Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Let's face it. Old Man Winter can (and does) wreak havoc on your skin. Constant moisturizing is essential during the colder months. It's no fun to smile when it feels like your face is going to crack and your skin is raw. That chapped skin isn't just a result of the cold air, either. While frigid temperatures contribute to the problem, so does too much heat. Overheating your house can zap the moisture right out of your skin. And while there is nothing better than a hot bath on a cold day, the same thing holds true: hot water will leave you feeling itchy and dry. Lukewarm is the best option, although not as enticing! Another tip? Be sure to apply your moisturizer immediately after your shower. If you tend to use gel-based moisturizers, you may consider switching to creamier versions during the winter, which are less likely to dry out. Also, if you get in the habit of washing your hands more to avoid the flu, be sure to carry moisturizer with you wherever you go. Alcohol-based antibacterial lotions will kill your hands! If necessary, wear socks or gloves immediately after you use your lotion to lock in moisture.

Avoid Bad Hair Days
Your hair needs moisturizing just as much as your skin does, so it's essential to use a shampoo specifically designed to trap the moisture, especially when it's cold out. Depending on your hair type, select a shampoo and conditioner with just the right amount of hydration - ultra hydrating products can are often too much for thinner hair. Limit your time with the hair dryer. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to reiterate. Let your hair air dry for as long as possible and then finish with the hair dryer. Hot oil treatments can help to keep moisture in, as well as everyday kitchen products like olive or vegetable oil. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners will also alleviate static, which tends to rear its ugly head in the winter.

Winterize Your Makeup
As winter bears down on us, we lose our summer skin tone. One way to avoid looking washed out is by mixing a little brown color into your daily eye shadow to warm it up. You can also switch to a slightly darker shade of foundation, if necessary. If you're concerned about more than your face, try a self-tanner (preferably one that won't give your skin an orange hue). If you like to use bronzer, make sure it's the right tone for your skin. Nothing stands out more than dark bronzer on fair skin!

The Nails Know
Don't neglect your nails (this goes for feet and hands!) just because they are covered with socks and gloves. Our nails need attention in the winter, too. Apply cuticle oil or cream to avoid splitting and to keep them healthy and conditioned. A weekly manicure, whether at home or at the salon, is recommended so your nails don't become brittle. You can also use a base coat of polish with protein to strengthen your nails.

Those Poor Lips
There is nothing worse than a case of chapped lips. And winter weather does its best to whip up on our lips, ultimately causing burning, chapping and cracking. It's not a pretty sight, and licking them only makes the problem worse. Cheap lip balms just don't cut it, either. Your cherry-flavored Lip Smackers might temporarily ease discomfort, but it won't help to prevent or heal chapped lips. Ingredients to look for in a lip balm are tea tree oil, beeswax, vitamin E, aloe and essential oils. It will help to apply your lip balm several times a day.

Diet and Supplements
Nutrition is great for your skin any time of year, so it's important to keep up a good nutritional plan during the winter months as well. You can boost your immune system with an extra dose of vitamins, which will help to ward off bacteria and germs during flu season. These vitamins will help to keep your immune system strong and healthy: Vitamin A, Vitamin B-Complex, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. A daily supplement that contains all of the necessary dosages is recommended. Eating plenty of leafy greens can help to prevent dry and cracking skin.

Oh, the Humanity!
OK, so maybe a humidifier isn't the most glamorous purchase, but it's well worth the splurge during the winter months. A humidifier is key to keeping dryness levels in your home to a minimum. Don't let dry air zap the life out of your face!

Watch Your Alcohol
We're mainly talking about hair and skin products that have high concentrations of alcohol, but consuming too much can also dehydrate you. Those products that contain alcohol feel nice and cool to the skin, but they are really pulling the moisture right out. Save that cool, breezy feeling for the summer. During the winter, invest in products that are alcohol-free.

Money's No Option
You don't have to spend tons of money on a new line of hair and skincare products just for the winter months. Zone in on your problem areas and buy accordingly. For instance, do you suffer from chapped lips all winter long, but your hair is always gleaming? Then invest in the lip care and forget about hair products. You get the point here. It is a good idea, however, to purchase quality facial moisturizers as well as body lotion, or even consider buying a shea butter - one jar of that will last all season long.
 
The Sun'll Come Out!
People tend to think that when summer fades, so does the need for sunscreen. The sun's power is the same no matter what time of year it is. You may not feel the intensity of the heat like you do in warmer weather, but the rays are still there, in full force, doing the same damage to your face. So don't forget the sunscreen! If you don't want to smell like you've just come from the beach, invest in scent-free sunscreens or buy makeup that contains an SPF of at least 15.

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