What comes to your mind when you think of winter? Freshly fallen snow? Holiday gatherings with family and friends? If you’re like many people, winter evokes thoughts of cracking hands and feet, flaky, peeling lips, a Rudolph-red nose, and dull, dry complexion. There is hope for your ailing epidermis this winter. A few simple tips can keep you in healthy skin all winter long.

The Basics

A few obvious culprits cause winter skin woes: cold air outside and overheated air inside. Paired together, this diabolical duo strips the moisture from your skin faster than you can say “pass the lotion.” Luckily, you can fight back:

• Sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom. It’s an easy way to moisturize while you sleep.
• Consider wearing an extra layer of clothing around the house instead of cranking up the thermostat. You’ll cut down on the forced, heated air in your home that saps moisture from your skin and save on your energy bill at the same time.
• Look at your wardrobe. What fabrics are you wearing? While warm wool sweaters are a favorite on freezing days, this scratchy textile can irritate already dry skin into outbreaks and rashes. Opt for soft cottons and blended fabrics instead. Also, try to dress in layers to stay the optimum temperature. Being sweaty is as bad for skin as exposing it to cold, winter air.
• Change your shower routine. Nothing feels better on a cold day than a hot shower, but hot water strips your skin of its natural moisture. Take a warm or lukewarm shower instead and keep it as short as possible. When you exit the shower pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it, which can aggravate sensitive skin. Apply a thick, moisturizing crème all over while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
• Switch to a mild detergent. The perfumes and dyes found in laundry detergents can irritate sensitive winter skin. Chances are, your favorite brand makes a “free” version of their regular detergent without the added chemicals. You may want to pass on bleach and bleach additives as well.
• Don’t skip the sunscreen. You may feel like you haven’t seen the sun in days, but harmful UV rays are still making their way through the clouds. Choose a moisturizer with sunscreen built in.
• Try antibacterial ointments, such as Neosporin, for cracked hands and feet. Some experts even recommend a dab of superglue to help stubborn cracks heal. Always wear rubber gloves when doing dishes and cleaning to keep your hands safe from hot water.
• Those with particularly sensitive skin may want to visit a dermatologist to work out a winter skin regimen (which may include prescription crèmes and cleansers) together.