Winterize your skin

Winter's just around the corner, and with the chilly temps inevitably comes the dreaded dry skin. Why? A combination of the temperature change, dry air, and exposure to wind will sap your skin of moisture, leaving you with parched, itchy or sensitive spots on your face. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your skin from the elements this winter - and prevent wrinkles that may form as a result. So here are some ways to save your skin!

You must moisturize

This may seem like a given, but moisturizing is a must all year round. So slather on the moisturizer as soon as you step out of the shower, to trap water in the skin. Having trouble deciding which product is right for you? If you’ve got sensitive skin, skip the creams containing fragrances or lanolin, which may trigger breakouts or adverse reactions. Always look for products with glycerin and hyaluronic acid, two elements that are excellent skin hydrators.

Slather on the sunscreen

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors this winter, coat your face with a cream that contains SPF 15 or higher to keep your face protected from harmful sun rays and potential wrinkles. And don’t forget to cover up with a hat and sunglasses when you hit the slopes or go for a run outside. You can get just as bad of a sunburn in the winter as you can in the summer!

Wash it right

Washing your face is just as important as moisturizing it, but you’ve got to be sure you’re doing it right. Scrubbing too hard can just strip your skin of its natural moisture, while some cleansers are way too harsh for the winter.

Find a gentle cream cleanser (or cleansing milk) that’ll nourish your face without leaving it parched (try Olay Total Effects 2-in-1 Anti-Aging Nourishing Cream Cleanser). And while you’re washing, use lukewarm water (hot water is hard on your skin) and pat your face dry as opposed to rubbing it with a towel.

Drink up

While staying hydrated hasn’t been scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles, experts say it certainly can’t hurt. In fact, drinking about two cups of water increases blood flow to the skin, which may improve your complexion. To maintain the water balance in your body, drink the suggested eight (8-ounce) glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters).

Moisturize your indoor air

The outdoor elements aren’t the only dry skin culprits. The dry air in your home can sap moisture from your skin, too. Keeping a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help maximize moisture in your skin while you sleep.