Cold weather and your skin

When it's cold, there is less moisture in the air. The air seeks moisture, pulling it out from every place, including your skin. As a result you get flaky, scaly skin and a pale, dull complexion.

Here's some rules to keep your skin looking the best even in cold weather:

• Always keep in mind that you need to protect and soothe your skin, which has been buffeted about by the elements.
• To avoid getting cracked dry spots on your skin, apply moisturizer in layers. First apply one layer; after letting it dry, apply another on top of it.
• Avoid using products with alcohol.
• Switch to cleansing with nondrying gentle cleansers and use a moisturizing mask once a week.
• Use a heavier, non-water-based sunscreen.
• Try a glycolic acid product to lock in moisture.
• Get a good lip balm to protect the delicate skin on your lips.
• To avoid broken blood vessels on your face from sudden changes in temperature, wrap a scarf around your face when you're outdoors. It will also help to protect you against wind burn.
• Often your skin can look paler in the winter. Switch your foundation to a lighter, more appropriate color, or go the other way and get color from a tube or self-tanner.