Winter can be a harsh season for our skin. The cold, dry air can cause our skin to become dry, itchy, and even cracked. Unfortunately, our daily habits can also contribute to the damage done to our skin.

Here are 10 habits to stop doing this winter to help protect and improve the health of your skin.

1. Taking Long, Hot Showers

As tempting as it may be to take a long, hot shower to warm up on a cold winter day, it’s actually doing more harm than good to your skin. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy.

Instead, try taking shorter, lukewarm showers, and avoid using harsh soaps or body washes that can further dry out your skin.

2. Not Moisturizing Enough

It’s important to moisturize your skin all year round, but even more so during the winter months. The cold, dry air can quickly suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dehydrated and vulnerable.

Make sure to moisturize daily, using a thicker, richer cream or lotion to help lock in moisture.

3. Using Harsh Skincare Products

Some skincare products, such as exfoliating scrubs or acne treatments, can be too harsh for your skin in the winter. These products can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it even drier and more irritated.

It’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to certain products, and to switch to gentler formulas if needed.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking enough water is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for the health of your skin. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dry and flaky.

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

5. Not Wearing Sunscreen

It may be cold and cloudy outside, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin, even in the winter months.

Make sure to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, and reapply every 2 hours if you’re spending time outside.

6. Using Hot Tools on Your Hair

Using hot tools, such as flat irons or curling irons, on your hair can also damage your skin. The heat can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy.

Try to limit your use of these tools, and always use a heat protectant spray before styling.

7. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, but it’s also crucial for the health of your skin. When you’re sleep-deprived, your skin can become dull and tired-looking.

Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help give your skin a healthy glow.

8. Taking Smoking Breaks

Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health, but it can also damage your skin. The chemicals in cigarettes can cause your skin to lose its elasticity, leading to premature wrinkles.

If you’re a smoker, try to quit, or at least limit your smoking breaks during the day.

9. Eating a Poor Diet

What you eat can also affect the health of your skin. Eating a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can lead to breakouts and dull-looking skin.

Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your diet to help give your skin a healthy, radiant glow.

10. Not Exercising Enough

Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but it can also help improve the health of your skin. When you exercise, you increase blood flow to your skin, which can help give it a healthy, youthful glow.

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to help improve the health of your skin.