The –ber months have arrived and there is a nip and chill in the air. While we welcome the addition of warm and fuzzy sweaters to our wardrobe, the cold weather can turn into one of the cruellest seasons for our skin. Once Winter sets in and the average temperature drops to freezing, our skin will bear the brunt of the cold. Our skin will be dry, and even a bit itchy, due to the lack of moisture in the environment. It can be a pretty scary time for our skin, so we have to make sure that we prepare our skin in time for the Winter season. Here are 5 things to do to get your skin ready for winter.

1. Switch Your Moisturizer

In summer, it is normal to use lotion, but once the cold season starts, you should switch from lotions to creams. Creams have a heavier consistency than lotions, thereby trapping in moisture more effectively. They also provide a protective barrier against the elements, since they give you a layer of moisture for protection. It can feel a little bit stickier than usual when you apply moisturizer cream to your skin, but it’s worth it because it will give you that much needed layer of moisture.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Your main goal in preparing for winter is to maintain moisture in your skin. During the cold months, the moisture level in the air drops, and our skin reacts right away. Make sure that you hydrate the skin, not only by applying cream, but also by hydrating your body. Drink as much water as you can, and avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol – which are contributors to dry skin. If you notice that your feet and hands are very dry, you can hydrate them overnight by applying moisturizer cream on them, and wearing socks and gloves to bed. This locks in the moisture, and you will enjoy well-hydrated hands and feet when you wake up.

3. Keep on Using Sunblock

Just because the sun is hiding behind the clouds doesn’t mean that UV rays from the sun won’t get through to you. Keep on applying your sunblock, whether you plan to spend your day indoors or not. Get as much protection as possible so you won’t suffer the negative effects of UV rays ten years down the line. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

4. Take Your Vitamins

To maintain the moisture in your skin, take your vitamins such as anti-oxidants and Vitamin E. If you are a little more advanced in your years, you can even invest on some serums that will give you a little more moisture than regular creams. Don’t forget to pump up your immune system too by taking Vitamin C. Not only will Vitamin C banish those sniffles, it will also keep your skin healthy and youthful looking.

5. Exfoliate Regularly

The skin turns over during the winter so you will notice your skin getting a bit dull. You need to exfoliate regularly to be able to gently shed this dead layer of skin. You can use a gentle facial scrub once a week. You can also do a chemical exfoliate using lactic acid or glycolic acid. Just make sure that after you exfoliate, slather on some moisturizer so your face won’t feel too tight or too dry.