From snow-dapped tress to the opportunity to snuggle up with a loved one, winter weather certainly has a lot to offer.

However, its lower temperatures and drier air can also wreak havoc on your skin, causing increased dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Fortunately, with the right products and precautions, you can keep your skin looking and feeling healthy all season long.

Cold-weather challenges

Numerous factors can impact your skin during winter, especially on your face, lips, hands, and even feet. “Common winter skin issues are eczema, psoriasis, chapped lips, rosacea, and herpes simplex outbreaks,” says Dr. Shari Lipner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She explains that winter’s lower overall humidity levels translate into less moisture in the air and, consequently, in your skin. Without this necessary moisture, it can be left feeling dry, tight, and increasingly uncomfortable.

On top of the drier air, many regions across the nation experience harsh winter conditions that can further exasperate skin issues. High winds, for instance, can strip the skin of its protective barriers, leaving it more vulnerable to irritants like windburn, redness, and chapping. Additionally, many people often rely on indoor heating or hot showers to combat the lower temps outside, but such practices can be equally harmful to your skin, with the former making inside air drier and the latter removing moisture and natural oils from your skin, Dr. Lipner explains. So even though you may feel warmer as a result, your skin is often left paying the price.

Combating winter weather

To counteract winter’s harsh drying effects, Dr. Lipner recommends using a humidifier in your home and incorporating petrolatum-based products into your daily skin-care regimen. A humidifier will actively replenish the missing moisture in the air, giving your parched skin a reprieve from the dry season. Meanwhile, petrolatum, otherwise known as petroleum jelly, forms a protective barrier on the skin, sealing in moisture and preventing water loss. This can help protect it when venturing into the dry winter air and keep it at a healthy moisture level. “Petrolatum-based products are also great for conditions like chapped lips, cracked heels, and eczema,” Dr. Lipner suggests.

However, it’s important to note that not all skin-care products are beneficial in the winter months. “Avoid exfoliants, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and retinoid-based creams,” Dr. Lipner advises. Each of these can further strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness. So if you regularly use one of these items in your skin-care routine, consider making a switch until the temperature warms up again.

In addition, there are a few basic practices that can help maintain your skin’s moisture. For one, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated from the inside out; it’s recommended that women drink around 11.5 cups of water a day and men about 15.5 cups.

And when it comes to showers, Dr. Lipner suggests keeping them short and using tepid water since hot water can leave your skin dry and irritated. Then when you’re done, she says to “slather on moisturizer while your skin is still damp.” The skin is more absorbent when wet, so applying a layer of lotion or cream after washing your face or getting out of the shower will help seal in the moisture and keep your skin feeling smooth throughout the day. And just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. “People mistakenly believe that UV rays can only reach the skin during summer,” Dr. Lipner says. “But they are active all year round and are particularly strong at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.” She suggests keeping your face, neck, and hands covered when venturing out into the cold and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 to protect against harmful rays.

Even with all these precautions, Dr. Lipner stresses the importance of recognizing when home remedies are insufficient. “If a skin condition is not getting better or you feel pain or experience pus, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist,” she says. A specialist can evaluate your skin and prescribe treatments and ointments tailored to your specific needs.

Throughout the season, make sure to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as necessary to address any concerns or issues that may arise. With a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful, radiant skin even during the coldest months of the year.