The winter months bring in a colder, windier and drier season which is bad for your skin. To maintain your skin during the holidays, you will need extra care and protection from the harsh winter environment. You don’t want to end up with dry, chapped skin on Christmas parties.

Remember that when temperatures change, this should also bring a change in your skin care regimen. As the cold weather draws near, remember these skin care tips for the holidays:

Take daily hot showers

The cold winter season doesn’t mean that you’d have to limit stepping into the shower. Taking a hot shower daily is important for your skin hygiene. After taking a bath and toweling dry, immediately apply moisturizing cream to seal in the moisture. See to it that the moisturizers you use are appropriate for your body and not just the face.

Moisturize frequently

Choose a good moisturizer, preferably those which are oil-based. The more oil that your moisturizer contains, the more effectively it will help in preventing moisture loss in your skin. Those that come in ointment form are usually recommended as they contain 80% oil and 20% water.

This water-in-oil mixture forms a protective layer on your skin, making it a better moisturizer than creams and lotions. Use ointments especially in low humidity conditions, but remember to apply it only on areas of your body that don’t tend to get too hot and sweaty.

Don’t forget your sun protection

Even if its snowing or cloudy outside, you should not let up with your sun protection. The sun’s reflective powers are present all year round, and it’s even higher on the snow than on the beach.

Continue using a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Use it on your hands, face, and other parts of the body that are exposed. Also opt for sunscreens with a more hydrating base.

Take care of your hands and fingers

Avoid dry hands and cracking fingers and prevent your finger nails from turning brittle. Use hand and nail creams to retain moisture in your skin. Minimize exposure of your skin to water because as water evaporates, this also removes moisture from the skin causing it to dehydrate.

Wear hand gloves to help protect your hands against elements of the cold environment. Also be aware of cases of winter itch. It is best to keep your therapeutic creams handy.

Drink more water

If you’re not feeling thirsty during the cold season, see to it that you’re still drinking enough glasses of water a day. Drinking water does not only prevent dehydration but it also detoxifies your skin. Two glasses of water before going to sleep should keep your body fresh and rehydrated as you sleep.

Dress in layers

The most common cause of winter itch is sweating and overheating. If you’re wearing layers of clothing, this would prevent overheating as you can easily remove your clothes as needed. Just make sure that you’re wearing loose-fitting clothes next to your skin.

If you’re going skiing or trying other winter activities, change your clothes and shoes immediately when coming in from the outdoors. Wet clothes can also cause skin irritation.