Caring for your skin in the winter is often more difficult and time-consuming due to exposure to cold temperatures and harsh winds. Following these seven tips can help you keep your skin looking healthy and radiant throughout the winter.

Stay Hydrated

Skin care isn’t just surface-level. Drinking enough water throughout the day can allow your skin to retain its moisture and elasticity, which is especially useful in winter when humidity is low and the air is especially dry. It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold outside, but this is when your skin needs moisture the most. If you’re having trouble remembering to drink water or you don’t feel thirsty, try supplementing with herbal tea or soup, which can be soothing on a cold winter day. In addition, another great way to ward off dry skin and wrinkles is to take hydrolyzed collagen supplements, which can revitalize your skin and give it a radiant appearance.

Keep Your Showers Short

Although it may be tempting to take a hot shower or bath on a cold day, hot water can irritate and dry out your skin. This is because hot water strips natural oils that keep your skin hydrated and smooth. In addition, hot water damages keratin cells, which make up the skin’s outer layer, and cause dryness. Be sure to use warm water when showering, and don’t shower more often than you need to. Many dermatologists recommend showering every other day, especially in the winter when you don’t sweat as often.

Use Moisturizer

On a similar note, it’s important to apply moisturizer to your face and body right after you get out of the shower. This will ensure that you lock in your skin’s natural oils and prevent your skin from drying out. Oil-based moisturizers are a great option during winter because they keep hydrating oils in your skin. However, if you have naturally oily skin, try opting for a lighter, water-based moisturizer.

Wear Sunscreen

Contrary to popular belief, you still need to wear sunscreen in the winter. It may seem like the sun is weaker, but the ozone layer is actually thinner during the winter months, which means that your skin is absorbing more harmful ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it’s crucial that you apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Protecting your skin from the elements will ensure that the products you apply to your skin can function at optimal levels.

Exfoliate

You may think that exfoliating will irritate your already dry skin, but it’s actually the opposite. When dead skin builds up, it makes the skin appear dull, especially in areas such as the feet, elbows and knees. Exfoliating regularly will remove dead skin and reveal radiant skin underneath. However, be gentle when exfoliating, as a harsh approach can further irritate and dry out your skin.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier to keep moisture in the air is essential during the cold winter months, especially if you run the heat often. When the heat is on, your air becomes dry and low in humidity, which causes moisture to evaporate from your skin. This can lead to a variety of skin issues, ranging from dullness to premature aging. As an additional benefit, using a humidifier in the winter can decrease your risk of getting sick, as bacteria and viruses don’t travel as readily in moist air.

Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients found in a variety of foods, have a number of benefits, ranging from heart health to brain health. Additionally, omega-3s are particularly helpful in keeping the skin in good condition. Some of their benefits include maintaining hydration, soothing irritated skin, regulating oil production and decreasing signs of aging. If you want to reap the benefits of omega-3s, be sure to eat foods such as salmon, chia seeds and walnuts.

The harsh winter air can leave your skin feeling dull, dry and irritated. Following these seven guidelines can help you restore your skin’s natural moisture and radiance.