Winter might bring chilly weather and snowy days, but your skin doesn’t have to suffer because of it! While the colder months can give you rosy cheeks, they can also bring along dryness to areas like your face, hands, and feet. That’s why it’s important to take extra good care of your skin this season. By tweaking your skincare routine with a few simple adjustments, you can keep those annoying winter skin problems at bay. Here’s how:

### Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Winter is tough on the areas of your skin that are already vulnerable, like your hands, feet, elbows, and knees. To keep them soft, switch to moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum, mineral or tea oil, and glycerin. These work wonders to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. For your face, consider an oil-based moisturizer instead of a cream-based one, as creams can sometimes leave your skin feeling drier instead of soft and supple.

### Gentle Care for Your Hands
Your hands have thinner, more delicate skin, which makes them particularly vulnerable to winter’s bite. The best way to protect them? Wear gloves when you step outside. Choose gloves made of cotton or fleece since they’re gentler on your skin than wool. Also, make it a habit to apply a rich hand cream daily to prevent dryness, cracking, and itchiness.

### Skip Scorching Hot Showers
A hot shower may feel like a cozy retreat on frosty mornings, but it can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to even more dryness. Instead, go for a lukewarm bath, and for an added skin-soothing bonus, toss in some oatmeal or baking soda. Oatmeal is great for calming irritated, itchy, or sensitive skin, while the mild alkalinity of baking soda can provide relief.

### Always Have Lip Balm on Hand
Chapped lips are one of winter’s most common annoyances. To keep your lips soft and hydrated, carry a lip balm with nourishing ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, or sunflower seed oil wherever you go. Products with SPF, like Aveeno Lip Conditioner Essential Moisture or Blistex Lip Infusion, can give your lips extra protection from the sun’s rays. And here’s a pro tip—don’t lick your lips when they’re dry! It only makes things worse.

### Stay Hydrated
A huge part of great skin starts from within, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water every day. Aim for at least eight glasses. If the idea of cold water isn’t appealing on frigid days, opt for herbal tea, which will keep you warm while providing the hydration your skin craves. Staying hydrated is a surefire way to give your skin that healthy glow, no matter the season.

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Winter can be a magical time, but the cold weather can take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful. Luckily, preventing dryness, cracking, and irritation is simple when you follow these tips. Treat your skin kindly this season, and you’ll be ready to enjoy all the wonderful things winter has to offer!