You would think that skin would be healthier during the winter. After all, the sun goes down earlier, you would think that the air would carry more moisture, allergens don’t attack most skin types, all of the things that attack skin disappear, right? Wrong! The skin is actually dryer in the winter, and the sun can be more damaging, because it hits the snow and bounces up, hitting your skin! So how do you combat this? I’ve come up with a few basic tips.

1. Get a Great Moisturizer
The skin can get extremely dried out during the winter months, especially if you live in a desert area. If you don’t use a moisturizer on a regular basis, buy one. If you do, try one that’s a bit thicker than normal, like shea butter. And if you can, use a mask from time to time, ideally one made up of ingredients like avocado oil.

2. Use a Lot of Sunscreen
It doesn’t make sense to most of us. But the sun’s rays can be more damaging during the winter, because of the way that they reflect off of the snow. You can combat this by using a great sunscreen. Don’t go below 30SPF. But if you can get a higher number, even better.

3. Wear Warm Clothes That Cover Your Face
The most common and obvious problem associated with winter is windburn. When temperatures are too cold, our skin suffers the consequences. So whether you are wearing a scarf or something else, cover your face and keep your skin warm.

4. Wear Gloves
Hands suffer more than any other area of skin, because while we know we should take care of our face, we forget about our hands. Wear a pair of gloves, use a good hand moisturizer, these are all pretty basic steps.

5. Get a Humidifier
Winter draws moisture out of the air. So when you are at home, you should reintroduce that missing moisture to your environment. It will do wonders for your skin, keeping it hydrated and it can also prevent colds and other common sicknesses during the winter months.

6. Avoid Super Hot Baths
It may seem appealing. But a super hot bath breaks down the lipid barriers, leading to a loss of moisture. You’re better off with warm water. Also, make sure that you don’t stay in the bathtub for too long. When you mix a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, it is that much more effective.

7. Drink More Water
They recommend that you drink at least 64oz of water on a daily basis. Up your water intake during the winter as this will provide your skin with a little extra moisture while keeping everything in working order, flushing out harmful toxins as well.

8. Don’t Use Harsh Soaps
Harsh soaps that have harmful chemicals and alcohols can easily damage and irritate already sensitive skin. To avoid the drying and damaging effects of these soaps, choose a better wash that is instead rich in nutrients and even moisturizers.

9. Exercise and Get a Good Night’s Rest
These can reduce stress, also allowing your skin to sweat out toxins and rejuvenate as you sleep. It prevents stress and hormone related acne breakouts, and for the older generation, it also prevents early wrinkles.

10. Exfoliate Regularly
Some tell you that you should avoid this essential step. But realistically, exfoliating on a regular basis can help to unclog pores, enhance the skin’s ability to maintain its own moisture, and leave skin soft and supple, also removing harmful bacteria that may live in dead skin cells and clogged pores.