Q: Eeeekkkk! Next weekend I’m off to an important black-tie dinner and my body skin is horribly dry and flaky because of the freezing Joburg weather. What can I do to get my limbs looking hot again despite the cold?

A: Events in winter are tricky because often your body care routine isn't as religious as it is in summer. Even if you are vigilant about body exfoliation and hydration, the weather is so cold right now, that our skins are naturally taking a beating.

Firstly, shun a very hot bath with bubble bath (if you must add something to your water, go for a moiturising bath oil rather than a potentially drying bath foam). I would wash in warm shower and use a gentle cream-based body scrub (don't scrub hard, use gentle circular motions) to slough of dead skin cells. Do this two to three times a week, so that by the time the 'big night' arrives, your skin looks smooth and glowy.

To add to your newfound glow, using a body moisturiser after your shower is really important (here preference is key: some love a butter, other skins only need a lotion) while your skin is still slightly damp so it absorbs the product and sucks in the moisture.

Little Tip: A WH reader asked me recently what fake tan product I'd recommend for a wedding in winter. If this is on your mind too, my answer is don't do it mid winter! It’s not going to be believable unless you’ve just returned from a holiday somewhere warm. Try dry body oil (use instead of your usual moisturiser when you're getting ready to go out) to give your limbs sheen and make them look sexy even without the tan.