Spring into action: get your skin ready for the new season

How to brighten up your winter complexion, by London's top experts

- MADELEINE SPENCER

The emergence of all these extra hours of sunlight during spring mostly heralds good things — long evenings with friends, dipping your toes into the sea, finally consigning your duvet coat to the back of the wardrobe. The bad bit? The first time you see what winter has done to your complexion. Between central heating and a chronic lack of vitamin D, it's likely to be grey, tired and in need of some help. Assistance is at hand, courtesy of these tips from London's top skin experts. Follow them to the letter to perk up your complexion as we enter sunny season.

SPF, SPF, SPF

Tempting though it is to lie in the sun, lizard style, and get a tan, it won't do you any favours; sunning unprotected skin courts cancer and premature ageing. Facialist Teresa Tarmey says you should use protection come rain or shine: "SPF is something I am truly never without, whatever the weather, because keeping your skin protected against the different free radicals out there is absolutely crucial to maintaining its health." Pam Marshall, clinical aesthetician at Mortar and Milk, emphasises the importance of topping up. If you're wearing make-up "a good spray SPF is so easy — and remember to apply it to all skin that's exposed, like shoulders, ears and the back of your neck". Try Malin + Goetz's high protection mineral sunscreen (£35, spacenk.com).

Hydrate