If you're getting dry patches -- like the area around your nose, your cheeks, or the middle of your forehead -- it may be because of ingredients in your skin care. Tanzi suggests avoiding retinol and glycolic acid because even though they exfoliate the skin, they can be harsh and drying. Instead, she says to add hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides to your skin care routine. And instead of chemical exfoliation, she suggests using a washcloth or facial brush every other day.
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Problem: Dry hands and feet
Solution: Hydrate while you sleep.
Even the most non-greasy hand cream is annoying to use when you're typing away on a computer all day. And coating your feet in lotion isn't exactly an option when you're wearing boots. If you don't mind looking a little ridiculous in bed, then sleeping in gloves and socks is the best cure for dry hands and feet. "Wear cotton gloves and socks overnight with a heavy hand cream," says celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi. "It will totally rejuvenate your hands and feet." You can also try Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, SRP $4, which can heal dry skin.
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Problem: brittle nails and cracked cuticles
Solution: Apply cuticle oil all day, every day.
Cold air isn't just hard on your skin -- your nails suffer, too. And dry nails will often get weak and brittle, says Choi. Cracked cuticles are another side effect of cold winter weather. "Cuticle oil should be applied as often as possible," she says. "And always wear gloves when you go outside."
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Problem: flaky scalp
Solution: Do at-home conditioning treatments.
The skin on your scalp is just like the skin on the rest of your body -- winter weather will dry it out. But keeping it healthy is as simple as basic conditioning. "By applying conditioner to your scalp, you're reinforcing the moisture barrier," says dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD. For an at-home treatment, she suggests applying conditioner to your scalp and throughout your hair; then, wrap your hair in a warm towel.
Fusco also suggests looking for products with botanical oils. "They're very beneficial, and you don't have to worry about them clogging your pores," she says. Sunflower oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera are some of her favorite ingredients. Try Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Daily Conditioner, $8.79.
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Problem: moisturizing isn't cutting it
Solution: Change your diet.
If you've reached a point where all the heavy creams and milk baths in the world can't get you hydrated, then it's time to look at what you're eating -- or not eating. It's sad to say, but drinking a ton of extra water isn't going to do much to moisturize your skin. However, certain foods can help. Choose foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. These can help increase your overall moisture level from the inside out, says nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos.
"Winter Beauty Survival Guide!" "Get Prepped for Winter!" "Save Your Skin This Winter!" Sound familiar? Every fall, these stories take up pages of magazine real estate, monopolize your Facebook feed, and flood the Internet.
Even though many of them contain useful information, there's one major problem: When it comes to winter issues, prevention is wishful thinking. Have you ever changed your body lotion before your legs got dry and itchy? We didn't think so.
Instead of suggesting a basket full of products to buy months in advance, we've got advice and cures for the pesky problems that plague us every winter. Top dermatologists, nutritionists, and other experts are offering their best advice -- everything from miracle baths to hair treatments.
From hair to skin to nails, every aspect of your beauty routine is covered. Bookmark this story for later -- you'll need it.
