Tips to Keep Your Skin in Good Shape this Winter Although I’m a definite fan of the cooler temperatures in the fall and winter, the colder weather comes with more things to consider when it comes to taking care of your skin. If you’re grabbing your jacket and cap, it’s time to evaluate your skin care ritual and winterize it. To that end, I’ve compiled some tried and true recommendations to help you prepare.

Tips to Keep Your Skin in Good Shape this Winter:

1. Always drink water. You need water and lots of it. But try a little lemon in a glass of warm water to mix things up a bit. The lemon helps your body rid itself of toxins that can cause unhealthy skin. (Try using fresh lemons. Fresh always seems to taste better in my experience.)
   
2. Avoid hot showers. The hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in your skin, making it more dry and irritated. You don’t have to take a cold shower. Just make it a warm one. If you soak in the tub, pour some body oil or even extra virgin olive oil into the tub before you get in. The warm water will open your pores and your skin will drink in the moisture.
   
3. Exfoliate frequently. When dead skin is allowed to accumulate on the surface, it tends to make your complexion look dull. Those dead skin cells also absorb all the good ingredients from your moisturizer which, in turn, does your living skin cells absolutely no good. Gently scrub your face and body at least twice a week with an exfoliating treatment. Your complexion will look more vibrant and your skin will get the most out of the products you use to care for it. The key word is “gently”- do not scrub too hard or for too long. You do not want to cause your skin to become inflamed and irritated.
   
4. Rule of Thumb: When it comes to your skin, if it is exposed to the elements, make sure it is double-coated. Meaning, you need to pay close attention to your hands, lips and face; apply a moisturizer thicker than you would normally use, even if you don’t have dry skin. Think about it. You apply sunscreen before you are about to be exposed to the sun. Likewise, you should apply a balm-like moisturizer before cold exposure to give your skin an added barrier of protection against the cold. If you are not a fan of traditional body lotions, try a body oil like Pecan Oil. You simply apply it to your skin after you rinse and before you towel off. It’s quick and easy to apply and absorbs by the time you are ready to dry off. If your skin is normally dry, try using a body oil in the shower and then layer on your regular body hydrator to tag team your skin with mega moisturization.
   
5. Don’t skip the sunscreen. Seriously. It may be fall and winter, but the sun’s rays are still active. So, you want to give your skin some added protection in the daytime. If your skin tends to be dry, apply a sunscreen over a heavier hydrator so you still get your nourishment with the protection.
   
6. Avoid staying in damp clothes when you get home and more importantly make sure gloves, hats, socks and shoes are completely dry before putting them on again. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema.
   
7. At night, slather your feet in the thickest cream you can find. You may not care about how your bare feet look over the winter, but don’t neglect your feet during this time. When you get home in the evening, apply a Shea Butter cream to your feet then put socks on while you chill for the evening. If you can sleep in the socks, perfect (I cannot). Your feet will get the replenishing hydration and even stay warmer through those winter nights.
   
8. Use a humidifier when you sleep. Because the hot air from your heating system can dry you out – keeping a humidifier going while you sleep will help your sinuses stay moist and maintain the moisture in your skin, as well. This makes a world of difference in getting through the cold weather.
   
9. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps skin cell turnover. And use a moisturizer at bedtime. Some ingredients in your skin care lose efficacy in the sunlight. Allowing these ingredients time to work without the sun’s interference means you get a power-packed rest with the benefits you can read all over your face.
   
10. See your dermatologist. Visit his/her office and give your skin a tune-up. You go to the doctor when you have a cold, so why not give your body’s largest organ – your skin – some individualized attention? Most of us are guilty of letting little things go, such as a dry patch on the back of your arm. Seek the advice of a professional to nip it in the bud. Sometimes it’s just the peace of mind knowing you are doing a great job of taking care of your skin that makes it all worthwhile. 

About the author: Josh Harrell is an all-around cool guy and the founder and CEO of The Jock Soap Company, Inc. Harrell has become published around the globe as the authority on men’s grooming with his 17+ years in the beauty and cosmetic industry as an executive and business owner.