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.

About Face

Keep delicate facial skin in glowing shape this winter with the right moisturizer. Search labels for key ingredients, like humectants, (which attract water into the skin from the environment and from deep within the skin itself), occlusives (these help form a barrier over the skin, preventing moisture loss) and emollients, (which smooth and soften the skin). Glycerin is a great humectant, while petrolatum (the kind found in Vaseline) is a fantastic occlusive. Lanolin and mineral oil are the most commonly used emollient. The best products for your skin will use a mix of elements from all three categories.

If you have oily skin, look for water based, oil free moisturizers, which won’t clog pores. Those with sensitive skin should ditch the soap and look for a gentle, water-soluble cleanser or a crème based cleanser to keep moisture in. Look for fragrance and dye free cleansers to avoid irritation. Some experts recommend cleansing your face only once a day, before you go to bed. In the morning, smooth a washcloth and warm water over your face to cleanse without removing important natural oils from your skin.

Another important tip for everyone: don’t forget to exfoliate. Moisturizers can’t penetrate through layers of dead skin cells. Choose a gentle exfoliant and don’t scrub too hard to keep your complexion looking bright.

Cosmetic Cures

Ditch heavy foundations, which can suffocate skin in winter and make it appear dull, and choose a lighter base like a tinted moisturizer instead. A sweep of bronzer over the cheeks, nose, and chin can give you a sun-kissed glow in the dead of winter. Stick to a light color for fair skin and a medium shade for darker complexions. Opt for eye and lip colors with a hint of shimmer to reflect light and keep you looking radiant all winter long.

Loose Lips

Unlike the rest of your face, your lips have no protective barrier and are especially prone to dehydration. There is almost nothing as miserable (or as unattractive) as cracked, peeling lips. Keep your kisser mistletoe-worthy all winter with good habits. First of all, stop licking your lips. It may feel good temporarily, but this tendency will only dry your lips out faster. Keep a tube of lip balm with you at all times instead. No matter how tempting it may be, don’t chew, nibble, or peel at the tender skin of your lips if they do dare to flake. Instead, dap some petroleum jelly on a washcloth and gently rub the dead skin from your lips or use a soft toothbrush in a circular motion to dislodge loose flakes.

Avoid long-wearing lip colors, which have a tendency to dry out skin, and choose a moist gloss instead. If lipstick is a must-have, wear lip balm as a protective barrier underneath.

Chug a Lug

Moisture comes from the inside out, especially in winter. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day to keep skin healthy and supple.

Winter skin woes don’t have to keep you house bound this season, no matter where you live. Be proactive about caring for your skin, head to toe, with simple changes to your lifestyle and products specifically designed to moisturize dry skin. The effort you put into caring for your skin will save you time and discomfort later.