As fall is coming to an end, it’s time to start preparing for the harsh effects of winter on our skin. Winter can wreak havoc on your skin, and it can feel like there’s no escape: Cold, blustery conditions outside leave your skin red and raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin. But, there are things you can do to keep your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long. Here are my top 5 tips for hydrating winter skin…

1. Invest in a Humidifier to Maximize Moisture

In the cooler winter months, the outdoor air typically holds onto less water and is drier and colder. A humidifier in your home or office will restore moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Run a humidifier in your entire home or in rooms you spend the most time in, and aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. Turning it on overnight while you’re sleeping is a great way to wake up with soft, hydrated skin.

2. Modify Your Skin-Care Regimen for the Season

There are many moisturizing ingredients that you will benefit from if you add them to your winter regimen. The ingredients called humectants are able to hold many times their weight in water to hydrate, smooth, and even plump up the skin surface. The most effective humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol (vitamin B5), and aloe vera. These are my favorite options:

HydrateMe Crushed Jelly Serum with Edulis Cellular Water. This innovative vegan serum boasts a crushed jelly texture that breaks to a cool, thin layer over your skin, targeting the appearance of dehydration with essential instant hydration. Includes Sustainably Sourced Aloe Vera soothes skin for a healthy, hydrated appearance.

BrightenUp Luminous Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. This highly concentrated yet lightweight, fast-absorbing vegan serum features a potent blend of Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C for radiance-enhancing hydration.

Nourishing Facial Oil. A sheer dry oil formula enhanced with ingredients that contain Omega Fatty Acids 3 and 6 and a super antioxidant to help support luminous skin beauty. Like a superfood for your skin, this illuminating oil provides just the right amount of superior hydration and moisture where it’s needed most.

3. Adjust the length and temperature of your shower.

A long, hot shower feels great when it’s chilly outside — but, unfortunately, it’s not great if you have dry skin.  Over washing will dry your skin. The heat in the water dries the oils out of your skin. However, the hot water itself will also dry your skin. The warmer water you use, the drier your skin’s going to be. It’s recommended to limit showers to between 5 and 10 minutes, and showering every other day if you’re not getting sweaty exercising. 

4. Apply moisturizer right after showering

When you moisturize your skin is also key. After a shower, pat your skin dry with a towel and then immediately apply moisturizer. The function of most moisturizers is to trap moisture in your skin. When you apply moisturizer on skin that’s really, really dry, it’s not going to be that helpful because there’s no moisture to trap. Applying moisturizers on damp skin is much more beneficial, especially if your skin is dry to start with. Shea butter is a wonderful ingredient for dry skin. If you need a good moisturizer for the winter, check out this Shea Butter Body Lotion. 

5. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water, is one of the best things you can do via diet to avoid dryness. One small study, published in August 2015 in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, found that people with low water intake were able to positively impact their skin hydration by drinking more water (in this case, two liters of water more than their usual daily intake).

Your diet may play a role as well. Avoiding processed foods and sugars, and eating whole foods that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids will keep the body and skin healthy.

Here’s to healthy, hydrated, and happy skin through spring.