hot heated air inside. But regardless, having tried to make sure the air is humid by using a humidifier, applying cold protective cream on frosty days, it didn't help, my skin felt itchy, dry and looked dull and red-ish. Until someone recommended this gentle peeling and a creamy mask – and I am not kidding when I say this – it totally transformed my winter skin! The Glow Up! 2-in-1 Superfruit Muesli Mask from Alkemie is a bio revitalising 2 in 1 mask fulfilling two functions simultaneously: It works as a gentle peeling and as a creamy mask with strong skin energising and regenerating effects. And my skin is loving it. And I am too, knowing I am only putting clean, good-for-me ingredients on my skin. The mask contains a loading dose of vitamin C soluble in oils, and thanks to its innovative formula, it penetrates deep into the skin and reaches cells in an unchanged form. What this means, is that it stays active for many hours and is gradually released. Bonus: It also protects against UV radiation and environmental pollution. As for what is in it, the superfruit extracts are powerful ones – guarana, acerola, sea buckthorn, cranberry and Amazonian camu-camu – all been proven to have a great power in combating free radicals and civilisational stress. They also stimulate the regeneration of the skin and collagen production, while gently brighten any discolourations. I have noticed this too, how my skin looks more even and just has this overall glow – just from using this mask. The reason the mask feels extra-nourishing on my winter skin is no doubt the presence of moringa butter and jojoba esters, as well as oils like babassu, Argan and apricot kernel. Additionally, these can help reduce wrinkles and rebuild the hydro-lipid layer of the skin, which is vital when it comes to stopping your skin from drying out. What I have been doing, is using the mask two-three times per week, applying it to my skin in the evenings after I have cleansed it, and letting the mask work for 15-20 minutes before cleaning it off using a damp cloth.