Five foolproof winter skin care tips

Whether you love winter or dread it, one thing is for sure: The season's cold air and low humidity levels can wreak havoc on your face and skin. Keep yours from getting dry and flaky with these winter skin care tips.

Moisturize your skin.

Many people wonder, “Should I change my skincare routine in the winter?” If you don't regularly moisturize, the answer is yes. Now is the time to start. Look for cream products, which have a higher oil to water ratio and can better repair and protect skin during the coldest months. Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing your face. Also, use a moisturizer with sun protective factor (SPF) year-round to guard against UV damage, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Avoid cranking up the thermostat.

Indoor heating can drastically dry out the air in your home. This can lead to even drier skin. The solution? Try not to turn your thermostat up too high in the winter months. Instead, keep it set at the lowest comfortable temperature. You also can use a humidifier to put some moisture back in the air.

Hydrate.

It's easy to drink enough water when it's hot outside and the sun is shining all day. Less so when temperatures dip below freezing. Yet, water is key to winter skin care. Since about 60 percent of your body is made up of water, it's important to stay hydrated year-round. Drinking enough water replenishes your cells and boosts your skin's elasticity.

Get your beauty rest.

Sleep allows the skin to restore its natural balance. When you're getting shuteye, your body produces more proteins, like collagen and elastin. These things help repair and revitalize your skin.

Nourish your body.

Eating nutritious foods is central to healthy skin. Think tasty items like avocados, salmon, nuts and leafy greens. Need some inspiration? Browse these nutritious recipes.

Struggling with more than just a case of dry winter skin?

If you're really itchy, have red, scaly patches or other severe skin symptoms, contact your primary care provider. Your primary care provider will determine if you should be seen by a dermatologist and can give you a referral.