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Skin craves moisture, especially during the drying winter months. Despite the colder weather, the earth is actually closer to the sun, so sunburns are still a reality. Dryness and irritation can create and exacerbate skin problems, so stay conscious of what your skin needs this winter.

1. Find an oil-based moisturizer, and use it frequently. Ointment forms boast the most oil, but should not be used on parts of the body that tend to sweat. However, the oils form a protective layer on the skin that make these more effective than creams and lotions.

2. Apply moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher to areas exposed to the sun. The sun is just as strong when it is cold outside as when it is hot. Look for products that are hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin so that your pores do not clog.

3. Protect your hands with gloves. Create silky skin by applying a moisturizer under the gloves to allow it to seep into the skin.

4. Lips chap very easily, both from cold weather and the sun. Apply chapstick with SPF 15 or higher as often as necessary. Try not to lick your lips, as this can be very drying.

5. Drink a lot of water to keep the skin hydrated from the inside out. The ideal number of 8 ounce glasses per day is your body weight divided by 10.

6. Your skin tone will change with the season. Liquid foundations and concealers can be diluted with a facial moisturizer to adapt to your lighter skin.

7. The sun is almost completely responsible for premature aging, like wrinkles and sunspots. Topical and edible antioxidants protect the skin from these damaging effects.

8. Always apply makeup to a freshly washed and moisturized face, to prevent the makeup from seeping into pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.

9. Skin can appear sallow and pale in the winter; use a light-reflecting moisturizer and foundation to add natural brightness. Apply a bronzing powder instead of face powder to areas of the face that the sun would naturally kiss. Use a shimmery one if you are younger, but a more matte version if you are older.

10. Cold air is far less humid than warm air. If you have heat blasting in your house, use a humidifier, too, to put moisture back into the air.

Wintertime can have very damaging effects on your skin. Opt for body washes instead of bar soaps to maintain moisturized skin, and exfoliate every two to three days with a sugar scrub to slough off dead skin cells. Always apply moisturizer to your whole body after you shower, when pores are open to absorb it the most. This season, give your skin the gift of hydration.

Learn more about this author, Alizah Grace.
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