Style File: Let’s face it, you need pampering

In the bleak midwinter, skin can go a bit haywire and there’s only so much good slathering on an extra thick moisturiser will do. A facial in which a professional will analyse exactly what your skin is crying out for is really worth investing in.

French brand Decléor is renowned for its use of fragrant essential oils and plant extracts that are tailored to your needs after a diagnostic back massage as part of its Aromatic Face Rituals.

Elemis is another brand that can be found in some of the world’s best spas, and its Visible Brilliance facial is perfect for this time of year. Seaham Hall in Co Durham is just one of the spas that uses Elemis products such as Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in treatments designed to revive dull skin and increase moisture levels.

At Ushvani, a day spa near London’s Sloane Square, guests are encouraged to arrive early to make use of the facilities that include a hydrotherapeutic pool. There are indulgent treatments such as the wonderful Three Oils Ritual that combines deep pressure Balinese massage techniques with reflexology and face and scalp massages using the spa’s own South-east Asian-inspired products.

Nature-inspired treatments and spas have cast off any less than glamorous allusions, thanks in part to Sue Harmsworth, the founder of Espa and her thoroughly contemporary vision. The brand now has spas in 55 countries, with two of its best in the UK to be found at Gleneagles in Scotland and The Grove in Hertfordshire. Treatments that use the brand’s signature hair and scalp mud are the perfect choice at this time of year.

Finally, the Cowshed range has vastly outgrown its roots in Babington House, Somerset, with a Primrose Hill location in London being just the latest addition to a whole host of urban day spas. And those whose purse strings won’t stretch far at the moment will be cheered by its little sister brand Cheeky, offering manicures and hair styling at a surprisingly affordable rate.