Winter is finally here, bringing in its wake low temperatures, harsh winds, and dry air that can all wreak havoc on your skin.

These harsh environmental conditions can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, rough, and prone to irritation. However, all hope is not lost because there are several things you can do to protect your skin from the harsh winter weather. In this blog post, we outline 11 ways that you can shield your skin from harsh winter weather.

1. Moisturize Often

You need to keep your skin moisturized during the winter months. Look out for a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Apply your moisturizer to your skin twice a day, in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

2. Use Sunscreen

The winter sun can be just as damaging to your skin as the summer sun. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on all exposed skin when you go outside.

3. Cover Up

Make sure you cover up with warm clothing, especially your head, hands, and feet when going outside. Exposure to cold weather can damage your skin and leave it vulnerable to irritation and dryness.

4. Avoid Hot Showers

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Limit the amount of time you spend in the shower and use lukewarm water instead of hot water.

5. Use a Humidifier

Winter air is dry, which can lead to dry skin. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. This will help keep your skin hydrated and moist.

6. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin can help remove dead skin cells, which can make your skin look dull and dry. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin looking fresh.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Your skin needs water to stay hydrated and healthy. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your skin moisturized and prevent dryness and irritation.

8. Use Lip Balm

Your lips can become dry and cracked during the winter months. Use a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and healthy.

9. Don’t Neglect Your Hands

Your hands can become rough and dry during the winter months. Make sure you moisturize your hands regularly, and wear gloves when going outside to protect them from the cold and wind.

10. Choose Gentle, Fragrance-Free Products

Choose gentle, fragrance-free skin care products during the winter months. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate your skin and lead to dryness and inflammation.

11. Get a Professional Facial

A professional facial can help rejuvenate and hydrate your skin during the winter months. A licensed esthetician can recommend a facial treatment that is best for your skin type and condition.