Living in New England during the winter months, we’ve become accustomed to layering ourselves in wool and preparing for the harsh elements, but oftentimes, we forget that our skin needs some TLC, too. Going back and forth from the cold to the heat takes its toll, leaving us with dry, rough and itchy skin and promoting early aging.

OK, so you just moisturize a little more, right? Well, yes, but there is a right way to do this, and some products are better than others. If you take 10-15 minutes to really care for your skin every day, it can be glowing and healthy – even in winter – and it will thank you for the rest of your life for giving it some attention.

What to Use:
Let’s start with the products. There are literally thousands of skincare products to choose from, so how do you know what is best? Every one of them claims to do wonders. The key to finding the best products is actually pretty simple: Don’t look at the front of the bottle; look at the ingredients on the back.

Fast fact: We absorb about 60 percent of what we put on our skin. Stay away from things that contain any kind of alcohol or peroxide and synthetic ingredients. Look for natural oils and vitamins. The three best? Coconut oil, argan oil and vitamin E. Coconut oil, in particular, is one of the best beauty ingredients you could introduce into your regimen. It increases lipid content in the skin, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s an amazing moisturizer. Not only that, but it is also a natural sunscreen.

One of the best facial moisturizers I have found personally is Sea of Spa Black Pearl Cream (made in Israel). I swear by this product. It has black pearl powder, avocado oil, aloe vera, Dead Sea minerals and seaweed and contains no alcohol. There is a product line from Bioelements that is great, too, especially the All Things Pure Moisturizer. It has sunflower seed oil, shea butter, lavender oil and olive oil, leaving your skin really soft. You can get both of these products online.

For something a little easier to pick up (like at your local CVS or Walgreens, for instance), Burt’s Bees and Aveeno products are a decent bet. They do use some of the “bad ingredients,” but do try to focus on the natural. Using their sensitive formulas is best, even if you don’t have sensitive skin.

Masks and peels are not for everyone. Clay-based masks are great for the skin, but tend to dry it out in winter. Avoid these, as well as toners and harsh peels. They aren’t doing you any favors this time of year.

How to Use It:
Many people make the mistake of scrubbing their faces and bodies, thinking they will be cleaner. Be a little more gentle, and your skin will thank you. Using a natural loofah, or even a fabric one, and gently scrubbing in a circular motion will clean your skin well. Likewise, be gentle when putting lotion on and resist pulling the skin (which can lead to wrinkles).

When to Use It:
You need to pay attention to time windows to effectively moisturize, especially in winter. You have about three minutes from the time you step out of the shower to get the most out of your lotion. Damp skin and enlarged pores from the warm water drink in what you put on. Make sure you give your skin time to absorb the product. Moisturize twice a day if possible, once in the morning and once at night.

Don’t Forget the Sun:
The sun might not be emitting any warmth right now, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t shining. UV rays that are harmful to your skin can still be absorbed in winter, so don’t forget your sunscreen. Banana Boat makes an alcohol-free spray for kids that is great for adults, too.

Quick Tips:

• Even though it’s tempting after being outside in below-zero wind chill, try not to take showers and baths that are too hot. Hot water breaks down natural barriers in the skin. If taking a bath, add a couple cups of milk for extra moisture.
• Embrace your paleness if you are fair-skinned. Tanning at this time of year may give you more color, but it also dries out the skin.
• Humidify. Because of the dry air caused by the heaters warming your living and working space, you should add a little moisture back into the air.
• Take your vitamins. Here in the good, old Northeast, we don’t get much vitamin D since we are barricading ourselves indoors. Take a supplement. Iron, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C are also key. A good multi-vitamin will have what you need.
• Take care of your feet, even though they are covered up now. Putting a thin layer of Vaseline or a good lotion on your feet right before bed and covering them with a pair of socks will keep those pedis pretty.
• Using a satin pillowcase in winter instead of a cotton one is better for your skin, as it creates less friction while you are sleeping.
  Keep a travel-size hand lotion with you and moisturize your hands throughout the day.

By Jennifer Russo