The weather outside may be frightful, but your skin doesn’t have to be this winter if you boost your skin care regimen. Cold days bring more than a rosy glow to the cheeks; it can cause uncomfortable dryness that leads to chapped, flaking, cracking or inflamed skin. With these tips, learn how to counteract the effects of dry winter air to keep your skin looking healthy, youthful and smooth.

Avoid Super-Hot Water

Hot showers and soaking in a hot bath sounds great in the winter, but the intense heat can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, which remove the natural oils from your skin and cause you to lose moisture. You’re better off taking a warm shower for no more than 10 minutes and using lukewarm water to wash your face. Also, when you step out of the shower, gently pat dry your skin instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel.

Moisturize Immediately & Often

It’s best to moisturize as soon as you’ve dried off from your shower, as damp skin helps seal in the moisture. Thicker “ointments” and creams that are oil-based, rather than water-based, are usually more effective than lotion. Look for something with non-clogging oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil or mineral oil to form an extra protective layer. Glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids also attract moisture to your skin, but watch out for shea butter, which can clog facial pores.

Try DIY Masks

Harsh peels, masks and alcohol-based astringents can all strip vital oil from your skin. But it’s easy to whip up a homemade, hydrating mask using natural ingredients to get extra moisture during the winter months. Try using honey, avocado, yogurt, olive or almond oil, bananas and aloe for lasting hydration. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes. Also, avoid clay-based products, which tend to draw moisture out of your face, and consider switching your face wash to a “milk” or mild foaming cleanser for added hydration.

Keep Your Body Hydrated

Your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. Water is great for your skin, but many people tend to drink less water in the winter because they’re drinking more coffee and tea. Try warm water with lemon as a refreshing alternative. Also, try eating more foods high with a higher water content such as cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Sun protection isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun (and any snow glare you may experience while on vacation) can damage your skin, so you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you’re going outside. In fact, applying sunscreen to your face should be part of your daily regimen, even in the winter.