As soon as the temperature changes, our skin reacts to the shift in the elements. You may notice your skin drying along with the air. That’s because low humidity levels draw moisture from your skin, and if you are compensating the cold weather with hot baths and showers, you are actually causing the water to wash away natural oils that help keep you moisturized. So, how do you combat threatening skin conditions in the colder months?

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water should be a priority year-round, but is especially beneficial during the winter. Not only are you hydrating your body, but you’re also hydrating your skin, eliminating cases of dryness and itchiness. Drinking four 16 fl.oz. glasses of water per day is almost 2 liters of water, though caffeine-free tea can also count toward your fluid intake, as well as sports drinks, which replace any sodium your body may have lost during the day. Keep in mind that exercise, illness, pregnancy, and breast-feeding affect your overall fluid consumption, so remember to compensate for these factors when calculating daily fluid ounces.

Moisturize Your Skin

Using lotion on a daily basis is always beneficial, especially after shaving and during winter. Consider lotions such as Dr. Hunter’s Rosewater & Glycerine Hand Creme and Gardener’s Hand Healer. The ingredients in these lotions are easily absorbed, diminish blemishes from sun damage, and protects against cracks and chapped skin. Though if you have sensitive skin, consult with your dermatologist. It may be better for you to opt for a non-scented lotion. When researching lotions this time of year, make sure you are looking for reparative moisturizers with ingredients such as Shea butter, glycerin, plant extracts, and Vitamin A.

Eat Healthy

WebMD suggests eating foods like sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, grapes, spinach, olives, whole wheat pasta, and green tea to keep your skin healthy during the winter. Ingesting fatty acids such as Omega-3s and Omega-6s will replenish your skin’s protective oils, as well as canola, salmon, walnuts, and flax.

Incorporate foods and drinks high in antioxidants to keep skin healthy, moisturize every day, and make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids. The change in elements can cause for premature wrinkling and aging, so make sure you’re caring for your skin to preserve the conditions of your cells to stay healthy throughout winter.