Winter is fast approaching, which means snowfall, hot cocoa, holiday parties and a lot of other excitement. However, the colder, dryer weather doesn’t bode as well for your beauty. Harsh conditions can be tough on your complexion, meaning you’ll need to take certain precautionary measures to prevent flakes, cracks and other skin problems.

Follow these tips and your face won’t be looking as bleak as the weather:

Use kinder cleansers
While you may have been using an aggressive cleanser in the summer months to manage sweat, humidity and excess oil, it might be time to ease up on these solutions as the climate changes. Erica Glaub, Los Angeles-based makeup artist, explained to Shape magazine that gentler oil-based or milk cleansers and soaps are best for washing away impurities without completely stripping your skin of moisture.

Upgrade your moisturizer
Just as you transition your wardrobe to more substantial fabrics, you’ll also need to switch out your moisturizer for a heavy-duty cream. Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, a dermatologist at the North Shore-LIJ Health System in Greenvale, N.Y., told LiveScience that a richer product will have more natural oils. She also advised applying a night treatment for some deep hydration while you sleep. Glaub noted that optimal contents for your go-to winter cream are shea butter, almond oil, olive oil and grapeseed oil. Jojoba oil, which helps to balance your skin and accelerate cell repair, is also a key rejuvenating ingredient.

Did you know that honey is also a natural source of hydration? Try rubbing some into your elbows, knee caps or other parched areas, then rinsing.

Adjust your shower
While it’s tempting to take a hot shower in the winter months, doing so can seriously dry out your skin. That doesn’t mean you have to shiver your way through a cold shower – Glaub stressed that even lukewarm water is better. If you can’t bear to turn down the temperature, bathe for a shorter amount of time. When you get out, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel and immediately apply moisturizer all over.

Exfoliate every week
It’s imperative to exfoliate in the winter, as sloughing off dead skin cells will allow your skin to absorb moisturizers and creams more effectively. Avoid products with abrasive chemicals or beads, which can irritate your skin, especially if it’s on the sensitive side.

Remember sunscreen
Just because the sun’s presence isn’t as strong in the winter doesn’t give you permission to neglect protection from UV rays completely. Sarnoff suggested looking for a moisturizer with at least SPF 15, or 30 if you’re outside more often.