Winter may be the harshest season on your skin — making it dry, itchy, and irritated. And it can feel like there’s no escape: Cold, blustery conditions outside can leave your skin feeling raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin.

As hard as it might be, try not to impulse buy a ton of lotions and products following that first gust of bitterly cold winter wind! Hydrating, natural products and these top tips will keep your skin healthy, happy and glowing throughout all of the cooler weather we’ll face.

Water, water, water
When it’s cold outside we often forget to drink enough water throughout the day, but when the dry, cold air hits, our skin is more prone to be stripped of our natural moisture. So grab your favorite reusable bottle and sip water throughout the day. Indulging in warming winter teas such as natural ginger and lemon is a wonderful way to keep hydrated as well – you will feel healthy, hydrated and cozy at the same time. It’s a win-win situation!

Find the right cleanser for you
Many cleansers actually contain harsh chemicals that can damage our skin rather than nourish it. Ingredients such as alcohol and any added fragrances won’t do any favors for dry, cracked skin, as they strip away natural oils. Cleansers such as our favorite Fortified Cleanser one will help keep the moisture in, while still taking off the day’s dirt and make-up.

Exfoliate for glowing skin
It may be the last thing on your mind when you have dry, itchy skin, but there are benefits to exfoliating your skin during winter. Not only will it take off the dry, dead skin cells, but it also helps you regenerate new ones. Your skin will thank you for using natural, exfoliating scrubs like this yummy-smelling geranium and orange scrub, or even check out this list of five homemade recipes that are easy to make using just ingredients from your kitchen pantry!

Hot showers may not be the best
It’s tempting to turn up the heat and have a long, hot shower or a bath when it’s cold outside. However, hot showers and long baths may not be the best for your skin. Not only will excessively hot water dehydrate you, but it will also strip away those necessary, natural oils from your body. If you come out of the shower and your skin is irritatingly red and itchy, it’s a sign that you’ve overdone it. All is not lost though, we’ve got you covered in the next tip.

Use a natural moisturizer and apply immediately after washing
Choose your facial moisturizer and body lotion carefully so you can keep important hydrating oils in your skin. Apply moisturizer or lotion immediately after washing to lock in as much moisture as possible, and don’t forget to include your hands and your feet, the most hardworking parts of your body! Our favorite for your body? This Fortified Moisturizer! If you recently ran out of body lotion, look inside your pantry for a tub of coconut oil; beauty experts swear by this versatile pantry essential!

Protect from the elements
Winter is undoubtedly harsher on your skin than summer. Out in the open, we may have the pocket essential lip balm to take care of dry, chapped lips, but we need more than that. The combination of low humidity plus those strong, cool winds can lead to uncomfortably dry skin, so remember to bundle up. A scarf and gloves are essential to protect your hands and the delicate skin on your neck. Sometimes bundling up leads to skin irritation, a lot of cold-weather clothing can be uncomfortable when worn in direct contact with your skin. We recommend using natural, breathable base layers to protect you from any rough or scratchy winter fabrics that are aggravating to your skin when worn alone.

Sunscreen is not just for summer
We may reach for the sunscreen automatically during the warmer months, but sunscreen is just as important during winter to shield from those harmful UVs. Make sure to cover your face, neck and hands (if they are exposed), and opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection. If you explore the wintery slopes, even though we don’t have any near Bluffton, the Skin Cancer Institute recommends reapplying your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after heavy sweating. Don’t forget the spots that are easily missed such as the back of the neck, lips, ears and under the chin!