Winter is nearly here and I am already feeling the effects: dry skin, static-y hair, and chapped lips. Between the cold dry air outside, the hot dry air inside, and the wind blowing (it dries out your skin, hair, and lips, and you can get a wicked windburn in the winter), winter can wreak havoc on your beauty routine. I tend to get super dry skin around my eyes and mouth, which is so frustrating and uncomfortable! I’ve also experienced chapped hands! It’s the worst!

Here are some tips to help ease your skin and hair into winter:

1. Stay hydrated. Just because you’re not sweating as much doesn’t mean you can’t get dehydrated. Drinking enough water will help keep your skin and your lips hydrated.

2. Moisturize. This might be Beauty 101, but you’d be shocked to know how many people do not moisturize their face OR their hands and bodies. In the winter I like to even go for a creamier body moisturizer.   Some of my favorites are Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion by Clinique and Deep Moisture Body Cream from Neutrogena.

3. Go for a gentler cleanser. I like Dove body wash because it contains moisturizers. For cleansers, I really love Neutrogena’s Extra Gentle Cleanser.

4. Take care of your hands!  Chapped hands can be so painful.  Remember to wear gloves to protect your skin.  My favorite hand cream is Aveda Hand Relief, but there are so many available that are great for your skin.  A little goes a long way.

5. Avoid licking your lips.  The dry air (especially inside) can make your lips BEG for moisture.  It’s so hard to avoid doing, but so important.  Use a lip balm and keep yourself hydrating by drinking water.  Your lips will thank you, and you can avoid the nastiness of having badly chapped lips!  There are also some great lip exfoliants out there (try Sephora) which can help if you have flaky dry skin on your lips.

6. Invest in a humidifier.  This brings me back to when my mom used to run it when I was sick as a kid, but it really works.  My skin gets so dry in the house (especially if you have forced hot air… ouch!) and having a humidifier really helps.  I put it on at night.  It helps me breathe easier and my poor nose and the sensitive skin around my eyes and lips don’t get dried out.

7.  Try to exfoliate, but don’t go overboard.  Remember to moisturize after using a face or body scrub.

8.  Don’t forget your feet!  Just because you’re not showing them off as much doesn’t mean you should neglect them.  I get regular pedicures throughout the year, and you can exfoliate and moisturize your feet very easily at home. Bath & Body Works has a great foot care line.

9. Keep using sunscreen.  This is another practice we usually abandon when summer is over but it’s still so important.  You can protect your skin from drying and aging by using sunscreen EVERYDAY, regardless of the season.  The sun may not be as strong, but each day you are still exposing yourself to harmful effects, even if you’re not feeling the burn.

10. Skip the blow dryer in the winter.  Remember how the hot air from the furnace is bad for your skin?  Well imagine what the hot air aimed at your tresses is doing!  If you must, be sure to invest in heat styling products to protect your hair from the damage of getting dried out.  No one wants static-y hair or split ends!  There are also some GREAT remedies for damaged hair you can find in any drug store, or ask your stylist for a deep conditioning treatment if you’re suffering from dry winter hair.

Have a beautiful winter!