The temperatures are dropping and the indoor heating systems are cranked. Here are some tips to help baby your skin during the winter months:

Seek extra hydration by any means:

• Drink additional water (bonus if you enjoy your first glass of the day warmed with lemon for detoxifying benefits).
• Invest in a humidifier.  Your skin will thank you. This also helps with the discomfort of breathing in dry air.
• Increase your daily Omega-3 intake. Not only does this help to hydrate your body from the inside out, you can actually burn more fat by increasing your daily dose of Omega-3’s.
• Add Avocados to salads, eggs, soups etc. Another great source of Omega-3’s.

Switch formulas:

• If using a gel-cleanser, consider switching to a milder formula, or creamy/milky cleanser.
• Upgrade to a more emollient rich moisturizer.
• Exfoliate smarter, not harder. If it contains shell bits, toss it. If you’re using a buff puff, toss it. Both are doing more harm than good by scratching your skin’s surface, rather than cleansing the pores in a meaningful way. For anyone with clogged pores, black heads, rough skin, uneven texture- invest in Blue Plasma. With daily use, it will do more for your skin than saving up for an expensive (and abrasive) round of microdermabrasion or a chemical peel.
• Reintroduce Retinol. During the darker months of December, you’re less likely to incur photo-damage from increased photo-sensitivity from more active ingredients like retinol. Regardless of what the thermostat says, always apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen.

What are your tips for avoiding dry, winter skin?

Note: photo is from Beautylish